osut 0.3.0 → 0.4.0

data/lib/osut/utils.rb

@@ -31,23 +31,1094 @@
 require "openstudio"
 
 module OSut
-  extend OSlg            #   DEBUG for devs; WARN/ERROR for users (bad OS input)
-
-  TOL  = 0.01
-  TOL2 = TOL * TOL
-  DBG  = OSut::DEBUG     # mainly to flag invalid arguments to devs (buggy code)
-  INF  = OSut::INFO      #                            not currently used in OSut
-  WRN  = OSut::WARN      #   WARN users of 'iffy' .osm inputs (yet not critical)
-  ERR  = OSut::ERROR     #     flag invalid .osm inputs (then exit via 'return')
-  FTL  = OSut::FATAL     #                            not currently used in OSut
-  NS   = "nameString"    #                OpenStudio IdfObject nameString method
-  HEAD = 2.032           # standard 80" door
-  SILL = 0.762           # standard 30" window sill
-
-  # This first set of utilities (~750 lines) help distinguishing spaces that
-  # are directly vs indirectly CONDITIONED, vs SEMI-HEATED. The solution here
+  # DEBUG for devs; WARN/ERROR for users (bad OS input), see OSlg
+  extend OSlg
+
+  TOL  = 0.01         # default distance tolerance (m)
+  TOL2 = TOL * TOL    # default area tolerance (m2)
+  DBG  = OSlg::DEBUG  # see github.com/rd2/oslg
+  INF  = OSlg::INFO   # see github.com/rd2/oslg
+  WRN  = OSlg::WARN   # see github.com/rd2/oslg
+  ERR  = OSlg::ERROR  # see github.com/rd2/oslg
+  FTL  = OSlg::FATAL  # see github.com/rd2/oslg
+  NS   = "nameString" # OpenStudio object identifier method
+
+  HEAD = 2.032 # standard 80" door
+  SILL = 0.762 # standard 30" window sill
+
+  # General surface orientations (see facets method)
+  SIDZ = [:bottom, # e.g. ground-facing, exposed floros
+             :top, # e.g. roof/ceiling
+           :north, # NORTH
+            :east, # EAST
+           :south, # SOUTH
+            :west  # WEST
+          ].freeze
+
+  # This first set of utilities support OpenStudio materials, constructions,
+  # construction sets, etc. If relying on default StandardOpaqueMaterial:
+  #   - roughness            (rgh) : "Smooth"
+  #   - thickness                  :    0.1 m
+  #   - thermal conductivity (k  ) :    0.1 W/m.K
+  #   - density              (rho) :    0.1 kg/m3
+  #   - specific heat        (cp ) : 1400.0 J/kg.K
+  #
+  #   https://s3.amazonaws.com/openstudio-sdk-documentation/cpp/
+  #   OpenStudio-3.6.1-doc/model/html/
+  #   classopenstudio_1_1model_1_1_standard_opaque_material.html
+  #
+  # ... apart from surface roughness, rarely would these material properties be
+  # suitable - and are therefore explicitely set below. On roughness:
+  #   - "Very Rough"    : stucco
+  #   - "Rough"	        : brick
+  #   - "Medium Rough"  : concrete
+  #   - "Medium Smooth" : clear pine
+  #   - "Smooth"        : smooth plaster
+  #   - "Very Smooth"   : glass
+
+  # thermal mass categories (e.g. exterior cladding, interior finish, framing)
+  @@mass = [
+      :none, # token for 'no user selection', resort to defaults
+     :light, # e.g. 16mm drywall interior
+    :medium, # e.g. 100mm brick cladding
+     :heavy  # e.g. 200mm poured concrete
+  ].freeze
+
+  # basic materials (StandardOpaqueMaterials only)
+  @@mats = {
+        sand: {},
+    concrete: {},
+       brick: {},
+    cladding: {}, # e.g. lightweight cladding over furring
+   sheathing: {}, # e.g. plywood
+     polyiso: {}, # e.g. polyisocyanurate panel (or similar)
+   cellulose: {}, # e.g. blown, dry/stabilized fiber
+     mineral: {}, # e.g. semi-rigid rock wool insulation
+     drywall: {},
+        door: {}  # single composite material (45mm insulated steel door)
+  }.freeze
+
+  # default inside+outside air film resistances (m2.K/W)
+  @@film = {
+      shading: 0.000, # NA
+    partition: 0.000,
+         wall: 0.150,
+         roof: 0.140,
+        floor: 0.190,
+     basement: 0.120,
+         slab: 0.160,
+         door: 0.150,
+       window: 0.150, # ignored if SimpleGlazingMaterial
+     skylight: 0.140  # ignored if SimpleGlazingMaterial
+  }.freeze
+
+  # default (~1980s) envelope Uo (W/m2•K), based on surface type
+  @@uo = {
+      shading: 0.000, # N/A
+    partition: 0.000, # N/A
+         wall: 0.384, # rated Ro ~14.8 hr•ft2F/Btu
+         roof: 0.327, # rated Ro ~17.6 hr•ft2F/Btu
+        floor: 0.317, # rated Ro ~17.9 hr•ft2F/Btu (exposed floor)
+     basement: 0.000, # uninsulated
+         slab: 0.000, # uninsulated
+         door: 1.800, # insulated, unglazed steel door (single layer)
+       window: 2.800, # e.g. patio doors (simple glazing)
+     skylight: 3.500  # all skylight technologies
+  }.freeze
+
+  # Standard opaque materials, taken from a variety of sources (e.g. energy
+  # codes, NREL's BCL). Material identifiers are symbols, e.g.:
+  #   - :brick
+  #   - :sand
+  #   - :concrete
+  #
+  # Material properties remain largely constant between projects. What does
+  # tend to vary (between projects) are thicknesses. Actual OpenStudio opaque
+  # material objects can be (re)set in more than one way by class methods.
+  # In genConstruction, OpenStudio object identifiers are later suffixed with
+  # actual material thicknesses, in mm, e.g.:
+  #   - "concrete200" : 200mm concrete slab
+  #   - "drywall13"   : 1/2" gypsum board
+  #   - "drywall16"   : 5/8" gypsum board
+  #
+  # Surface absorptances are also defaulted in OpenStudio:
+  #   - thermal, long-wave   (thm) : 90%
+  #   - solar                (sol) : 70%
+  #   - visible              (vis) : 70%
+  #
+  # These can also be explicitly set, here (e.g. a redundant 'sand' example):
+  @@mats[:sand     ][:rgh] = "Rough"
+  @@mats[:sand     ][:k  ] =    1.290
+  @@mats[:sand     ][:rho] = 2240.000
+  @@mats[:sand     ][:cp ] =  830.000
+  @@mats[:sand     ][:thm] =    0.900
+  @@mats[:sand     ][:sol] =    0.700
+  @@mats[:sand     ][:vis] =    0.700
+
+  @@mats[:concrete ][:rgh] = "MediumRough"
+  @@mats[:concrete ][:k  ] =    1.730
+  @@mats[:concrete ][:rho] = 2240.000
+  @@mats[:concrete ][:cp ] =  830.000
+
+  @@mats[:brick    ][:rgh] = "Rough"
+  @@mats[:brick    ][:k  ] =    0.675
+  @@mats[:brick    ][:rho] = 1600.000
+  @@mats[:brick    ][:cp ] =  790.000
+
+  @@mats[:cladding ][:rgh] = "MediumSmooth"
+  @@mats[:cladding ][:k  ] =    0.115
+  @@mats[:cladding ][:rho] =  540.000
+  @@mats[:cladding ][:cp ] = 1200.000
+
+  @@mats[:sheathing][:k  ] =    0.160
+  @@mats[:sheathing][:rho] =  545.000
+  @@mats[:sheathing][:cp ] = 1210.000
+
+  @@mats[:polyiso  ][:k  ] =    0.025
+  @@mats[:polyiso  ][:rho] =   25.000
+  @@mats[:polyiso  ][:cp ] = 1590.000
+
+  @@mats[:cellulose][:rgh] = "VeryRough"
+  @@mats[:cellulose][:k  ] =    0.050
+  @@mats[:cellulose][:rho] =   80.000
+  @@mats[:cellulose][:cp ] =  835.000
+
+  @@mats[:mineral  ][:k  ] =    0.050
+  @@mats[:mineral  ][:rho] =   19.000
+  @@mats[:mineral  ][:cp ] =  960.000
+
+  @@mats[:drywall  ][:k  ] =    0.160
+  @@mats[:drywall  ][:rho] =  785.000
+  @@mats[:drywall  ][:cp ] = 1090.000
+
+  @@mats[:door     ][:rgh] = "MediumSmooth"
+  @@mats[:door     ][:k  ] =    0.080
+  @@mats[:door     ][:rho] =  600.000
+  @@mats[:door     ][:cp ] = 1000.000
+
+  ##
+  # Generates an OpenStudio multilayered construction; materials if needed.
+  #
+  # @param model [OpenStudio::Model::Model] a model
+  # @param [Hash] specs OpenStudio construction specifications
+  # @option specs [#to_s] :id ("") construction identifier
+  # @option specs [Symbol] :type (:wall), see @@uo
+  # @option specs [Numeric] :uo clear-field Uo, in W/m2.K, see @@uo
+  # @option specs [Symbol] :clad (:light) exterior cladding, see @@mass
+  # @option specs [Symbol] :frame (:light) assembly framing, see @@mass
+  # @option specs [Symbol] :finish (:light) interior finishing, see @@mass
+  #
+  # @return [OpenStudio::Model::Construction] generated construction
+  # @return [nil] if invalid inputs (see logs)
+  def genConstruction(model = nil, specs = {})
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl1 = OpenStudio::Model::Model
+    cl2 = Hash
+    return mismatch("model", model, cl1, mth) unless model.is_a?(cl1)
+    return mismatch("specs", specs, cl2, mth) unless specs.is_a?(cl2)
+
+    specs[:id  ] = ""    unless specs.key?(:id  )
+    specs[:type] = :wall unless specs.key?(:type)
+    chk = @@uo.keys.include?(specs[:type])
+    return invalid("surface type", mth, 2, ERR) unless chk
+
+    id = trim(specs[:id])
+    id = "OSut|CON|#{specs[:type]}"       if id.empty?
+    specs[:uo] = @@uo[ specs[:type] ] unless specs.key?(:uo)
+    u = specs[:uo]
+    return mismatch("#{id} Uo", u, Numeric, mth)  unless u.is_a?(Numeric)
+    return invalid("#{id} Uo (> 5.678)", mth, 2, ERR) if u > 5.678
+    return negative("#{id} Uo"         , mth,    ERR) if u < 0
+
+    # Optional specs. Log/reset if invalid.
+    specs[:clad  ] = :light             unless specs.key?(:clad  ) # exterior
+    specs[:frame ] = :light             unless specs.key?(:frame )
+    specs[:finish] = :light             unless specs.key?(:finish) # interior
+    log(WRN, "Reset to light cladding") unless @@mass.include?(specs[:clad  ])
+    log(WRN, "Reset to light framing" ) unless @@mass.include?(specs[:frame ])
+    log(WRN, "Reset to light finish"  ) unless @@mass.include?(specs[:finish])
+    specs[:clad  ] = :light             unless @@mass.include?(specs[:clad  ])
+    specs[:frame ] = :light             unless @@mass.include?(specs[:frame ])
+    specs[:finish] = :light             unless @@mass.include?(specs[:finish])
+
+    film = @@film[ specs[:type] ]
+
+    # Layered assembly (max 4 layers):
+    #   - cladding
+    #   - intermediate sheathing
+    #   - composite insulating/framing
+    #   - interior finish
+    a = {clad: {}, sheath: {}, compo: {}, finish: {}, glazing: {}}
+
+    case specs[:type]
+    when :shading
+      mt = :sheathing
+      d  = 0.015
+      a[:compo][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+      a[:compo][:d  ] = d
+      a[:compo][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+    when :partition
+      d  = 0.015
+      mt = :drywall
+      a[:clad][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+      a[:clad][:d  ] = d
+      a[:clad][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+
+      mt = :sheathing
+      a[:compo][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+      a[:compo][:d  ] = d
+      a[:compo][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+
+      mt = :drywall
+      a[:finish][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+      a[:finish][:d  ] = d
+      a[:finish][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+    when :wall
+      unless specs[:clad] == :none
+        mt = :cladding
+        mt = :brick    if specs[:clad] == :medium
+        mt = :concrete if specs[:clad] == :heavy
+        d  = 0.100
+        d  = 0.015     if specs[:clad] == :light
+        a[:clad][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+        a[:clad][:d  ] = d
+        a[:clad][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+      end
+
+      mt = :drywall
+      mt = :polyiso   if specs[:frame] == :medium
+      mt = :mineral   if specs[:frame] == :heavy
+      d  = 0.100
+      d  = 0.015      if specs[:frame] == :light
+      a[:sheath][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+      a[:sheath][:d  ] = d
+      a[:sheath][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+
+      mt = :concrete
+      mt = :mineral   if specs[:frame] == :light
+      d  = 0.100
+      d  = 0.200      if specs[:frame] == :heavy
+      a[:compo][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+      a[:compo][:d  ] = d
+      a[:compo][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+
+      unless specs[:finish] == :none
+        mt = :concrete
+        mt = :drywall   if specs[:finish] == :light
+        d  = 0.015
+        d  = 0.100      if specs[:finish] == :medium
+        d  = 0.200      if specs[:finish] == :heavy
+        a[:finish][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+        a[:finish][:d  ] = d
+        a[:finish][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+      end
+    when :roof
+      unless specs[:clad] == :none
+        mt = :concrete
+        mt = :cladding if specs[:clad] == :light
+        d  = 0.015
+        d  = 0.100     if specs[:clad] == :medium # e.g. terrace
+        d  = 0.200     if specs[:clad] == :heavy  # e.g. parking garage
+        a[:clad][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+        a[:clad][:d  ] = d
+        a[:clad][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+
+        mt = :sheathing
+        d  = 0.015
+        a[:sheath][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+        a[:sheath][:d  ] = d
+        a[:sheath][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+      end
+
+      mt = :cellulose
+      mt = :polyiso   if specs[:frame] == :medium
+      mt = :mineral   if specs[:frame] == :heavy
+      d  = 0.100
+      a[:compo][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+      a[:compo][:d  ] = d
+      a[:compo][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+
+      unless specs[:finish] == :none
+        mt = :concrete
+        mt = :drywall   if specs[:finish] == :light
+        d  = 0.015
+        d  = 0.100      if specs[:finish] == :medium # proxy for steel decking
+        d  = 0.200      if specs[:finish] == :heavy
+        a[:finish][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+        a[:finish][:d  ] = d
+        a[:finish][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+      end
+    when :floor # exposed
+      unless specs[:clad] == :none
+        mt = :cladding
+        d  = 0.015
+        a[:clad][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+        a[:clad][:d  ] = d
+        a[:clad][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+
+        mt = :sheathing
+        d  = 0.015
+        a[:sheath][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+        a[:sheath][:d  ] = d
+        a[:sheath][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+      end
+
+      mt = :cellulose
+      mt = :polyiso   if specs[:frame] == :medium
+      mt = :mineral   if specs[:frame] == :heavy
+      d  = 0.100 # possibly an insulating layer to reset
+      a[:compo][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+      a[:compo][:d  ] = d
+      a[:compo][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+
+      unless specs[:finish] == :none
+        mt = :concrete
+        mt = :sheathing if specs[:finish] == :light
+        d  = 0.015
+        d  = 0.100      if specs[:finish] == :medium
+        d  = 0.200      if specs[:finish] == :heavy
+        a[:finish][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+        a[:finish][:d  ] = d
+        a[:finish][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+      end
+    when :slab # basement slab or slab-on-grade
+      mt = :sand
+      d  = 0.100
+      a[:clad][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+      a[:clad][:d  ] = d
+      a[:clad][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+
+      unless specs[:frame] == :none
+        mt = :polyiso
+        d  = 0.025
+        a[:sheath][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+        a[:sheath][:d  ] = d
+        a[:sheath][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+      end
+
+      mt = :concrete
+      d  = 0.100
+      d  = 0.200      if specs[:frame] == :heavy
+      a[:compo][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+      a[:compo][:d  ] = d
+      a[:compo][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+
+      unless specs[:finish] == :none
+        mt = :sheathing
+        d  = 0.015
+        a[:finish][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+        a[:finish][:d  ] = d
+        a[:finish][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+      end
+    when :basement # wall
+      unless specs[:clad] == :none
+        mt = :concrete
+        mt = :sheathing if specs[:clad] == :light
+        d  = 0.100
+        d  = 0.015      if specs[:clad] == :light
+        a[:clad][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+        a[:clad][:d  ] = d
+        a[:clad][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+
+        mt = :polyiso
+        d  = 0.025
+        a[:sheath][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+        a[:sheath][:d  ] = d
+        a[:sheath][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+
+        mt = :concrete
