Finch 101: Generating Unit Mix

In this tutorial, we’ll use Finch to generate a unit mix around a corridor.

1. Start with a Predefined Floor

Open the Finch Sample Project, variant 3 Custom Core.

Steps:

• Confirm you’ve already generated a corridor using Finch or imported one from Revit/Rhino.

• Open the Programs drawer to ensure the floor contains:

  • Residential

  • Circulation

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2. Confirm Space Types

Finch needs to understand which areas are corridors to ensure proper unit access.

Steps:

1. Double-click on the corridor space

2. Click again to open the space type settings

3. Ensure the space is marked as Corridor

mportant: Without the correct space type, Finch won’t recognize this area as a circulation path.

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3. Set Up Symmetry (Optional)

If your building is symmetrical (e.g., U-shaped), you can use this trick to generate mirrored unit layouts.

Steps:

• Use the Draw Walls tool

• Snap to midpoints on both sides

• Draw vertical lines to split the plan into symmetrical halves

Finch will recognize these mirrored spaces and apply symmetric logic during generation.

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4. Select Areas for Unit Mix Generation

• Select the two exterior spaces flanking the corridor (e.g., outer arms of the U shape)

• Click "Generate Unit Mix Around Existing Corridor"

Finch will begin iterating, using your plan library to generate apartments adjacent to the corridor.

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5. Customize Your Unit Mix

Use the left-hand panel to define your apartment strategy.

Unit Mix

• Set the desired distribution. For example:

  • 50% → 95 m² (3-bed)

  • 50% → 75 m² (2-bed)

  • Remove smaller units if not needed

Finch will re-iterate each time you change these percentages.

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6. Adjust Priorities with Sliders

Sliders help balance your design intent:

• Unit Mix: Enforce target mix percentages

• Size Metric: Prioritize apartment area accuracy

• Grid Lines: Align units to structural or design grid

• Daylight Access: Maximize façade exposure

• Squareness and Adjacencies: Improve interior logic and flow

Use the info icons for on-the-fly tooltips.

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7. Refine Constraints and Settings

Key Constraints

• Minimum Unit Width (e.g., 5 meters): Avoid long, narrow units in deep buildings

Core Alignment

• Align Walls with Core: Keep layout orthogonal

• Turn off for more organic/perimeter-following layouts

Wall Settings

• Party Wall Width: Adjust thickness (e.g., set to 300 mm)

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8. Review Metrics

Below your plan view, Finch shows:

• Match Score: How close the result is to your target mix

• Fit: How well the floor area matches your mix (e.g., ±30 m²)

• Unique Units: Identifies duplicate units for efficient smart-copying

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9. Apply and Fine-Tune

Once you’re satisfied:

• Click Apply Plan

You can now:

• Manually edit wall alignment using the Align Tool

• Clean up junctions or adjust geometry to match design preferences

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10. Check Your Results

Go to the Programs drawer:

• See the total number of units generated

• View unit size breakdown and location

Example: “16 apartments total, with a 50/50 mix of 75 m² and 95 m² units.”

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Summary

You’ve learned how to:

• Validate circulation space types

• Use symmetrical logic for consistent layout

• Customize unit mix targets and dimensions

• Balance grid alignment, daylight, and spatial constraints

• Apply and refine your generated layout

➡️ In the next tutorial, we’ll cover how to adjust individual units and use smart copy-paste tools for faster plan development.