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BHoM

Open-source data model for AEC software interoperability

Buildings and Habitats Object Model - A collaborative open-source framework providing a vendor-agnostic common data dictionary and 30+ software adapters (Revit, Dynamo, Grasshopper, ETABS, TAS, GSA, Strand7, and more) to enable seamless data exchange across AEC tools without manual model recreation.

EstablishedOpen Source (LGPL-3.0)
Founded 2016 · Used by Buro Happold, Arup, major AEC firms, and community contributors. 36-50 active adapters, 1,200+ object model definitions.
Website →← All Tools
WHY IT EXISTS

Why This Tool Exists

The Problem

Construction teams work with multiple disconnected software tools (Revit, ETABS, GSA, TAS, Dynamo, etc.), but data doesn't transfer between them. Architects redesign models in structural tools, engineers recreate analysis models, and MEP teams rebuild MEP systems - causing data loss, inconsistencies, and doubling work effort. Drawing and model changes in one tool aren't reflected in others.

The Solution

BHoM provides a common open-source object model and adapters that act as universal translators. Developers write one adapter to/from BHoM instead of creating point-to-point translators for every tool pair. Teams can now design in Revit, analyze in ETABS, simulate in TAS, and assess embodied carbon - all with live data flowing seamlessly between tools without manual model recreation.

USAGE

How You Use It

Delivery Method
Open-source SoftwarePlugins/PackagesCommand-line ToolsAdaptersSDK
Integrations
RevitDynamoGrasshopperExcelETABSGSATASStrand7Karamba3DRFEM6PythonSQLIESIDA ICEVisual Studio
Disciplines
Architecture, Structural Engineering, Mep Engineering, Construction, Sustainability
Workflows
Design & BIM
Project Phases
Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documentation, Bidding/Procurement
Project Types
Commercial, Residential, Mixed-Use, Infrastructure, Institutional, Healthcare
TRANSPARENCY

Data Transparency

Exactly what this tool uses and how

Input
What it needs
Required:3D models, Building data, Design information
Optional:Specifications, Material data, System information, Analysis data, Performance metrics
Formats:DWG, DXF, RVT, IFC, Excel, CSV, JSON, XML
Output
What you get
Format:Standardized AEC object models and data exports
Fields:Building geometry and topology, Structural elements and loads, MEP systems and components, Material properties and embodied carbon data, Analysis results and performance metrics, Schedule and construction sequencing
Algorithm
How it works
Model:Schema-based object-oriented data model (not machine learning)
Privacy
How your data is protected
Retention:Data retention user-controlled - BHoM is local-first, open-source framework with no vendor data collection
Training:Not applicable - deterministic framework, no machine learning models
Compliance:GDPR-compliant (user responsibility for data handling), No vendor data collection or processing, Open-source code available for security audits
API
Integration
Endpoint:Multiple endpoints per adapter (see GitHub repositories for specific integrations)
Method:C# SDK, REST APIs (adapter-dependent), command-line interfaces
USE CASES

Use Cases

  • ·Seamless data exchange between Revit and structural analysis tools (ETABS, Strand7, GSA) without manual model recreation
  • ·Embodied carbon assessment by pulling material data from Revit into LCA toolkit for sustainability analysis
  • ·MEP coordination with live data flow between design tool (Revit) and energy simulation (TAS/IES)
  • ·Building performance analysis integrating data from multiple discipline-specific tools
  • ·Automated design workflows using Dynamo/Grasshopper with parametric model connections across tools
  • ·Structural design optimization with synchronized model updates from architectural changes
PRICING

Pricing

Free
Free (open-source, LGPL-3.0 license)
Pro
Free (open-source)
Enterprise
Free (open-source, custom adapter development available through consulting partners)
Sources & Research NotesResearch date: 2026-04-03
Data Sources (12)
Fields Checked (21)
problem, solution, deliveryMethod, integrations, disciplines, projectPhases, projectTypes, isOpenSource, license, maturityStage, yearFounded, vendor, website, customerBase, input-formats, output-structure, algorithm-approach, control-features, useCases, privacy-compliance, pricing
Not Found (4)
fundingTotal, featured-status, detailed-customer-count, soc2-certification
About this research: This record summarizes the cited sources and fields checked. A research date does not establish hands-on testing. Consult the original sources for current details and limitations.
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