+        d  = 0.200
+        a[:compo][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+        a[:compo][:d  ] = d
+        a[:compo][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+      else
+        mt = :concrete
+        d  = 0.200
+        a[:sheath][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+        a[:sheath][:d  ] = d
+        a[:sheath][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+
+        unless specs[:finish] == :none
+          mt = :mineral
+          d  = 0.075
+          a[:compo][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+          a[:compo][:d  ] = d
+          a[:compo][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+
+          mt = :drywall
+          d  = 0.015
+          a[:finish][:mat] = @@mats[mt]
+          a[:finish][:d  ] = d
+          a[:finish][:id ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+        end
+      end
+    when :door # opaque
+      # 45mm insulated (composite) steel door.
+      mt = :door
+      d  = 0.045
+
+      a[:compo  ][:mat ] = @@mats[mt]
+      a[:compo  ][:d   ] = d
+      a[:compo  ][:id  ] = "OSut|#{mt}|#{format('%03d', d*1000)[-3..-1]}"
+    when :window # e.g. patio doors (simple glazing)
+      # SimpleGlazingMaterial.
+      a[:glazing][:u   ]  = specs[:uo  ]
+      a[:glazing][:shgc]  = 0.450
+      a[:glazing][:shgc]  = specs[:shgc] if specs.key?(:shgc)
+      a[:glazing][:id  ]  = "OSut|window"
+      a[:glazing][:id  ] += "|U#{format('%.1f', a[:glazing][:u])}"
+      a[:glazing][:id  ] += "|SHGC#{format('%d', a[:glazing][:shgc]*100)}"
+    when :skylight
+      # SimpleGlazingMaterial.
+      a[:glazing][:u   ] = specs[:uo  ]
+      a[:glazing][:shgc] = 0.450
+      a[:glazing][:shgc] = specs[:shgc] if specs.key?(:shgc)
+      a[:glazing][:id  ]  = "OSut|skylight"
+      a[:glazing][:id  ] += "|U#{format('%.1f', a[:glazing][:u])}"
+      a[:glazing][:id  ] += "|SHGC#{format('%d', a[:glazing][:shgc]*100)}"
+    end
+
+    # Initiate layers.
+    glazed = true
+    glazed = false if a[:glazing].empty?
+    layers = OpenStudio::Model::OpaqueMaterialVector.new   unless glazed
+    layers = OpenStudio::Model::FenestrationMaterialVector.new if glazed
+
+    if glazed
+      u    = a[:glazing][:u   ]
+      shgc = a[:glazing][:shgc]
+      lyr  = model.getSimpleGlazingByName(a[:glazing][:id])
+
+      if lyr.empty?
+        lyr = OpenStudio::Model::SimpleGlazing.new(model, u, shgc)
+        lyr.setName(a[:glazing][:id])
+      else
+        lyr = lyr.get
+      end
+
+      layers << lyr
+    else
+      # Loop through each layer spec, and generate construction.
+      a.each do |i, l|
+        next if l.empty?
+
+        lyr = model.getStandardOpaqueMaterialByName(l[:id])
+
+        if lyr.empty?
+          lyr = OpenStudio::Model::StandardOpaqueMaterial.new(model)
+          lyr.setName(l[:id])
+          lyr.setThickness(l[:d])
+          lyr.setRoughness(         l[:mat][:rgh]) if l[:mat].key?(:rgh)
+          lyr.setConductivity(      l[:mat][:k  ]) if l[:mat].key?(:k  )
+          lyr.setDensity(           l[:mat][:rho]) if l[:mat].key?(:rho)
+          lyr.setSpecificHeat(      l[:mat][:cp ]) if l[:mat].key?(:cp )
+          lyr.setThermalAbsorptance(l[:mat][:thm]) if l[:mat].key?(:thm)
+          lyr.setSolarAbsorptance(  l[:mat][:sol]) if l[:mat].key?(:sol)
+          lyr.setVisibleAbsorptance(l[:mat][:vis]) if l[:mat].key?(:vis)
+        else
+          lyr = lyr.get
+        end
+
+        layers << lyr
+      end
+    end
+
+    c  = OpenStudio::Model::Construction.new(layers)
+    c.setName(id)
+
+    # Adjust insulating layer thickness or conductivity to match requested Uo.
+    unless glazed
+      ro = 0
+      ro = 1 / specs[:uo] - @@film[ specs[:type] ] if specs[:uo] > 0
+
+      if specs[:type] == :door # 1x layer, adjust conductivity
+        layer = c.getLayer(0).to_StandardOpaqueMaterial
+        return invalid("#{id} standard material?", mth, 0) if layer.empty?
+
+        layer = layer.get
+        k     = layer.thickness / ro
+        layer.setConductivity(k)
+      elsif ro > 0 # multiple layers, adjust insulating layer thickness
+        lyr = insulatingLayer(c)
+        return invalid("#{id} construction", mth, 0) if lyr[:index].nil?
+        return invalid("#{id} construction", mth, 0) if lyr[:type ].nil?
+        return invalid("#{id} construction", mth, 0) if lyr[:r    ].zero?
+
+        index = lyr[:index]
+        layer = c.getLayer(index).to_StandardOpaqueMaterial
+        return invalid("#{id} material @#{index}", mth, 0) if layer.empty?
+
+        layer = layer.get
+        k     = layer.conductivity
+        d     = (ro - rsi(c) + lyr[:r]) * k
+        return invalid("#{id} adjusted m", mth, 0) if d < 0.03
+
+        nom   = "OSut|"
+        nom  += layer.nameString.gsub(/[^a-z]/i, "").gsub("OSut", "")
+        nom  += "|"
+        nom  += format("%03d", d*1000)[-3..-1]
+        layer.setName(nom) if model.getStandardOpaqueMaterialByName(nom).empty?
+        layer.setThickness(d)
+      end
+    end
+
+    c
+  end
+
+  ##
+  # Generates a solar shade (e.g. roller, textile) for glazed OpenStudio
+  # SubSurfaces (v351+), controlled to minimize overheating in cooling months
+  # (May to October in Northern Hemisphere), when outdoor dry bulb temperature
+  # is above 18°C and impinging solar radiation is above 100 W/m2.
+  #
+  # @param subs [OpenStudio::Model::SubSurfaceVector] sub surfaces
+  #
+  # @return [Bool] whether successfully generated
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def genShade(subs = OpenStudio::Model::SubSurfaceVector.new)
+    # Filter OpenStudio warnings for ShadingControl:
+    #   ref: https://github.com/NREL/OpenStudio/issues/4911
+    str = ".*(?<!ShadingControl)$"
+    OpenStudio::Logger.instance.standardOutLogger.setChannelRegex(str)
+
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    v   = OpenStudio.openStudioVersion.split(".").join.to_i
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Model::SubSurfaceVector
+    return mismatch("subs ", subs,  cl2, mth, DBG, false) unless subs.is_a?(cl)
+    return empty(   "subs",              mth, WRN, false)     if subs.empty?
+    return false                                              if v < 321
+
+    # Shading availability period.
+    mdl   = subs.first.model
+    id    = "onoff"
+    onoff = mdl.getScheduleTypeLimitsByName(id)
+
+    if onoff.empty?
+      onoff = OpenStudio::Model::ScheduleTypeLimits.new(mdl)
+      onoff.setName(id)
+      onoff.setLowerLimitValue(0)
+      onoff.setUpperLimitValue(1)
+      onoff.setNumericType("Discrete")
+      onoff.setUnitType("Availability")
+    else
+      onoff = onoff.get
+    end
+
+    # Shading schedule.
+    id  = "OSut|SHADE|Ruleset"
+    sch = mdl.getScheduleRulesetByName(id)
+
+    if sch.empty?
+      sch = OpenStudio::Model::ScheduleRuleset.new(mdl, 0)
+      sch.setName(id)
+      sch.setScheduleTypeLimits(onoff)
+      sch.defaultDaySchedule.setName("OSut|Shade|Ruleset|Default")
+    else
+      sch = sch.get
+    end
+
+    # Summer cooling rule.
+    id   = "OSut|SHADE|ScheduleRule"
+    rule = mdl.getScheduleRuleByName(id)
+
+    if rule.empty?
+      may     = OpenStudio::MonthOfYear.new("May")
+      october = OpenStudio::MonthOfYear.new("Oct")
+      start   = OpenStudio::Date.new(may, 1)
+      finish  = OpenStudio::Date.new(october, 31)
+
+      rule = OpenStudio::Model::ScheduleRule.new(sch)
+      rule.setName(id)
+      rule.setStartDate(start)
+      rule.setEndDate(finish)
+      rule.setApplyAllDays(true)
+      rule.daySchedule.setName("OSut|Shade|Rule|Default")
+      rule.daySchedule.addValue(OpenStudio::Time.new(0,24,0,0), 1)
+    else
+      rule = rule.get
+    end
+
+    # Shade object.
+    id  = "OSut|Shade"
+    shd = mdl.getShadeByName(id)
+
+    if shd.empty?
+      shd = OpenStudio::Model::Shade.new(mdl)
+      shd.setName(id)
+    else
+      shd = shd.get
+    end
+
+    # Shading control (unique to each call).
+    id  = "OSut|ShadingControl"
+    ctl = OpenStudio::Model::ShadingControl.new(shd)
+    ctl.setName(id)
+    ctl.setSchedule(sch)
+    ctl.setShadingControlType("OnIfHighOutdoorAirTempAndHighSolarOnWindow")
+    ctl.setSetpoint(18)   # °C
+    ctl.setSetpoint2(100) # W/m2
+    ctl.setMultipleSurfaceControlType("Group")
+    ctl.setSubSurfaces(subs)
+  end
+
+  ##
+  # Generates an internal mass definition and instances for target spaces.
+  #
+  # @param sps [OpenStudio::Model::SpaceVector] target spaces
+  # @param ratio [Numeric] internal mass surface / floor areas
+  #
+  # @return [Bool] whether successfully generated
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def genMass(sps = OpenStudio::Model::SpaceVector.new, ratio = 2.0)
+    # This is largely adapted from OpenStudio-Standards:
+    #
+    #   https://github.com/NREL/openstudio-standards/blob/
+    #   d332605c2f7a35039bf658bf55cad40a7bcac317/lib/openstudio-standards/
+    #   prototypes/common/objects/Prototype.Model.rb#L786
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl1 = OpenStudio::Model::SpaceVector
+    cl2 = Numeric
+    no  = false
+    return mismatch("spaces",   sps, cl1, mth, DBG, no) unless sps.is_a?(cl1)
+    return mismatch( "ratio", ratio, cl2, mth, DBG, no) unless ratio.is_a?(cl2)
+    return empty(   "spaces",             mth, WRN, no)     if sps.empty?
+    return negative( "ratio",             mth, ERR, no)     if ratio < 0
+
+    # A single material.
+    mdl = sps.first.model
+    id  = "OSut|MASS|Material"
+    mat = mdl.getOpaqueMaterialByName(id)
+
+    if mat.empty?
+      mat = OpenStudio::Model::StandardOpaqueMaterial.new(mdl)
+      mat.setName(id)
+      mat.setRoughness("MediumRough")
+      mat.setThickness(0.15)
+      mat.setConductivity(1.12)
+      mat.setDensity(540)
+      mat.setSpecificHeat(1210)
+      mat.setThermalAbsorptance(0.9)
+      mat.setSolarAbsorptance(0.7)
+      mat.setVisibleAbsorptance(0.17)
+    else
+      mat = mat.get
+    end
+
+    # A single, 1x layered construction.
+    id  = "OSut|MASS|Construction"
+    con = mdl.getConstructionByName(id)
+
+    if con.empty?
+      con = OpenStudio::Model::Construction.new(mdl)
+      con.setName(id)
+      layers = OpenStudio::Model::MaterialVector.new
+      layers << mat
+      con.setLayers(layers)
+    else
+      con = con.get
+    end
+
+    id = "OSut|InternalMassDefinition|" + (format "%.2f", ratio)
+    df = mdl.getInternalMassDefinitionByName(id)
+
+    if df.empty?
+      df = OpenStudio::Model::InternalMassDefinition.new(mdl)
+      df.setName(id)
+      df.setConstruction(con)
+      df.setSurfaceAreaperSpaceFloorArea(ratio)
+    else
+      df = df.get
+    end
+
+    sps.each do |sp|
+      mass = OpenStudio::Model::InternalMass.new(df)
+      mass.setName("OSut|InternalMass|#{sp.nameString}")
+      mass.setSpace(sp)
+    end
+
+    true
+  end
+
+  ##
+  # Validates if a default construction set holds a base construction.
+  #
+  # @param set [OpenStudio::Model::DefaultConstructionSet] a default set
+  # @param bse [OpensStudio::Model::ConstructionBase] a construction base
+  # @param gr [Bool] if ground-facing surface
+  # @param ex [Bool] if exterior-facing surface
+  # @param tp [#to_s] a surface type
+  #
+  # @return [Bool] whether default set holds construction
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def holdsConstruction?(set = nil, bse = nil, gr = false, ex = false, tp = "")
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl1 = OpenStudio::Model::DefaultConstructionSet
+    cl2 = OpenStudio::Model::ConstructionBase
+    ck1 = set.respond_to?(NS)
+    ck2 = bse.respond_to?(NS)
+    return invalid("set" , mth, 1, DBG, false) unless ck1
+    return invalid("base", mth, 2, DBG, false) unless ck2
+
+    id1 = set.nameString
+    id2 = bse.nameString
+    ck1 = set.is_a?(cl1)
+    ck2 = bse.is_a?(cl2)
+    ck3 = [true, false].include?(gr)
+    ck4 = [true, false].include?(ex)
+    ck5 = tp.respond_to?(:to_s)
+    return mismatch(id1, set, cl1, mth,    DBG, false) unless ck1
+    return mismatch(id2, bse, cl2, mth,    DBG, false) unless ck2
+    return invalid("ground"      , mth, 3, DBG, false) unless ck3
+    return invalid("exterior"    , mth, 4, DBG, false) unless ck4
+    return invalid("surface type", mth, 5, DBG, false) unless ck5
+
+    type = trim(tp).downcase
+    ck1  = ["floor", "wall", "roofceiling"].include?(type)
+    return invalid("surface type", mth, 5, DBG, false) unless ck1
+
+    constructions = nil
+
+    if gr
+      unless set.defaultGroundContactSurfaceConstructions.empty?
+        constructions = set.defaultGroundContactSurfaceConstructions.get
+      end
+    elsif ex
+      unless set.defaultExteriorSurfaceConstructions.empty?
+        constructions = set.defaultExteriorSurfaceConstructions.get
+      end
+    else
+      unless set.defaultInteriorSurfaceConstructions.empty?
+        constructions = set.defaultInteriorSurfaceConstructions.get
+      end
+    end
+
+    return false unless constructions
+
+    case type
+    when "roofceiling"
+      unless constructions.roofCeilingConstruction.empty?
+        construction = constructions.roofCeilingConstruction.get
+        return true if construction == bse
+      end
+    when "floor"
+      unless constructions.floorConstruction.empty?
+        construction = constructions.floorConstruction.get
+        return true if construction == bse
+      end
+    else
+      unless constructions.wallConstruction.empty?
+        construction = constructions.wallConstruction.get
+        return true if construction == bse
+      end
+    end
+
+    false
+  end
+
+  ##
+  # Returns a surface's default construction set.
+  #
+  # @param s [OpenStudio::Model::Surface] a surface
+  #
+  # @return [OpenStudio::Model::DefaultConstructionSet] default set
+  # @return [nil] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def defaultConstructionSet(s = nil)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Model::Surface
+    return invalid("surface", mth, 1) unless s.respond_to?(NS)
+
+    id = s.nameString
+    ok = s.isConstructionDefaulted
+    m1 = "#{id} construction not defaulted (#{mth})"
+    m2 = "#{id} construction"
+    m3 = "#{id} space"
+    return mismatch(id, s, cl, mth) unless s.is_a?(cl)
+
+    log(ERR, m1)           unless ok
+    return nil             unless ok
+    return empty(m2, mth, ERR) if s.construction.empty?
+    return empty(m3, mth, ERR) if s.space.empty?
+
+    mdl      = s.model
+    base     = s.construction.get
+    space    = s.space.get
+    type     = s.surfaceType
+    ground   = false
+    exterior = false
+
+    if s.isGroundSurface
+      ground = true
+    elsif s.outsideBoundaryCondition.downcase == "outdoors"
+      exterior = true
+    end
+
+    unless space.defaultConstructionSet.empty?
+      set = space.defaultConstructionSet.get
+      return set if holdsConstruction?(set, base, ground, exterior, type)
+    end
+
+    unless space.spaceType.empty?
+      spacetype = space.spaceType.get
+
+      unless spacetype.defaultConstructionSet.empty?
+        set = spacetype.defaultConstructionSet.get
+        return set if holdsConstruction?(set, base, ground, exterior, type)
+      end
+    end
+
+    unless space.buildingStory.empty?
+      story = space.buildingStory.get
+
+      unless story.defaultConstructionSet.empty?
+        set = story.defaultConstructionSet.get
+        return set if holdsConstruction?(set, base, ground, exterior, type)
+      end
+    end
+
+    building = mdl.getBuilding
+
+    unless building.defaultConstructionSet.empty?
+      set = building.defaultConstructionSet.get
+      return set if holdsConstruction?(set, base, ground, exterior, type)
+    end
+
+    nil
+  end
+
+  ##
+  # Validates if every material in a layered construction is standard & opaque.
+  #
+  # @param lc [OpenStudio::LayeredConstruction] a layered construction
+  #
+  # @return [Bool] whether all layers are valid
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def standardOpaqueLayers?(lc = nil)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Model::LayeredConstruction
+    return invalid("lc", mth, 1, DBG, false) unless lc.respond_to?(NS)
+    return mismatch(lc.nameString, lc, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless lc.is_a?(cl)
+
+    lc.layers.each { |m| return false if m.to_StandardOpaqueMaterial.empty? }
+
+    true
+  end
+
+  ##
+  # Returns total (standard opaque) layered construction thickness (m).
+  #
