Our Best BIM Object Sites
With BIM technology attracting an ever increasing user base, the demand for BIM objects is growing by the day. What does this mean? Well for me, it is a little more tricky to put together some BIM object free downloads than it is for me to rustle up a new set of 2D CAD blocks. However, for you, there is a wealth of websites out there that provide free BIM objects for you to download and use in your projects. I have put together a selection of BIM object websites, from around the globe to help you find what you are looking for to help with your project.
If a site you use frequently is not featured here, let me know so I can add it to the list and share!
So, in no particular order:

CADdetails.com

 

CADdetails have 10,313 Revit and SketchUp models. You have to register for an account to download.

The details can be filtered by product, master format or company.

Some of the categories include:

  • Construction elements
  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Landscaping and External Works
  • Electrical
  • Fire Products
  • to name a few.

 

BIMcomponents.com

BIM Components is by Graphisoft, the makers of ArchCAD, so a refreshing change to see so many ArchiCAD objects in one place. The range is pretty impressive, with categories including:

 

  • Sanitary
  • Office
  • Healthcare
  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Transport
  • Lighting
  • Furniture
  • Structure
  • To name a few

 

The website is a community portal and allows architects and designers to share their objects. Although this means that there is a larger range of items, it does raise the question of quality and reliability of the objects…

The search can be completed integrated into the ArchCAD 16 and upwards, so you can download objects without leaving ArchiCAD, pretty cool!



BIMObject.com

BIMobject have 23,165,503 products. You have to register for an account to download.

You can browse by brand, category, file type and so on.

Some of the categories include:

  • Construction
  • Construction materials
  • Doors
  • Electrical
  • Engineering
  • Flooring
  • Fire Products
  • Furniture
  • Landscaping
  • Lighting

With file types covered:

  • 3Ds Max
  • ArchiCAD
  • AutoCAD
  • Revit
  • SketchUp to name the main ones

Syncronia

 

In association with AutoDesk. Syncronia’s tag line is “3D models and BIM objects only of the best Italian brands” so it is quite specific. These objects are more focused on indoor furnishing predominantly, rendering and visualisation. There are some building elements but not many. You must sign in to download.

 

They have a range of textures also from well known Italian brands.

 

You can search by brands, textures, or elements. File formats include AutoCAD, Revit, 3DS, and jpeg. No SketchUp or ArchiCAD unfortunately.

Bimstore

 

Free BIM objects, sign in to download.

Categories include:

  • Finishes
  • Sanitary ware
  • Roofs
  • Furniture
  • Floors
  • Landscaping
  • Detail components
  • Structural Framing
  • MEP Systems

 

This site isn’t as large as some of the others, but worth a look. Seems to be only Revit models at the moment.

National BIM Library

 

The NBS Library for BIM components and objects contains really useful elements and easy to search.

You need to register for an account to download.

Categories are limited to:

  • Doors
  • Roofs
  • Insulation
  • Walls
  • Windows
  • Floor finishes

 

File types include Revit, ArchiCAD, Bentley, BuildingSmart and Vectorworks. A high standard is guaranteed with any objects downloaded from this site.



ARCAT

 

Arcat has a range of predominantly Revit objects, about 7,673 of them, for free download. Categories according to Master Format.

 

Categories include:

  • Concrete
  • Masonry
  • Metals
  • Wood, Plastics and Composites
  • Thermal and Moisture protection
  • Openings
  • Finishes and so on.

ArchiUp.com

 

A smaller site but containing a good range of objects – seems to be geared more towards visualisation. File types include 3Ds Max, Revit, obj, Cinema 4D, dwg and of course SketchUp. A more visual search than some of the other bigger sites.

 

You need an account to download which is free.

 

Categories include:

  • Furniture
  • Lighting
  • Fixtures
  • Devices
  • Small Architecture
  • Construction
  • Building Materials
  • Decoration and Accessories

 

Modlar

 

 

A great range of objects from this site that is way more than just an object collection. It also features a podcast, news etc which is well worth checking out.

 

The categories include:

  • Furniture
  • Lighting
  • Interiors
  • Doors
  • Bathrooms
  • Finishes
  • Outdoor

You have to sign in to download. The file types include: Revit, SketchUp, dwg, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks, IFC and so on. Some times the filters aren’t as accessible as you would like to narrow down by file type, and some of the items shown aren’t available to download which is a bit weird/frustrating. Other than that, great site with a large about on objects.

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