+  # @param lc [OpenStudio::LayeredConstruction] a layered construction
+  #
+  # @return [Float] construction thickness
+  # @return [0.0] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def thickness(lc = nil)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Model::LayeredConstruction
+    return invalid("lc", mth, 1, DBG, 0.0) unless lc.respond_to?(NS)
+
+    id = lc.nameString
+    return mismatch(id, lc, cl, mth, DBG, 0.0) unless lc.is_a?(cl)
+
+    ok = standardOpaqueLayers?(lc)
+    log(ERR, "'#{id}' holds non-StandardOpaqueMaterial(s) (#{mth})")  unless ok
+    return 0.0                                                        unless ok
+
+    thickness = 0.0
+    lc.layers.each { |m| thickness += m.thickness }
+
+    thickness
+  end
+
+  ##
+  # Returns total air film resistance of a fenestrated construction (m2•K/W)
+  #
+  # @param usi [Numeric] a fenestrated construction's U-factor (W/m2•K)
+  #
+  # @return [Float] total air film resistances
+  # @return [0.1216] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def glazingAirFilmRSi(usi = 5.85)
+    # The sum of thermal resistances of calculated exterior and interior film
+    # coefficients under standard winter conditions are taken from:
+    #
+    #   https://bigladdersoftware.com/epx/docs/9-6/engineering-reference/
+    #   window-calculation-module.html#simple-window-model
+    #
+    # These remain acceptable approximations for flat windows, yet likely
+    # unsuitable for subsurfaces with curved or projecting shapes like domed
+    # skylights. The solution here is considered an adequate fix for reporting,
+    # awaiting eventual OpenStudio (and EnergyPlus) upgrades to report NFRC 100
+    # (or ISO) air film resistances under standard winter conditions.
+    #
+    # For U-factors above 8.0 W/m2•K (or invalid input), the function returns
+    # 0.1216 m2•K/W, which corresponds to a construction with a single glass
+    # layer thickness of 2mm & k = ~0.6 W/m.K.
+    #
+    # The EnergyPlus Engineering calculations were designed for vertical
+    # windows - not horizontal, slanted or domed surfaces - use with caution.
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl  = Numeric
+    return mismatch("usi", usi, cl, mth,    DBG, 0.1216)  unless usi.is_a?(cl)
+    return invalid("usi",           mth, 1, WRN, 0.1216)      if usi > 8.0
+    return negative("usi",          mth,    WRN, 0.1216)      if usi < 0
+    return zero("usi",              mth,    WRN, 0.1216)      if usi.abs < TOL
+
+    rsi = 1 / (0.025342 * usi + 29.163853) # exterior film, next interior film
+    return rsi + 1 / (0.359073 * Math.log(usi) + 6.949915) if usi < 5.85
+    return rsi + 1 / (1.788041 * usi - 2.886625)
+  end
+
+  ##
+  # Returns a construction's 'standard calc' thermal resistance (m2•K/W), which
+  # includes air film resistances. It excludes insulating effects of shades,
+  # screens, etc. in the case of fenestrated constructions.
+  #
+  # @param lc [OpenStudio::Model::LayeredConstruction] a layered construction
+  # @param film [Numeric] thermal resistance of surface air films (m2•K/W)
+  # @param t [Numeric] gas temperature (°C) (optional)
+  #
+  # @return [Float] layered construction's thermal resistance
+  # @return [0.0] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def rsi(lc = nil, film = 0.0, t = 0.0)
+    # This is adapted from BTAP's Material Module "get_conductance" (P. Lopez)
+    #
+    #   https://github.com/NREL/OpenStudio-Prototype-Buildings/blob/
+    #   c3d5021d8b7aef43e560544699fb5c559e6b721d/lib/btap/measures/
+    #   btap_equest_converter/envelope.rb#L122
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl1 = OpenStudio::Model::LayeredConstruction
+    cl2 = Numeric
+    return invalid("lc", mth, 1, DBG, 0.0) unless lc.respond_to?(NS)
+
+    id = lc.nameString
+    return mismatch(id,       lc, cl1, mth, DBG, 0.0) unless lc.is_a?(cl1)
+    return mismatch("film", film, cl2, mth, DBG, 0.0) unless film.is_a?(cl2)
+    return mismatch("temp K",  t, cl2, mth, DBG, 0.0) unless t.is_a?(cl2)
+
+    t += 273.0 # °C to K
+    return negative("temp K", mth, ERR, 0.0) if t < 0
+    return negative("film",   mth, ERR, 0.0) if film < 0
+
+    rsi = film
+
+    lc.layers.each do |m|
+      # Fenestration materials first.
+      empty = m.to_SimpleGlazing.empty?
+      return 1 / m.to_SimpleGlazing.get.uFactor                     unless empty
+
+      empty = m.to_StandardGlazing.empty?
+      rsi += m.to_StandardGlazing.get.thermalResistance             unless empty
+      empty = m.to_RefractionExtinctionGlazing.empty?
+      rsi += m.to_RefractionExtinctionGlazing.get.thermalResistance unless empty
+      empty = m.to_Gas.empty?
+      rsi += m.to_Gas.get.getThermalResistance(t)                   unless empty
+      empty = m.to_GasMixture.empty?
+      rsi += m.to_GasMixture.get.getThermalResistance(t)            unless empty
+
+      # Opaque materials next.
+      empty = m.to_StandardOpaqueMaterial.empty?
+      rsi += m.to_StandardOpaqueMaterial.get.thermalResistance      unless empty
+      empty = m.to_MasslessOpaqueMaterial.empty?
+      rsi += m.to_MasslessOpaqueMaterial.get.thermalResistance      unless empty
+      empty = m.to_RoofVegetation.empty?
+      rsi += m.to_RoofVegetation.get.thermalResistance              unless empty
+      empty = m.to_AirGap.empty?
+      rsi += m.to_AirGap.get.thermalResistance                      unless empty
+    end
+
+    rsi
+  end
+
+  ##
+  # Identifies a layered construction's (opaque) insulating layer. The method
+  # returns a 3-keyed hash :index, the insulating layer index [0, n layers)
+  # within the layered construction; :type, either :standard or :massless; and
+  # :r, material thermal resistance in m2•K/W.
+  #
+  # @param lc [OpenStudio::Model::LayeredConstruction] a layered construction
+  #
+  # @return [Hash] index: (Integer), type: (Symbol), r: (Float)
+  # @return [Hash] index: nil, type: nil, r: 0 if invalid input (see logs)
+  def insulatingLayer(lc = nil)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Model::LayeredConstruction
+    res = { index: nil, type: nil, r: 0.0 }
+    i   = 0  # iterator
+    return invalid("lc", mth, 1, DBG, res) unless lc.respond_to?(NS)
+
+    id   = lc.nameString
+    return mismatch(id, lc, cl1, mth, DBG, res) unless lc.is_a?(cl)
+
+    lc.layers.each do |m|
+      unless m.to_MasslessOpaqueMaterial.empty?
+        m             = m.to_MasslessOpaqueMaterial.get
+
+        if m.thermalResistance < 0.001 || m.thermalResistance < res[:r]
+          i += 1
+          next
+        else
+          res[:r    ] = m.thermalResistance
+          res[:index] = i
+          res[:type ] = :massless
+        end
+      end
+
+      unless m.to_StandardOpaqueMaterial.empty?
+        m             = m.to_StandardOpaqueMaterial.get
+        k             = m.thermalConductivity
+        d             = m.thickness
+
+        if d < 0.003 || k > 3.0 || d / k < res[:r]
+          i += 1
+          next
+        else
+          res[:r    ] = d / k
+          res[:index] = i
+          res[:type ] = :standard
+        end
+      end
+
+      i += 1
+    end
+
+    res
+  end
+
+  ##
+  # Validates whether opaque surface can be considered as a curtain wall (or
+  # similar technology) spandrel, regardless of construction layers, by looking
+  # up AdditionalProperties or its identifier.
+  #
+  # @param s [OpenStudio::Model::Surface] an opaque surface
+  #
+  # @return [Bool] whether surface can be considered 'spandrel'
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def spandrel?(s = nil)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Model::Surface
+    return invalid("surface", mth, 1, DBG, false) unless s.respond_to?(NS)
+
+    id = s.nameString
+    m1  = "#{id}:spandrel"
+    m2  = "#{id}:spandrel:boolean"
+
+    if s.additionalProperties.hasFeature("spandrel")
+      val = s.additionalProperties.getFeatureAsBoolean("spandrel")
+      return invalid(m1, mth, 1, ERR, false) if val.empty?
+
+      val = val.get
+      return invalid(m2, mth, 1, ERR, false) unless [true, false].include?(val)
+      return val
+    end
+
+    id.downcase.include?("spandrel")
+  end
+
+  # ---- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---- #
+  # ---- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---- #
+  # This next set of utilities (~850 lines) help distinguish spaces that are
+  # directly vs indirectly CONDITIONED, vs SEMIHEATED. The solution here
   # relies as much as possible on space conditioning categories found in
-  # standards like ASHRAE 90.1 and energy codes like the Canadian NECB editions.
+  # standards like ASHRAE 90.1 and energy codes like the Canadian NECBs.
+  #
   # Both documents share many similarities, regardless of nomenclature. There
   # are however noticeable differences between approaches on how a space is
   # tagged as falling into one of the aforementioned categories. First, an
@@ -69,11 +1140,11 @@ module OSut
   #
   #               ... includes plenums, atria, etc.
   #
-  #     - SEMI-HEATED space: an ENCLOSED space that has a heating system
+  #     - SEMIHEATED space: an ENCLOSED space that has a heating system
   #       >= 10 W/m2, yet NOT a CONDITIONED space (see above).
   #
   #     - UNCONDITIONED space: an ENCLOSED space that is NOT a conditioned
-  #       space or a SEMI-HEATED space (see above).
+  #       space or a SEMIHEATED space (see above).
   #
   #       NOTE: Crawlspaces, attics, and parking garages with natural or
   #       mechanical ventilation are considered UNENCLOSED spaces.
@@ -94,41 +1165,116 @@ module OSut
   # to ASHRAE 90.1 (e.g. heating and/or cooling based, no distinction for
   # INDIRECTLY conditioned spaces like plenums).
   #
-  # SEMI-HEATED spaces are also a defined NECB term, but again the distinction
-  # is based on desired/intended design space setpoint temperatures - not
-  # system sizing criteria. No further treatment is implemented here to
-  # distinguish SEMI-HEATED from CONDITIONED spaces.
+  # SEMIHEATED spaces are described in the NECB (yet not a defined term). The
+  # distinction is also based on desired/intended design space setpoint
+  # temperatures (here 15°C) - not system sizing criteria. No further treatment
+  # is implemented here to distinguish SEMIHEATED from CONDITIONED spaces;
+  # notwithstanding the AdditionalProperties tag (described further in this
+  # section), it is up to users to determine if a CONDITIONED space is
+  # indeed SEMIHEATED or not (e.g. based on MIN/MAX setpoints).
   #
   # The single NECB criterion distinguishing UNCONDITIONED ENCLOSED spaces
   # (such as vestibules) from UNENCLOSED spaces (such as attics) remains the
   # intention to ventilate - or rather to what degree. Regardless, the methods
-  # here are designed to process both classifications in the same way, namely by
-  # focusing on adjacent surfaces to CONDITIONED (or SEMI-HEATED) spaces as part
-  # of the building envelope.
-
-  # In light of the above, methods here are designed without a priori knowledge
-  # of explicit system sizing choices or access to iterative autosizing
-  # processes. As discussed in greater detail elswhere, methods are developed to
-  # rely on zoning info and/or "intended" temperature setpoints.
+  # here are designed to process both classifications in the same way, namely
+  # by focusing on adjacent surfaces to CONDITIONED (or SEMIHEATED) spaces as
+  # part of the building envelope.
+
+  # In light of the above, OSut methods here are designed without a priori
+  # knowledge of explicit system sizing choices or access to iterative
+  # autosizing processes. As discussed in greater detail below, methods here
+  # are developed to rely on zoning and/or "intended" temperature setpoints.
+  # In addition, OSut methods here cannot distinguish between UNCONDITIONED vs
+  # UNENCLOSED spaces from OpenStudio geometry alone. They are henceforth
+  # considered synonymous.
   #
   # For an OpenStudio model in an incomplete or preliminary state, e.g. holding
-  # fully-formed ENCLOSED spaces without thermal zoning information or setpoint
-  # temperatures (early design stage assessments of form, porosity or envelope),
-  # all OpenStudio spaces will be considered CONDITIONED, presuming setpoints of
-  # ~21°C (heating) and ~24°C (cooling).
+  # fully-formed ENCLOSED spaces WITHOUT thermal zoning information or setpoint
+  # temperatures (early design stage assessments of form, porosity or
+  # envelope), OpenStudio spaces are considered CONDITIONED by default. This
+  # default behaviour may be reset based on the (Space) AdditionalProperties
+  # "space_conditioning_category" key (4x possible values), which is relied
+  # upon by OpenStudio-Standards:
+  #
+  #   github.com/NREL/openstudio-standards/blob/
+  #   d2b5e28928e712cb3f137ab5c1ad6d8889ca02b7/lib/openstudio-standards/
+  #   standards/Standards.Space.rb#L1604C5-L1605C1
+  #
+  # OpenStudio-Standards recognizes 4x possible value strings:
+  #   - "NonResConditioned"
+  #   - "ResConditioned"
+  #   - "Semiheated"
+  #   - "Unconditioned"
+  #
+  # OSut maintains existing "space_conditioning_category" key/value pairs
+  # intact. Based on these, OSut methods may return related outputs:
+  #
+  #   "space_conditioning_category" | OSut status   | heating °C | cooling °C
+  # -------------------------------   -------------   ----------   ----------
+  #   - "NonResConditioned"           CONDITIONED     21.0         24.0
+  #   - "ResConditioned"              CONDITIONED     21.0         24.0
+  #   - "Semiheated"                  SEMIHEATED      15.0         NA
+  #   - "Unconditioned"               UNCONDITIONED   NA           NA
+  #
+  # OSut also looks up another (Space) AdditionalProperties 'key',
+  # "indirectlyconditioned" to flag plenum or occupied spaces indirectly
+  # conditioned with transfer air only. The only accepted 'value' for an
+  # "indirectlyconditioned" 'key' is the name (string) of another (linked)
+  # space, e.g.:
+  #
+  #   "indirectlyconditioned" space | linked space, e.g. "core_space"
+  # -------------------------------   ---------------------------------------
+  #   return air plenum               occupied space below
+  #   supply air plenum               occupied space above
+  #   dead air space (not a plenum)   nearby occupied space
+  #
+  # OSut doesn't validate whether the "indirectlyconditioned" space is actually
+  # adjacent to its linked space. It nonetheless relies on the latter's
+  # conditioning category (e.g. CONDITIONED, SEMIHEATED) to determine
+  # anticipated ambient temperatures in the former. For instance, an
+  # "indirectlyconditioned"-tagged return air plenum linked to a SEMIHEATED
+  # space is considered as free-floating in terms of cooling, and unlikely to
+  # have ambient conditions below 15°C under heating (winter) design
+  # conditions. OSut will associate this plenum to a 15°C heating setpoint
+  # temperature. If the SEMIHEATED space instead has a heating setpoint
+  # temperature of 7°C, then OSut will associate a 7°C heating setpoint to this
+  # plenum.
+  #
+  # Even when a (more developed) OpenStudio model holds valid space/zone
+  # temperature setpoints, OSut gives priority to these AdditionalProperties.
+  # For instance, a CONDITIONED space can be considered INDIRECTLYCONDITIONED,
+  # even if its zone thermostat has a valid heating and/or cooling setpoint.
+  # This is in sync with OpenStudio-Standards' method
+  # "space_conditioning_category()".
+
+  ##
+  # Validates if model has zones with HVAC air loops.
+  #
+  # @param model [OpenStudio::Model::Model] a model
   #
-  # If ANY valid space/zone-specific temperature setpoints are found in the
-  # OpenStudio model, spaces/zones WITHOUT valid heating or cooling setpoints
-  # are considered as UNCONDITIONED or UNENCLOSED spaces (like attics), or
-  # INDIRECTLY CONDITIONED spaces (like plenums), see "plenum?" method.
+  # @return [Bool] whether model has HVAC air loops
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def airLoopsHVAC?(model = nil)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Model::Model
+    return mismatch("model", model, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless model.is_a?(cl)
+
+    model.getThermalZones.each do |zone|
+      next            if zone.canBePlenum
+      return true unless zone.airLoopHVACs.empty?
+      return true     if zone.isPlenum
+    end
+
+    false
+  end
 
   ##
-  # Return min & max values of a schedule (ruleset).
+  # Returns MIN/MAX values of a schedule (ruleset).
   #
-  # @param sched [OpenStudio::Model::ScheduleRuleset] schedule
+  # @param sched [OpenStudio::Model::ScheduleRuleset] a schedule
   #
   # @return [Hash] min: (Float), max: (Float)
-  # @return [Hash] min: nil, max: nil (if invalid input)
+  # @return [Hash] min: nil, max: nil if invalid inputs (see logs)
   def scheduleRulesetMinMax(sched = nil)
     # Largely inspired from David Goldwasser's
     # "schedule_ruleset_annual_min_max_value":
@@ -139,44 +1285,28 @@ module OSut
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
     cl  = OpenStudio::Model::ScheduleRuleset
     res = { min: nil, max: nil }
-
-    return invalid("sched", mth, 1, DBG, res)     unless sched.respond_to?(NS)
+    return invalid("sched", mth, 1, DBG, res) unless sched.respond_to?(NS)
 
     id = sched.nameString
     return mismatch(id, sched, cl, mth, DBG, res) unless sched.is_a?(cl)
 
-    profiles = []
-    profiles << sched.defaultDaySchedule
-    sched.scheduleRules.each { |rule| profiles << rule.daySchedule }
+    values = sched.defaultDaySchedule.values.to_a
 
-    profiles.each do |profile|
-      id = profile.nameString
-
-      profile.values.each do |val|
-        ok = val.is_a?(Numeric)
-        log(WRN, "Skipping non-numeric value in '#{id}' (#{mth})")     unless ok
-        next                                                           unless ok
-
-        res[:min] = val unless res[:min]
-        res[:min] = val     if res[:min] > val
-        res[:max] = val unless res[:max]
-        res[:max] = val     if res[:max] < val
-      end
-    end
+    sched.scheduleRules.each { |rule| values += rule.daySchedule.values }
 
-    valid = res[:min] && res[:max]
-    log(ERR, "Invalid MIN/MAX in '#{id}' (#{mth})") unless valid
+    res[:min] = values.min.is_a?(Numeric) ? values.min : nil
+    res[:max] = values.max.is_a?(Numeric) ? values.max : nil
 
     res
   end
 
   ##
-  # Return min & max values of a schedule (constant).
+  # Returns MIN/MAX values of a schedule (constant).
   #
-  # @param sched [OpenStudio::Model::ScheduleConstant] schedule
+  # @param sched [OpenStudio::Model::ScheduleConstant] a schedule
   #
   # @return [Hash] min: (Float), max: (Float)
-  # @return [Hash] min: nil, max: nil (if invalid input)
+  # @return [Hash] min: nil, max: nil if invalid inputs (see logs)
   def scheduleConstantMinMax(sched = nil)
     # Largely inspired from David Goldwasser's
     # "schedule_constant_annual_min_max_value":
@@ -187,14 +1317,13 @@ module OSut
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
     cl  = OpenStudio::Model::ScheduleConstant
     res = { min: nil, max: nil }
-
-    return invalid("sched", mth, 1, DBG, res)     unless sched.respond_to?(NS)
+    return invalid("sched", mth, 1, DBG, res) unless sched.respond_to?(NS)
 
     id = sched.nameString
     return mismatch(id, sched, cl, mth, DBG, res) unless sched.is_a?(cl)
 
-    valid = sched.value.is_a?(Numeric)
-    mismatch("'#{id}' value", sched.value, Numeric, mth, ERR, res) unless valid
+    ok = sched.value.is_a?(Numeric)
+    mismatch("#{id} value", sched.value, Numeric, mth, ERR, res) unless ok
     res[:min] = sched.value
     res[:max] = sched.value
 
@@ -202,12 +1331,12 @@ module OSut
   end
 
   ##
-  # Return min & max values of a schedule (compact).
+  # Returns MIN/MAX values of a schedule (compact).
   #
   # @param sched [OpenStudio::Model::ScheduleCompact] schedule
   #
   # @return [Hash] min: (Float), max: (Float)
-  # @return [Hash] min: nil, max: nil (if invalid input)
+  # @return [Hash] min: nil, max: nil if invalid input (see logs)
   def scheduleCompactMinMax(sched = nil)
     # Largely inspired from Andrew Parker's
     # "schedule_compact_annual_min_max_value":
@@ -215,78 +1344,69 @@ module OSut
     # github.com/NREL/openstudio-standards/blob/
     # 99cf713750661fe7d2082739f251269c2dfd9140/lib/openstudio-standards/
     # standards/Standards.ScheduleCompact.rb#L8
-    mth      = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
-    cl       = OpenStudio::Model::ScheduleCompact
-    vals     = []
-    prev_str = ""
-    res      = { min: nil, max: nil }
-
-    return invalid("sched", mth, 1, DBG, res)     unless sched.respond_to?(NS)
+    mth  = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl   = OpenStudio::Model::ScheduleCompact
+    vals = []
+    prev = ""
+    res  = { min: nil, max: nil }
+    return invalid("sched", mth, 1, DBG, res) unless sched.respond_to?(NS)
 
     id = sched.nameString
     return mismatch(id, sched, cl, mth, DBG, res) unless sched.is_a?(cl)
 
     sched.extensibleGroups.each do |eg|
-      if prev_str.include?("until")
+      if prev.include?("until")
         vals << eg.getDouble(0).get unless eg.getDouble(0).empty?
       end
 
-      str = eg.getString(0)
-      prev_str = str.get.downcase unless str.empty?
+      str  = eg.getString(0)
+      prev = str.get.downcase unless str.empty?
     end
 
-    return empty("'#{id}' values", mth, ERR, res) if vals.empty?
-
-    ok = vals.min.is_a?(Numeric) && vals.max.is_a?(Numeric)
-    log(ERR, "Non-numeric values in '#{id}' (#{mth})")                 unless ok
-    return res                                                         unless ok
+    return empty("#{id} values", mth, ERR, res) if vals.empty?
 
-    res[:min] = vals.min
-    res[:max] = vals.max
+    res[:min] = vals.min.is_a?(Numeric) ? vals.min : nil
+    res[:max] = vals.min.is_a?(Numeric) ? vals.max : nil
 
     res
   end
 
   ##
-  # Return min & max values for schedule (interval).
+  # Returns MIN/MAX values for schedule (interval).
   #
   # @param sched [OpenStudio::Model::ScheduleInterval] schedule
   #
   # @return [Hash] min: (Float), max: (Float)
-  # @return [Hash] min: nil, max: nil (if invalid input)
+  # @return [Hash] min: nil, max: nil if invalid input (see logs)
   def scheduleIntervalMinMax(sched = nil)
     mth  = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
     cl   = OpenStudio::Model::ScheduleInterval
     vals = []
     res  = { min: nil, max: nil }
-
-    return invalid("sched", mth, 1, DBG, res)     unless sched.respond_to?(NS)
+    return invalid("sched", mth, 1, DBG, res) unless sched.respond_to?(NS)
 
     id = sched.nameString
     return mismatch(id, sched, cl, mth, DBG, res) unless sched.is_a?(cl)
 
     vals = sched.timeSeries.values
-    ok   = vals.min.is_a?(Numeric) && vals.max.is_a?(Numeric)
-    log(ERR, "Non-numeric values in '#{id}' (#{mth})")                 unless ok
-    return res                                                         unless ok
 
-    res[:min] = vals.min
-    res[:max] = vals.max
+    res[:min] = vals.min.is_a?(Numeric) ? vals.min : nil
+    res[:max] = vals.max.is_a?(Numeric) ? vals.min : nil
 
     res
   end
 
   ##
-  # Return max zone heating temperature schedule setpoint [°C] and whether
-  # zone has active dual setpoint thermostat.
+  # Returns MAX zone heating temperature schedule setpoint [°C] and whether
+  # zone has an active dual setpoint thermostat.
   #
   # @param zone [OpenStudio::Model::ThermalZone] a thermal zone
   #
   # @return [Hash] spt: (Float), dual: (Bool)
-  # @return [Hash] spt: nil, dual: false (if invalid input)
+  # @return [Hash] spt: nil, dual: false if invalid input (see logs)
   def maxHeatScheduledSetpoint(zone = nil)
     # Largely inspired from Parker & Marrec's "thermal_zone_heated?" procedure.
-    # The solution here is a tad more relaxed to encompass SEMI-HEATED zones as
+    # The solution here is a tad more relaxed to encompass SEMIHEATED zones as
     # per Canadian NECB criteria (basically any space with at least 10 W/m2 of
     # installed heating equipement, i.e. below freezing in Canada).
     #
@@ -296,8 +1416,7 @@ module OSut
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
     cl  = OpenStudio::Model::ThermalZone
     res = { spt: nil, dual: false }
-
-    return invalid("zone", mth, 1, DBG, res)     unless zone.respond_to?(NS)
+    return invalid("zone", mth, 1, DBG, res) unless zone.respond_to?(NS)
 
     id = zone.nameString
     return mismatch(id, zone, cl, mth, DBG, res) unless zone.is_a?(cl)
@@ -380,8 +1499,8 @@ module OSut
 
     return res if zone.thermostat.empty?
 
-    tstat       = zone.thermostat.get
-    res[:spt]   = nil
+    tstat = zone.thermostat.get
+    res[:spt] = nil
 
     unless tstat.to_ThermostatSetpointDualSetpoint.empty? &&
            tstat.to_ZoneControlThermostatStagedDualSetpoint.empty?
@@ -394,7 +1513,7 @@ module OSut
 
       unless tstat.heatingSetpointTemperatureSchedule.empty?
         res[:dual] = true
-        sched      = tstat.heatingSetpointTemperatureSchedule.get
+        sched = tstat.heatingSetpointTemperatureSchedule.get
 
         unless sched.to_ScheduleRuleset.empty?
           sched = sched.to_ScheduleRuleset.get
@@ -453,16 +1572,15 @@ module OSut
   end
 
   ##
-  # Validate if model has zones with valid heating temperature setpoints.
+  # Validates if model has zones with valid heating temperature setpoints.
   #
   # @param model [OpenStudio::Model::Model] a model
   #
-  # @return [Bool] true if valid heating temperature setpoints
-  # @return [Bool] false if invalid input
+  # @return [Bool] whether model holds valid heating temperature setpoints
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
   def heatingTemperatureSetpoints?(model = nil)
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
     cl  = OpenStudio::Model::Model
-
     return mismatch("model", model, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless model.is_a?(cl)
 
     model.getThermalZones.each do |zone|
@@ -473,13 +1591,13 @@ module OSut
   end
 
   ##
-  # Return min zone cooling temperature schedule setpoint [°C] and whether
-  # zone has active dual setpoint thermostat.
+  # Returns MIN zone cooling temperature schedule setpoint [°C] and whether
+  # zone has an active dual setpoint thermostat.
   #
   # @param zone [OpenStudio::Model::ThermalZone] a thermal zone
   #
   # @return [Hash] spt: (Float), dual: (Bool)
-  # @return [Hash] spt: nil, dual: false (if invalid input)
+  # @return [Hash] spt: nil, dual: false if invalid input (see logs)
   def minCoolScheduledSetpoint(zone = nil)
     # Largely inspired from Parker & Marrec's "thermal_zone_cooled?" procedure.
     #
@@ -489,8 +1607,7 @@ module OSut
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
     cl  = OpenStudio::Model::ThermalZone
     res = { spt: nil, dual: false }
-
-    return invalid("zone", mth, 1, DBG, res)     unless zone.respond_to?(NS)
+    return invalid("zone", mth, 1, DBG, res) unless zone.respond_to?(NS)
 
     id = zone.nameString
     return mismatch(id, zone, cl, mth, DBG, res) unless zone.is_a?(cl)
@@ -560,8 +1677,8 @@ module OSut
 
     return res if zone.thermostat.empty?
 
-    tstat       = zone.thermostat.get
-    res[:spt]   = nil
+    tstat     = zone.thermostat.get
+    res[:spt] = nil
 
     unless tstat.to_ThermostatSetpointDualSetpoint.empty? &&
            tstat.to_ZoneControlThermostatStagedDualSetpoint.empty?
@@ -574,7 +1691,7 @@ module OSut
 
       unless tstat.coolingSetpointTemperatureSchedule.empty?
         res[:dual] = true
-        sched      = tstat.coolingSetpointTemperatureSchedule.get
+        sched = tstat.coolingSetpointTemperatureSchedule.get
 
         unless sched.to_ScheduleRuleset.empty?
           sched = sched.to_ScheduleRuleset.get
@@ -633,17 +1750,16 @@ module OSut
   end
 
   ##
-  # Validate if model has zones with valid cooling temperature setpoints.
+  # Validates if model has zones with valid cooling temperature setpoints.
   #
   # @param model [OpenStudio::Model::Model] a model
   #
-  # @return [Bool] true if valid cooling temperature setpoints
-  # @return [Bool] false if invalid input
+  # @return [Bool] whether model holds valid cooling temperature setpoints
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
   def coolingTemperatureSetpoints?(model = nil)
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
     cl  = OpenStudio::Model::Model
-
-    return mismatch("model", model, cl, mth, DBG, false)  unless model.is_a?(cl)
+    return mismatch("model", model, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless model.is_a?(cl)
 
     model.getThermalZones.each do |zone|
       return true if minCoolScheduledSetpoint(zone)[:spt]
@@ -653,117 +1769,318 @@ module OSut
   end
 
   ##
-  # Validate if model has zones with HVAC air loops.
+  # Validates whether space is a vestibule.
   #
-  # @param model [OpenStudio::Model::Model] a model
+  # @param space [OpenStudio::Model::Space] a space
   #
-  # @return [Bool] true if model has one or more HVAC air loops
-  # @return [Bool] false if invalid input
-  def airLoopsHVAC?(model = nil)
+  # @return [Bool] whether space is considered a vestibule
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def vestibule?(space = nil)
+    # INFO: OpenStudio-Standards' "thermal_zone_vestibule" criteria:
+    #   - zones less than 200ft2; AND
+    #   - having infiltration using Design Flow Rate
+    #
+    #   github.com/NREL/openstudio-standards/blob/
+    #   86bcd026a20001d903cc613bed6d63e94b14b142/lib/openstudio-standards/
+    #   standards/Standards.ThermalZone.rb#L1264
+    #
+    # This (unused) OpenStudio-Standards method likely needs revision; it would
+    # return "false" if the thermal zone area were less than 200ft2. Not sure
+    # which edition of 90.1 relies on a 200ft2 threshold (2010?); 90.1 2016
+    # doesn't. Yet even fixed, the method would nonetheless misidentify as
+    # "vestibule" a small space along an exterior wall, such as a semiheated
+    # storage space.
+    #
+    # The code below is intended as a simple short-term solution, basically
+    # relying on AdditionalProperties, or (if missing) a "vestibule" substring
+    # within a space's spaceType name (or the latter's standardsSpaceType).
+    #
+    # Alternatively, some future method could infer its status as a vestibule
+    # based on a few basic features (common to all vintages):
+    #   - 1x+ outdoor-facing wall(s) holding 1x+ door(s)
+    #   - adjacent to 1x+ 'occupied' conditioned space(s)
+    #   - ideally, 1x+ door(s) between vestibule and 1x+ such adjacent space(s)
+    #
+    # An additional method parameter (i.e. std = :necb) could be added to
+    # ensure supplementary Standard-specific checks, e.g. maximum floor area,
+    # minimum distance between doors.
+    #
+    # Finally, an entirely separate method could be developed to first identify
+    # whether "building entrances" (a defined term in 90.1) actually require
+    # vestibules as per specific code requirements. Food for thought.
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
-    cl  = OpenStudio::Model::Model
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Model::Space
+    return mismatch("space", space, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless space.is_a?(cl)
 
-    return mismatch("model", model, cl, mth, DBG, false)  unless model.is_a?(cl)
+    id  = space.nameString
+    m1  = "#{id}:vestibule"
+    m2  = "#{id}:vestibule:boolean"
 
-    model.getThermalZones.each do |zone|
-      next                                           if zone.canBePlenum
-      return true                                unless zone.airLoopHVACs.empty?
-      return true                                    if zone.isPlenum
+    if space.additionalProperties.hasFeature("vestibule")
+      val = space.additionalProperties.getFeatureAsBoolean("vestibule")
+      return invalid(m1, mth, 1, ERR, false) if val.empty?
+
+      val = val.get
+      return invalid(m2, mth, 1, ERR, false) unless [true, false].include?(val)
+      return val
+    end
+
+    unless space.spaceType.empty?
+      type = space.spaceType.get
+      return false if type.nameString.downcase.include?("plenum")
+      return true  if type.nameString.downcase.include?("vestibule")
+
+      unless type.standardsSpaceType.empty?
+        type = type.standardsSpaceType.get.downcase
+        return false if type.include?("plenum")
+        return true  if type.include?("vestibule")
+      end
     end
 
     false
   end
 
   ##
-  # Validate whether space should be processed as a plenum.
+  # Validates whether a space is an indirectly-conditioned plenum.
   #
   # @param space [OpenStudio::Model::Space] a space
-  # @param loops [Bool] true if model has airLoopHVAC object(s)
-  # @param setpoints [Bool] true if model has valid temperature setpoints
   #
-  # @return [Bool] true if should be tagged as plenum
-  # @return [Bool] false if invalid input
-  def plenum?(space = nil, loops = nil, setpoints = nil)
-    # Largely inspired from NREL's "space_plenum?" procedure:
+  # @return [Bool] whether space is considered a plenum
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def plenum?(space = nil)
+    # Largely inspired from NREL's "space_plenum?":
     #
-    # github.com/NREL/openstudio-standards/blob/
-    # 58964222d25783e9da4ae292e375fb0d5c902aa5/lib/openstudio-standards/
-    # standards/Standards.Space.rb#L1384
+    #   github.com/NREL/openstudio-standards/blob/
+    #   58964222d25783e9da4ae292e375fb0d5c902aa5/lib/openstudio-standards/
+    #   standards/Standards.Space.rb#L1384
+    #
+    # Ideally, "plenum?" should be in sync with OpenStudio SDK's "isPlenum"
+    # method, which solely looks for either HVAC air mixer objects:
+    #  - AirLoopHVACReturnPlenum
+    #  - AirLoopHVACSupplyPlenum
+    #
+    # Of the OpenStudio-Standards Prototype models, only the LargeOffice
+    # holds AirLoopHVACReturnPlenum objects. OpenStudio-Standards' method
+    # "space_plenum?" indeed catches them by checking if the space is
+    # "partofTotalFloorArea" (which internally has an "isPlenum" check). So
+    # "isPlenum" closely follows ASHRAE 90.1 2016's definition of "plenum":
+    #
+    #   "plenum": a compartment or chamber ...
+    #             - to which one or more ducts are connected
+    #             - that forms a part of the air distribution system, and
+    #             - that is NOT USED for occupancy or storage.
+    #
+    # Canadian NECB 2020 has the following (not as well) defined term:
+    #   "plenum": a chamber forming part of an air duct system.
+    #             ... we'll assume that a space shall also be considered
+    #             UNOCCUPIED if it's "part of an air duct system".
+    #
+    # As intended, "isPlenum" would NOT identify as a "plenum" any vented
+    # UNCONDITIONED or UNENCLOSED attic or crawlspace - good. Yet "isPlenum"
+    # would also ignore dead air spaces integrating ducted return air. The
+    # SDK's "partofTotalFloorArea" would be more suitable in such cases, as
+    # long as modellers have, a priori, set this parameter to FALSE.
+    #
+    # OpenStudio-Standards' "space_plenum?" catches a MUCH WIDER range of
+    # spaces, which aren't caught by "isPlenum". This includes attics,
+    # crawlspaces, non-plenum air spaces above ceiling tiles, and any other
+    # UNOCCUPIED space in a model. The term "plenum" in this context is more
+    # of a catch-all shorthand - to be used with caution. For instance,
+    # "space_plenum?" shouldn't be used (in isolation) to determine whether an
+    # UNOCCUPIED space should have its envelope insulated ("plenum") or not
+    # ("attic").
+    #
+    # In contrast to OpenStudio-Standards' "space_plenum?", this method
+    # strictly returns FALSE if a space is indeed "partofTotalFloorArea". It
+    # also returns FALSE if the space is a vestibule. Otherwise, it needs more
+    # information to determine if such an UNOCCUPIED space is indeed a
+    # plenum. Beyond these 2x criteria, a space is considered a plenum if:
     #
-    # A space may be tagged as a plenum if:
+    # CASE A: it includes the substring "plenum" (case insensitive) in its
+    #         spaceType's name, or in the latter's standardsSpaceType string;
     #
-    # CASE A: its zone's "isPlenum" == true (SDK method) for a fully-developed
-    #         OpenStudio model (complete with HVAC air loops); OR
+    # CASE B: "isPlenum" == TRUE in an OpenStudio model WITH HVAC airloops: OR
     #
-    # CASE B: (IN ABSENCE OF HVAC AIRLOOPS) if it's excluded from a building's
-    #         total floor area yet linked to a zone holding an 'inactive'
-    #         thermostat, i.e. can't extract valid setpoints; OR
+    # CASE C: its zone holds an 'inactive' thermostat (i.e. can't extract valid
+    #         setpoints) in an OpenStudio model with setpoint temperatures.
     #
-    # CASE C: (IN ABSENCE OF HVAC AIRLOOPS & VALID SETPOINTS) it has "plenum"
-    #         (case insensitive) as a spacetype (or as a spacetype's
-    #         'standards spacetype').
+    # If a modeller is instead simply interested in identifying UNOCCUPIED
+    # spaces that are INDIRECTLYCONDITIONED (not necessarily plenums), then the
+    # following combination is likely more reliable and less confusing:
+    #   - SDK's partofTotalFloorArea == FALSE
+    #   - OSut's unconditioned? == FALSE
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
     cl  = OpenStudio::Model::Space
-
-    return invalid("space", mth, 1, DBG, false)     unless space.respond_to?(NS)
+    return mismatch("space", space, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless space.is_a?(cl)
+    return false if space.partofTotalFloorArea
+    return false if vestibule?(space)
 
     id = space.nameString
-    return mismatch(id, space, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless space.is_a?(cl)
+    m1 = "#{id}:plenum"
+    m1 = "#{id}:plenum boolean"
+
+    # CASE A: "plenum" spaceType.
+    unless space.spaceType.empty?
+      type = space.spaceType.get
+      return true if type.nameString.downcase.include?("plenum")
+
+      unless type.standardsSpaceType.empty?
+        type = type.standardsSpaceType.get.downcase
+        return true if type.include?("plenum")
+      end
+    end
+
+    # CASE B: "isPlenum" == TRUE if airloops.
+    return space.isPlenum if airLoopsHVAC?(space.model)
+
+    # CASE C: zone holds an 'inactive' thermostat.
+    zone   = space.thermalZone
+    heated = heatingTemperatureSetpoints?(space.model)
+    cooled = coolingTemperatureSetpoints?(space.model)
+
+    if heated || cooled
+      return false if zone.empty?
+
+      zone = zone.get
+      heat = maxHeatScheduledSetpoint(zone)
+      cool = minCoolScheduledSetpoint(zone)
+      return false if heat[:spt] || cool[:spt] # directly CONDITIONED
+      return heat[:dual] || cool[:dual]        # FALSE if both are nilled
+    end
+
+    false
+  end
+
+  ##
+  # Retrieves a space's (implicit or explicit) heating/cooling setpoints.
+  #
+  # @param space [OpenStudio::Model::Space] a space
+  #
+  # @return [Hash] heating: (Float), cooling: (Float)
+  # @return [Hash] heating: nil, cooling: nil if invalid input (see logs)
+  def setpoints(space = nil)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl1 = OpenStudio::Model::Space
+    cl2 = String
+    res = {heating: nil, cooling: nil}
+    tg1 = "space_conditioning_category"
+    tg2 = "indirectlyconditioned"
+    cts = ["nonresconditioned", "resconditioned", "semiheated", "unconditioned"]
+    cnd = nil
+    return mismatch("space", space, cl1, mth, DBG, res) unless space.is_a?(cl1)
+
+    # 1. Check for OpenStudio-Standards' space conditioning categories.
+    if space.additionalProperties.hasFeature(tg1)
+      cnd = space.additionalProperties.getFeatureAsString(tg1)
+
+      if cnd.empty?
+        cnd = nil
+      else
+        cnd = cnd.get
 
-    valid = loops == true || loops == false
-    return invalid("loops", mth, 2, DBG, false)     unless valid
+        if cts.include?(cnd.downcase)
+          return res if cnd.downcase == "unconditioned"
+        else
+          invalid("#{tg1}:#{cnd}", mth, 0, ERR)
+          cnd = nil
+        end
+      end
+    end
 
-    valid = setpoints == true || setpoints == false
-    return invalid("setpoints", mth, 3, DBG, false) unless valid
+    # 2. Check instead OSut's INDIRECTLYCONDITIONED (parent space) link.
+    if cnd.nil?
+      id = space.additionalProperties.getFeatureAsString(tg2)
 
-    unless space.thermalZone.empty?
-      zone = space.thermalZone.get
-      return zone.isPlenum if loops                                          # A
+      unless id.empty?
+        id  = id.get
+        dad = space.model.getSpaceByName(id)
 
-      if setpoints
-        heat = maxHeatScheduledSetpoint(zone)
-        cool = minCoolScheduledSetpoint(zone)
-        return false if heat[:spt] || cool[:spt]          # directly conditioned
-        return heat[:dual] || cool[:dual] unless space.partofTotalFloorArea  # B
-        return false
+        if dad.empty?
+          log(ERR, "Unknown space #{id} (#{mth})")
+        else
+          # Now focus on 'parent' space linked to INDIRECTLYCONDITIONED space.
+          space = dad.get
+          cnd   = tg2
+        end
       end
     end
 
-    unless space.spaceType.empty?
-      type = space.spaceType.get
-      return type.nameString.downcase == "plenum"                            # C
+    # 3. Fetch space setpoints (if model indeed holds valid setpoints).
+    heated = heatingTemperatureSetpoints?(space.model)
+    cooled = coolingTemperatureSetpoints?(space.model)
+    zone   = space.thermalZone
+
+    if heated || cooled
+      return res if zone.empty? # UNCONDITIONED
+
+      zone = zone.get
+      res[:heating] = maxHeatScheduledSetpoint(zone)[:spt]
+      res[:cooling] = minCoolScheduledSetpoint(zone)[:spt]
     end
 
-    unless type.standardsSpaceType.empty?
-      type = type.standardsSpaceType.get
-      return type.downcase == "plenum"                                       # C
+    # 4. Reset if AdditionalProperties were found & valid.
+    unless cnd.nil?
+      if cnd.downcase == "unconditioned"
+        res[:heating] = nil
+        res[:cooling] = nil
+      elsif cnd.downcase == "semiheated"
+        res[:heating] = 15.0 if res[:heating].nil?
+        res[:cooling] = nil
+      elsif cnd.downcase.include?("conditioned")
+        # "nonresconditioned", "resconditioned" or "indirectlyconditioned"
+        res[:heating] = 21.0 if res[:heating].nil? # default
+        res[:cooling] = 24.0 if res[:cooling].nil? # default
+      end
     end
 
-    false
+    # 5. Reset if plenum?
+    if plenum?(space)
+      res[:heating] = 21.0 if res[:heating].nil? # default
+      res[:cooling] = 24.0 if res[:cooling].nil? # default
+    end
+
+    res
+  end
+
+  ##
+  # Validates if a space is UNCONDITIONED.
+  #
+  # @param space [OpenStudio::Model::Space] a space
+  #
+  # @return [Bool] whether space is considered UNCONDITIONED
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def unconditioned?(space = nil)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Model::Space
+    return mismatch("space", space, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless space.is_a?(cl)
+
+    ok = false
+    ok = setpoints(space)[:heating].nil? && setpoints(space)[:cooling].nil?
+
+    ok
   end
 
   ##
-  # Generate an HVAC availability schedule.
+  # Generates an HVAC availability schedule.
   #
   # @param model [OpenStudio::Model::Model] a model
   # @param avl [String] seasonal availability choice (optional, default "ON")
   #
   # @return [OpenStudio::Model::Schedule] HVAC availability sched
-  # @return [NilClass] if invalid input
+  # @return [nil] if invalid input (see logs)
   def availabilitySchedule(model = nil, avl = "")
     mth    = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
     cl     = OpenStudio::Model::Model
     limits = nil
-
-    return mismatch("model", model, cl, mth)       unless model.is_a?(cl)
-    return invalid("availability", avl, 2, mth)    unless avl.respond_to?(:to_s)
+    return mismatch("model",     model, cl, mth) unless model.is_a?(cl)
+    return invalid("availability", avl,  2, mth) unless avl.respond_to?(:to_s)
 
     # Either fetch availability ScheduleTypeLimits object, or create one.
     model.getScheduleTypeLimitss.each do |l|
-      break if limits
-      next if l.lowerLimitValue.empty?
-      next if l.upperLimitValue.empty?
-      next if l.numericType.empty?
+      break    if limits
+      next     if l.lowerLimitValue.empty?
+      next     if l.upperLimitValue.empty?
+      next     if l.numericType.empty?
       next unless l.lowerLimitValue.get.to_i == 0
       next unless l.upperLimitValue.get.to_i == 1
       next unless l.numericType.get.downcase == "discrete"
@@ -789,35 +2106,35 @@ module OSut
 
     # Seasonal availability start/end dates.
     year  = model.yearDescription
-    return  empty("yearDescription", mth, ERR) if year.empty?
+    return empty("yearDescription", mth, ERR) if year.empty?
 
     year  = year.get
     may01 = year.makeDate(OpenStudio::MonthOfYear.new("May"),  1)
     oct31 = year.makeDate(OpenStudio::MonthOfYear.new("Oct"), 31)
 
-    case avl.to_s.downcase
-    when "winter"             # available from November 1 to April 30 (6 months)
+    case trim(avl).downcase
+    when "winter" # available from November 1 to April 30 (6 months)
       val = 1
       sch = off
       nom = "WINTER Availability SchedRuleset"
       dft = "WINTER Availability dftDaySched"
       tag = "May-Oct WINTER Availability SchedRule"
       day = "May-Oct WINTER SchedRule Day"
-    when "summer"                # available from May 1 to October 31 (6 months)
+    when "summer" # available from May 1 to October 31 (6 months)
       val = 0
       sch = on
       nom = "SUMMER Availability SchedRuleset"
       dft = "SUMMER Availability dftDaySched"
       tag = "May-Oct SUMMER Availability SchedRule"
       day = "May-Oct SUMMER SchedRule Day"
-    when "off"                                                 # never available
+    when "off" # never available
       val = 0
       sch = on
       nom = "OFF Availability SchedRuleset"
       dft = "OFF Availability dftDaySched"
       tag = ""
       day = ""
-    else                                                      # always available
+    else # always available
       val = 1
       sch = on
       nom = "ON Availability SchedRuleset"
@@ -835,14 +2152,14 @@ module OSut
 
       unless schedule.empty?
         schedule = schedule.get
-        default = schedule.defaultDaySchedule
+        default  = schedule.defaultDaySchedule
         ok = ok && default.nameString           == dft
         ok = ok && default.times.size           == 1
         ok = ok && default.values.size          == 1
         ok = ok && default.times.first          == time
         ok = ok && default.values.first         == val
         rules = schedule.scheduleRules
-        ok = ok && (rules.size == 0 || rules.size == 1)
+        ok = ok && rules.size < 2
 
         if rules.size == 1
           rule = rules.first
@@ -867,30 +2184,37 @@ module OSut
 
     schedule = OpenStudio::Model::ScheduleRuleset.new(model)
     schedule.setName(nom)
-    ok = schedule.setScheduleTypeLimits(limits)
-    log(ERR, "'#{nom}': Can't set schedule type limits (#{mth})")      unless ok
-    return nil                                                         unless ok
 
-    ok = schedule.defaultDaySchedule.addValue(time, val)
-    log(ERR, "'#{nom}': Can't set default day schedule (#{mth})")      unless ok
-    return nil                                                         unless ok
+    unless schedule.setScheduleTypeLimits(limits)
+      log(ERR, "'#{nom}': Can't set schedule type limits (#{mth})")
+      return nil
+    end
+
+    unless schedule.defaultDaySchedule.addValue(time, val)
+      log(ERR, "'#{nom}': Can't set default day schedule (#{mth})")
+      return nil
+    end
 
     schedule.defaultDaySchedule.setName(dft)
 
     unless tag.empty?
       rule = OpenStudio::Model::ScheduleRule.new(schedule, sch)
       rule.setName(tag)
-      ok = rule.setStartDate(may01)
-      log(ERR, "'#{tag}': Can't set start date (#{mth})")              unless ok
-      return nil                                                       unless ok
 
-      ok = rule.setEndDate(oct31)
-      log(ERR, "'#{tag}': Can't set end date (#{mth})")                unless ok
-      return nil                                                       unless ok
+      unless rule.setStartDate(may01)
+        log(ERR, "'#{tag}': Can't set start date (#{mth})")
+        return nil
+      end
+
+      unless rule.setEndDate(oct31)
+        log(ERR, "'#{tag}': Can't set end date (#{mth})")
+        return nil
+      end
 
-      ok = rule.setApplyAllDays(true)
-      log(ERR, "'#{tag}': Can't apply to all days (#{mth})")           unless ok
-      return nil                                                       unless ok
+      unless rule.setApplyAllDays(true)
+        log(ERR, "'#{tag}': Can't apply to all days (#{mth})")
+        return nil
+      end
 
       rule.daySchedule.setName(day)
     end
@@ -898,615 +2222,756 @@ module OSut
     schedule
   end
 
+  # ---- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---- #
+  # ---- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---- #
+  # This final set of utilities targets OpenStudio geometry. Many of the
+  # following geometry methods rely on Boost as an OpenStudio dependency.
+  # As per Boost requirements, points (e.g. polygons) must first be 'aligned':
+  #   - first rotated/tilted as to lay flat along XY plane (Z-axis ~= 0)
+  #   - initial Z-axis values are represented as Y-axis values
+  #   - points with the lowest X-axis values are 'aligned' along X-axis (0)
+  #   - points with the lowest Z-axis values are 'aligned' along Y-axis (0)
+  #   - for several Boost methods, points must be clockwise in sequence
+  #
+  # Check OSut's poly() method, which offers such Boost-related options.
+
   ##
-  # Validate if default construction set holds a base construction.
+  # Returns OpenStudio site/space transformation & rotation angle [0,2PI) rads.
   #
-  # @param set [OpenStudio::Model::DefaultConstructionSet] a default set
-  # @param bse [OpensStudio::Model::ConstructionBase] a construction base
-  # @param gr [Bool] true if ground-facing surface
-  # @param ex [Bool] true if exterior-facing surface
-  # @param typ [String] a surface type
+  # @param group [OpenStudio::Model::PlanarSurfaceGroup] a site or space object
   #
-  # @return [Bool] true if default construction set holds construction
-  # @return [Bool] false if invalid input
-  def holdsConstruction?(set = nil, bse = nil, gr = false, ex = false, typ = "")
+  # @return [Hash] t: (OpenStudio::Transformation), r: (Float)
+  # @return [Hash] t: nil, r: nil if invalid input (see logs)
+  def transforms(group = nil)
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
-    cl1 = OpenStudio::Model::DefaultConstructionSet
-    cl2 = OpenStudio::Model::ConstructionBase
-
-    return invalid("set", mth, 1, DBG, false)         unless set.respond_to?(NS)
-
-    id = set.nameString
-    return mismatch(id, set, cl1, mth, DBG, false)    unless set.is_a?(cl1)
-    return invalid("base", mth, 2, DBG, false)        unless bse.respond_to?(NS)
-
-    id = bse.nameString
-    return mismatch(id, bse, cl2, mth, DBG, false)    unless bse.is_a?(cl2)
-
-    valid = gr == true || gr == false
-    return invalid("ground", mth, 3, DBG, false)      unless valid
-
-    valid = ex == true || ex == false
-    return invalid("exterior", mth, 4, DBG, false)    unless valid
-
-    valid = typ.respond_to?(:to_s)
-    return invalid("surface typ", mth, 4, DBG, false) unless valid
-
-    type = typ.to_s.downcase
-    valid = type == "floor" || type == "wall" || type == "roofceiling"
-    return invalid("surface type", mth, 5, DBG, false) unless valid
+    cl2 = OpenStudio::Model::PlanarSurfaceGroup
+    res = { t: nil, r: nil }
+    return invalid("group", mth, 2, DBG, res) unless group.respond_to?(NS)
 
-    constructions = nil
+    id  = group.nameString
+    mdl = group.model
+    return mismatch(id, group, cl2, mth, DBG, res) unless group.is_a?(cl2)
 
-    if gr
-      unless set.defaultGroundContactSurfaceConstructions.empty?
-        constructions = set.defaultGroundContactSurfaceConstructions.get
-      end
-    elsif ex
-      unless set.defaultExteriorSurfaceConstructions.empty?
-        constructions = set.defaultExteriorSurfaceConstructions.get
-      end
-    else
-      unless set.defaultInteriorSurfaceConstructions.empty?
-        constructions = set.defaultInteriorSurfaceConstructions.get
-      end
-    end
+    res[:t] = group.siteTransformation
+    res[:r] = group.directionofRelativeNorth + mdl.getBuilding.northAxis
 
-    return false unless constructions
+    res
+  end
 
-    case type
-    when "roofceiling"
-      unless constructions.roofCeilingConstruction.empty?
-        construction = constructions.roofCeilingConstruction.get
-        return true if construction == bse
-      end
-    when "floor"
-      unless constructions.floorConstruction.empty?
-        construction = constructions.floorConstruction.get
-        return true if construction == bse
-      end
-    else
-      unless constructions.wallConstruction.empty?
-        construction = constructions.wallConstruction.get
-        return true if construction == bse
-      end
-    end
+  ##
+  # Returns true if 2 OpenStudio 3D points are nearly equal
+  #
+  # @param p1 [OpenStudio::Point3d] 1st 3D point
+  # @param p2 [OpenStudio::Point3d] 2nd 3D point
+  #
+  # @return [Bool] whether equal points (within TOL)
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def same?(p1 = nil, p2 = nil)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Point3d
+    return mismatch("point 1", p1, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless p1.is_a?(cl)
+    return mismatch("point 2", p2, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless p2.is_a?(cl)
 
-    false
+    # OpenStudio.isAlmostEqual3dPt(p1, p2, TOL) # ... from v350 onwards.
+    (p1.x-p2.x).abs < TOL && (p1.y-p2.y).abs < TOL && (p1.z-p2.z).abs < TOL
   end
 
   ##
-  # Return a surface's default construction set.
+  # Returns true if a line segment is along the X-axis.
   #
-  # @param model [OpenStudio::Model::Model] a model
-  # @param s [OpenStudio::Model::Surface] a surface
+  # @param p1 [OpenStudio::Point3d] 1st 3D point of a line segment
+  # @param p2 [OpenStudio::Point3d] 2nd 3D point of a line segment
+  # @param strict [Bool] whether segment shouldn't hold Y- or Z-axis components
   #
-  # @return [OpenStudio::Model::DefaultConstructionSet] default set
-  # @return [NilClass] if invalid input
-  def defaultConstructionSet(model = nil, s = nil)
+  # @return [Bool] whether along the X-axis
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def xx?(p1 = nil, p2 = nil, strict = true)
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
-    cl1 = OpenStudio::Model::Model
-    cl2 = OpenStudio::Model::Surface
-
-    return mismatch("model", model, cl1, mth)           unless model.is_a?(cl1)
-    return invalid("s", mth, 2)                         unless s.respond_to?(NS)
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Point3d
+    strict = true unless [true, false].include?(strict)
+    return mismatch("point 1", p1, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless p1.is_a?(cl)
+    return mismatch("point 2", p2, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless p2.is_a?(cl)
+    return false if (p1.y - p2.y).abs > TOL && strict
+    return false if (p1.z - p2.z).abs > TOL && strict
+
+    (p1.x - p2.x).abs > TOL
+  end
 
-    id   = s.nameString
-    return mismatch(id, s, cl2, mth)                    unless s.is_a?(cl2)
+  ##
+  # Returns true if a line segment is along the Y-axis.
+  #
+  # @param p1 [OpenStudio::Point3d] 1st 3D point of a line segment
+  # @param p2 [OpenStudio::Point3d] 2nd 3D point of a line segment
+  # @param strict [Bool] whether segment shouldn't hold X- or Z-axis components
+  #
+  # @return [Bool] whether along the Y-axis
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def yy?(p1 = nil, p2 = nil, strict = true)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Point3d
+    strict = true unless [true, false].include?(strict)
+    return mismatch("point 1", p1, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless p1.is_a?(cl)
+    return mismatch("point 2", p2, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless p2.is_a?(cl)
+    return false if (p1.x - p2.x).abs > TOL && strict
+    return false if (p1.z - p2.z).abs > TOL && strict
+
+    (p1.y - p2.y).abs > TOL
+  end
 
-    ok = s.isConstructionDefaulted
-    log(ERR, "'#{id}' construction not defaulted (#{mth})")            unless ok
-    return nil                                                         unless ok
-    return empty("'#{id}' construction", mth, ERR)      if s.construction.empty?
+  ##
+  # Returns true if a line segment is along the Z-axis.
+  #
+  # @param p1 [OpenStudio::Point3d] 1st 3D point of a line segment
+  # @param p2 [OpenStudio::Point3d] 2nd 3D point of a line segment
+  # @param strict [Bool] whether segment shouldn't hold X- or Y-axis components
+  #
+  # @return [Bool] whether along the Z-axis
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def zz?(p1 = nil, p2 = nil, strict = true)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Point3d
+    strict = true unless [true, false].include?(strict)
+    return mismatch("point 1", p1, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless p1.is_a?(cl)
+    return mismatch("point 2", p2, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless p2.is_a?(cl)
+    return false if (p1.x - p2.x).abs > TOL && strict
+    return false if (p1.y - p2.y).abs > TOL && strict
+
+    (p1.z - p2.z).abs > TOL
+  end
 
-    base = s.construction.get
-    return empty("'#{id}' space", mth, ERR)             if s.space.empty?
+  ##
+  # Returns a scalar product of an OpenStudio Vector3d.
+  #
+  # @param v [OpenStudio::Vector3d] a vector
+  # @param m [#to_f] a scalar
+  #
+  # @return [OpenStudio::Vector3d] scaled points (see logs if empty)
+  def scalar(v = OpenStudio::Vector3d.new, m = 0)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Vector3d
+    ok  = m.respond_to?(:to_f)
+    return mismatch("vector", v, cl,      mth, DBG, v) unless v.is_a?(cl)
+    return mismatch("m",      m, Numeric, mth, DBG, v) unless ok
 
-    space = s.space.get
-    type = s.surfaceType
-    ground = false
-    exterior = false
+    m = m.to_f
+    OpenStudio::Vector3d.new(m * v.x, m * v.y, m * v.z)
+  end
 
-    if s.isGroundSurface
-      ground = true
-    elsif s.outsideBoundaryCondition.downcase == "outdoors"
-      exterior = true
-    end
+  ##
+  # Returns OpenStudio 3D points as an OpenStudio point vector, validating
+  # points in the process (if Array).
+  #
+  # @param pts [Set<OpenStudio::Point3d>] OpenStudio 3D points
+  #
+  # @return [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] 3D vector (see logs if empty)
+  def to_p3Dv(pts = nil)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    cl1 = Array
+    cl2 = OpenStudio::Point3dVector
+    cl3 = OpenStudio::Model::PlanarSurface
+    cl4 = OpenStudio::Point3d
+    v   = OpenStudio::Point3dVector.new
+    return pts                                           if pts.is_a?(cl2)
+    return pts.vertices                                  if pts.is_a?(cl3)
+    return mismatch("points", pts, cl1, mth, DBG, v) unless pts.is_a?(cl1)
 
-    unless space.defaultConstructionSet.empty?
-      set = space.defaultConstructionSet.get
-      return set        if holdsConstruction?(set, base, ground, exterior, type)
+    pts.each do |pt|
+      return mismatch("point", pt, cl4, mth, DBG, v) unless pt.is_a?(cl4)
     end
 
-    unless space.spaceType.empty?
-      spacetype = space.spaceType.get
+    pts.each { |pt| v << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(pt.x, pt.y, pt.z) }
 
-      unless spacetype.defaultConstructionSet.empty?
-        set = spacetype.defaultConstructionSet.get
-        return set      if holdsConstruction?(set, base, ground, exterior, type)
-      end
-    end
+    v
+  end
 
-    unless space.buildingStory.empty?
-      story = space.buildingStory.get
+  ##
+  # Returns true if an OpenStudio 3D point is part of a set of 3D points.
+  #
+  # @param pts [Set<OpenStudio::Point3dVector>] 3d points
+  # @param p1 [OpenStudio::Point3d] a 3D point
+  #
+  # @return [Bool] whether part of a set of 3D points
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def holds?(pts = nil, p1 = nil)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    pts = to_p3Dv(pts)
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Point3d
+    return mismatch("point", p1, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless p1.is_a?(cl)
 
-      unless story.defaultConstructionSet.empty?
-        set = story.defaultConstructionSet.get
-        return set      if holdsConstruction?(set, base, ground, exterior, type)
-      end
-    end
+    pts.each { |pt| return true if same?(p1, pt) }
 
-    building = model.getBuilding
+    false
+  end
 
-    unless building.defaultConstructionSet.empty?
-      set = building.defaultConstructionSet.get
-      return set        if holdsConstruction?(set, base, ground, exterior, type)
+  ##
+  # Flattens OpenStudio 3D points vs X, Y or Z axes.
+  #
+  # @param pts [Set<OpenStudio::Point3d>] 3D points
+  # @param axs [Symbol] :x, :y or :z axis
+  # @param val [#to_f] axis value
+  #
+  # @return [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] flattened points (see logs if empty)
+  def flatten(pts = nil, axs = :z, val = 0)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    pts = to_p3Dv(pts)
+    v   = OpenStudio::Point3dVector.new
+    ok1 = val.respond_to?(:to_f)
+    ok2 = [:x, :y, :z].include?(axs)
+    return mismatch("val", val, Numeric, mth,    DBG, v) unless ok1
+    return invalid("axis (XYZ?)",        mth, 2, DBG, v) unless ok2
+
+    val = val.to_f
+
+    case axs
+    when :x
+      pts.each { |pt| v << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(val, pt.y, pt.z) }
+    when :y
+      pts.each { |pt| v << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(pt.x, val, pt.z) }
+    else
+      pts.each { |pt| v << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(pt.x, pt.y, val) }
     end
 
-    nil
+    v
   end
 
   ##
-  # Validate if every material in a layered construction is standard & opaque.
+  # Returns true if OpenStudio 3D points share X, Y or Z coordinates.
   #
-  # @param lc [OpenStudio::LayeredConstruction] a layered construction
+  # @param pts [Set<OpenStudio::Point3d>] OpenStudio 3D points
+  # @param axs [Symbol] if potentially along :x, :y or :z axis
+  # @param val [Numeric] axis value
   #
-  # @return [Bool] true if all layers are valid
-  # @return [Bool] false if invalid input
-  def standardOpaqueLayers?(lc = nil)
+  # @return [Bool] if points share X, Y or Z coordinates
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def xyz?(pts = nil, axs = :z, val = 0)
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
-    cl  = OpenStudio::Model::LayeredConstruction
-
-    return invalid("lc", mth, 1, DBG, false) unless lc.respond_to?(NS)
-    return mismatch(lc.nameString, lc, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless lc.is_a?(cl)
-
-    lc.layers.each { |m| return false if m.to_StandardOpaqueMaterial.empty? }
+    pts = to_p3Dv(pts)
+    ok1 = val.respond_to?(:to_f)
+    ok2 = [:x, :y, :z].include?(axs)
+    return false if pts.empty?
+    return mismatch("val", val, Numeric, mth,    DBG, false) unless ok1
+    return invalid("axis (XYZ?)",        mth, 2, DBG, false) unless ok2
+
+    val = val.to_f
+
+    case axs
+    when :x
+      pts.each { |pt| return false if (pt.x - val).abs > TOL }
+    when :y
+      pts.each { |pt| return false if (pt.y - val).abs > TOL }
+    else
+      pts.each { |pt| return false if (pt.z - val).abs > TOL }
+    end
 
     true
   end
 
   ##
-  # Total (standard opaque) layered construction thickness (in m).
+  # Returns next sequential point in an OpenStudio 3D point vector.
   #
-  # @param lc [OpenStudio::LayeredConstruction] a layered construction
+  # @param pts [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] 3D points
+  # @param pt [OpenStudio::Point3d] a given 3D point
   #
-  # @return [Float] total layered construction thickness
-  # @return [Float] 0 if invalid input
-  def thickness(lc = nil)
+  # @return [OpenStudio::Point3d] the next sequential point
+  # @return [nil] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def next(pts = nil, pt = nil)
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
-    cl  = OpenStudio::Model::LayeredConstruction
+    pts = to_p3Dv(pts)
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Point3d
+    return mismatch("point", pt, cl, mth)  unless pt.is_a?(cl)
+    return invalid("points (2+)", mth, 1, WRN) if pts.size < 2
 
-    return invalid("lc", mth, 1, DBG, 0.0)             unless lc.respond_to?(NS)
+    pair = pts.each_cons(2).find { |p1, _| same?(p1, pt) }
 
-    id = lc.nameString
-    return mismatch(id, lc, cl, mth, DBG, 0.0)         unless lc.is_a?(cl)
-
-    ok = standardOpaqueLayers?(lc)
-    log(ERR, "'#{id}' holds non-StandardOpaqueMaterial(s) (#{mth})")   unless ok
-    return 0.0                                                         unless ok
-
-    thickness = 0.0
-    lc.layers.each { |m| thickness += m.thickness }
-
-    thickness
+    pair.nil? ? pts.first : pair.last
   end
 
   ##
-  # Return total air film resistance for fenestration.
+  # Returns unique OpenStudio 3D points from an OpenStudio 3D point vector.
   #
-  # @param usi [Float] a fenestrated construction's U-factor (W/m2•K)
+  # @param pts [Set<OpenStudio::Point3d] 3D points
+  # @param n [#to_i] requested number of unique points (0 returns all)
   #
-  # @return [Float] total air film resistance in m2•K/W (0.1216 if errors)
-  def glazingAirFilmRSi(usi = 5.85)
-    # The sum of thermal resistances of calculated exterior and interior film
-    # coefficients under standard winter conditions are taken from:
-    #
-    #   https://bigladdersoftware.com/epx/docs/9-6/engineering-reference/
-    #   window-calculation-module.html#simple-window-model
-    #
-    # These remain acceptable approximations for flat windows, yet likely
-    # unsuitable for subsurfaces with curved or projecting shapes like domed
-    # skylights. The solution here is considered an adequate fix for reporting,
-    # awaiting eventual OpenStudio (and EnergyPlus) upgrades to report NFRC 100
-    # (or ISO) air film resistances under standard winter conditions.
-    #
-    # For U-factors above 8.0 W/m2•K (or invalid input), the function returns
-    # 0.1216 m2•K/W, which corresponds to a construction with a single glass
-    # layer thickness of 2mm & k = ~0.6 W/m.K.
-    #
-    # The EnergyPlus Engineering calculations were designed for vertical windows
-    # - not horizontal, slanted or domed surfaces - use with caution.
+  # @return [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] unique points (see logs if empty)
+  def getUniques(pts = nil, n = 0)
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
-    cl  = Numeric
+    pts = to_p3Dv(pts)
+    ok  = n.respond_to?(:to_i)
+    v   = OpenStudio::Point3dVector.new
+    return v if pts.empty?
+    return mismatch("n unique points", n, Integer, mth, DBG, v) unless ok
 
-    return mismatch("usi", usi, cl, mth, DBG, 0.1216)  unless usi.is_a?(cl)
-    return invalid("usi", mth, 1, WRN, 0.1216)             if usi > 8.0
-    return negative("usi", mth, WRN, 0.1216)               if usi < 0
-    return zero("usi", mth, WRN, 0.1216)                   if usi.abs < TOL
+    pts.each { |pt| v << pt unless holds?(v, pt) }
 
-    rsi = 1 / (0.025342 * usi + 29.163853)   # exterior film, next interior film
+    n = n.to_i
+    n = 0    unless n.abs < v.size
+    v = v[0..n]  if n > 0
+    v = v[n..-1] if n < 0
 
-    return rsi + 1 / (0.359073 * Math.log(usi) + 6.949915) if usi < 5.85
-    return rsi + 1 / (1.788041 * usi - 2.886625)
+    v
   end
 
   ##
-  # Return a construction's 'standard calc' thermal resistance (with air films).
+  # Returns sequential non-collinear points in an OpenStudio 3D point vector.
   #
-  # @param lc [OpenStudio::Model::LayeredConstruction] a layered construction
-  # @param film [Float] thermal resistance of surface air films (m2•K/W)
-  # @param t [Float] gas temperature (°C) (optional)
+  # @param pts [Set<OpenStudio::Point3d] 3D points
+  # @param n [#to_i] requested number of non-collinears (0 returns all)
   #
-  # @return [Float] calculated RSi at standard conditions (0 if error)
-  def rsi(lc = nil, film = 0.0, t = 0.0)
-    # This is adapted from BTAP's Material Module's "get_conductance" (P. Lopez)
-    #
-    #   https://github.com/NREL/OpenStudio-Prototype-Buildings/blob/
-    #   c3d5021d8b7aef43e560544699fb5c559e6b721d/lib/btap/measures/
-    #   btap_equest_converter/envelope.rb#L122
+  # @return [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] non-collinears (see logs if empty)
+  def getNonCollinears(pts = nil, n = 0)
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
-    cl1 = OpenStudio::Model::LayeredConstruction
-    cl2 = Numeric
-
-    return invalid("lc", mth, 1, DBG, 0.0)             unless lc.respond_to?(NS)
-
-    id = lc.nameString
-
-    return mismatch(id, lc, cl1, mth, DBG, 0.0)        unless lc.is_a?(cl1)
-    return mismatch("film", film, cl2, mth, DBG, 0.0)  unless film.is_a?(cl2)
-    return mismatch("temp K", t, cl2, mth, DBG, 0.0)   unless t.is_a?(cl2)
-
-    t += 273.0                                             # °C to K
-    return negative("temp K", mth, DBG, 0.0)               if t < 0
-    return negative("film", mth, DBG, 0.0)                 if film < 0
-
-    rsi = film
-
-    lc.layers.each do |m|
-      # Fenestration materials first (ignoring shades, screens, etc.)
-      empty = m.to_SimpleGlazing.empty?
-      return 1 / m.to_SimpleGlazing.get.uFactor                     unless empty
-
-      empty = m.to_StandardGlazing.empty?
-      rsi += m.to_StandardGlazing.get.thermalResistance             unless empty
-      empty = m.to_RefractionExtinctionGlazing.empty?
-      rsi += m.to_RefractionExtinctionGlazing.get.thermalResistance unless empty
-      empty = m.to_Gas.empty?
-      rsi += m.to_Gas.get.getThermalResistance(t)                   unless empty
-      empty = m.to_GasMixture.empty?
-      rsi += m.to_GasMixture.get.getThermalResistance(t)            unless empty
+    pts = getUniques(pts)
+    ok  = n.respond_to?(:to_i)
+    v   = OpenStudio::Point3dVector.new
+    a   = []
+    return pts if pts.size < 2
+    return mismatch("n non-collinears", n, Integer, mth, DBG, v) unless ok
+
+    # Evaluate cross product of vectors of 3x sequential points.
+    pts.each_with_index do |p2, i2|
+      i1  = i2 - 1
+      i3  = i2 + 1
+      i3  = 0 if i3 == pts.size
+      p1  = pts[i1]
+      p3  = pts[i3]
+      v13 = p3 - p1
+      v12 = p2 - p1
+      next if v12.cross(v13).length < TOL
+
+      a << p2
+    end
 
-      # Opaque materials next.
-      empty = m.to_StandardOpaqueMaterial.empty?
-      rsi += m.to_StandardOpaqueMaterial.get.thermalResistance      unless empty
-      empty = m.to_MasslessOpaqueMaterial.empty?
-      rsi += m.to_MasslessOpaqueMaterial.get.thermalResistance      unless empty
-      empty = m.to_RoofVegetation.empty?
-      rsi += m.to_RoofVegetation.get.thermalResistance              unless empty
-      empty = m.to_AirGap.empty?
-      rsi += m.to_AirGap.get.thermalResistance                      unless empty
+    if holds?(a, pts[0])
+      a = a.rotate(-1) unless same?(a[0], pts[0])
     end
 
-    rsi
+    n = n.to_i
+    n = 0    unless n.abs < pts.size
+    a = a[0..n]  if n > 0
+    a = a[n..-1] if n < 0
+
+    to_p3Dv(a)
   end
 
   ##
-  # Identify a layered construction's (opaque) insulating layer. The method
-  # returns a 3-keyed hash ... :index (insulating layer index within layered
-  # construction), :type (standard: or massless: material type), and
-  # :r (material thermal resistance in m2•K/W).
+  # Returns paired sequential points as (non-zero length) line segments. If the
+  # set strictly holds 2x unique points, a single segment is returned.
+  # Otherwise, the returned number of segments equals the number of unique
+  # points. If non-collinearity is requested, then the number of returned
+  # segments equals the number of non-colliear points.
   #
-  # @param lc [OpenStudio::Model::LayeredConstruction] a layered construction
+  # @param pts [Set<OpenStudio::Point3d>] 3D points
+  # @param co [Bool] whether to keep collinear points
   #
-  # @return [Hash] index: (Integer), type: (:standard or :massless), r: (Float)
-  # @return [Hash] index: nil, type: nil, r: 0 (if invalid input)
-  def insulatingLayer(lc = nil)
+  # @return [OpenStudio::Point3dVectorVector] line segments (see logs if empty)
+  def getSegments(pts = nil, co = false)
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
-    cl  = OpenStudio::Model::LayeredConstruction
-    res = { index: nil, type: nil, r: 0.0 }
-    i   = 0                                                           # iterator
-
-    return invalid("lc", mth, 1, DBG, res)             unless lc.respond_to?(NS)
-
-    id   = lc.nameString
-    return mismatch(id, lc, cl1, mth, DBG, res)        unless lc.is_a?(cl)
-
-    lc.layers.each do |m|
-      unless m.to_MasslessOpaqueMaterial.empty?
-        m             = m.to_MasslessOpaqueMaterial.get
-
-        if m.thermalResistance < 0.001 || m.thermalResistance < res[:r]
-          i += 1
-          next
-        else
-          res[:r    ] = m.thermalResistance
-          res[:index] = i
-          res[:type ] = :massless
-        end
-      end
-
-      unless m.to_StandardOpaqueMaterial.empty?
-        m             = m.to_StandardOpaqueMaterial.get
-        k             = m.thermalConductivity
-        d             = m.thickness
-
-        if d < 0.003 || k > 3.0 || d / k < res[:r]
-          i += 1
-          next
-        else
-          res[:r    ] = d / k
-          res[:index] = i
-          res[:type ] = :standard
-        end
-      end
-
-      i += 1
+    vv  = OpenStudio::Point3dVectorVector.new
+    co  = false                 unless [true, false].include?(co)
+    pts = getNonCollinears(pts) unless co
+    pts = getUniques(pts)           if co
+    return vv                       if pts.size < 2
+
+    pts.each_with_index do |p1, i1|
+      i2 = i1 + 1
+      i2 = 0 if i2 == pts.size
+      p2 = pts[i2]
+
+      line = OpenStudio::Point3dVector.new
+      line << p1
+      line << p2
+      vv << line
+      break if pts.size == 2
     end
 
-    res
+    vv
   end
 
   ##
-  # Return OpenStudio site/space transformation & rotation angle [0,2PI) rads.
+  # Returns points as (non-zero length) 'triads', i.e. 3x sequential points.
+  # If the set holds less than 3x unique points, an empty triad is
+  # returned. Otherwise, the returned number of triads equals the number of
+  # unique points. If non-collinearity is requested, then the number of
+  # returned triads equals the number of non-collinear points.
   #
-  # @param model [OpenStudio::Model::Model] a model
-  # @param group [OpenStudio::Model::PlanarSurfaceGroup] a group
+  # @param pts [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] 3D points
+  # @param co [Bool] whether to keep collinear points
   #
-  # @return [Hash] t: (OpenStudio::Transformation), r: Float
-  # @return [Hash] t: nil, r: nil (if invalid input)
-  def transforms(model = nil, group = nil)
+  # @return [OpenStudio::Point3dVectorVector] triads (see logs if empty)
+  def getTriads(pts = nil, co = false)
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
-    cl1 = OpenStudio::Model::Model
-    cl2 = OpenStudio::Model::PlanarSurfaceGroup
-    res = { t: nil, r: nil }
-
-    return mismatch("model", model, cl1, mth, DBG, res) unless model.is_a?(cl1)
-    return invalid("group", mth, 2, DBG, res) unless group.respond_to?(NS)
-
-    id = group.nameString
-    return mismatch(id, group, cl2, mth, DBG, res) unless group.is_a?(cl2)
-
-    res[:t] = group.siteTransformation
-    res[:r] = group.directionofRelativeNorth + model.getBuilding.northAxis
+    vv  = OpenStudio::Point3dVectorVector.new
+    co  = false                 unless [true, false].include?(co)
+    pts = getNonCollinears(pts) unless co
+    pts = getUniques(pts)           if co
+    return vv                       if pts.size < 2
+
+    pts.each_with_index do |p1, i1|
+      i2 = i1 + 1
+      i2 = 0 if i2 == pts.size
+      i3 = i2 + 1
+      i3 = 0 if i3 == pts.size
+      p2 = pts[i2]
+      p3 = pts[i3]
+
+      tri = OpenStudio::Point3dVector.new
+      tri << p1
+      tri << p2
+      tri << p3
+      vv << tri
+    end
 
-    res
+    vv
   end
 
   ##
-  # Return a scalar product of an OpenStudio Vector3d.
+  # Determines if pre-'aligned' OpenStudio 3D points are listed clockwise.
   #
-  # @param v [OpenStudio::Vector3d] a vector
-  # @param m [Float] a scalar
+  # @param pts [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] 3D points
   #
-  # @return [OpenStudio::Vector3d] modified vector
-  # @return [OpenStudio::Vector3d] provided (or empty) vector if invalid input
-  def scalar(v = OpenStudio::Vector3d.new(0,0,0), m = 0)
+  # @return [Bool] whether sequence is clockwise
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def clockwise?(pts = nil)
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
-    cl1 = OpenStudio::Vector3d
-    cl2 = Numeric
+    pts = to_p3Dv(pts)
+    n   = false
+    return invalid("points (3+)",      mth, 1, DBG, n)     if pts.size < 3
+    return invalid("points (aligned)", mth, 1, DBG, n) unless xyz?(pts, :z, 0)
 
-    return mismatch("vector", v, cl1, mth, DBG, v) unless v.is_a?(cl1)
-    return mismatch("x",    v.x, cl2, mth, DBG, v) unless v.x.respond_to?(:to_f)
-    return mismatch("y",    v.y, cl2, mth, DBG, v) unless v.y.respond_to?(:to_f)
-    return mismatch("z",    v.z, cl2, mth, DBG, v) unless v.z.respond_to?(:to_f)
-    return mismatch("m",      m, cl2, mth, DBG, v) unless m.respond_to?(:to_f)
-
-    OpenStudio::Vector3d.new(m * v.x, m * v.y, m * v.z)
+    OpenStudio.pointInPolygon(pts.first, pts, TOL)
   end
 
   ##
-  # Flatten OpenStudio 3D points vs Z-axis (Z=0).
+  # Returns 'aligned' OpenStudio 3D points conforming to Openstudio's
+  # counterclockwise UpperLeftCorner (ULC) convention.
   #
-  # @param pts [Array] an OpenStudio Point3D array/vector
+  # @param pts [Set<OpenStudio::Point3d>] aligned 3D points
   #
-  # @return [Array] flattened OpenStudio 3D points
-  def flatZ(pts = nil)
+  # @return [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] ULC points (see logs if empty)
+  def ulc(pts = nil)
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
-    cl1 = OpenStudio::Point3dVector
-    cl2 = OpenStudio::Point3d
+    pts = to_p3Dv(pts)
     v   = OpenStudio::Point3dVector.new
+    p0  = OpenStudio::Point3d.new(0,0,0)
+    i0  = nil
 
-    valid = pts.is_a?(cl1) || pts.is_a?(Array)
-    return mismatch("points", pts, cl1, mth, DBG, v)      unless valid
+    return invalid("points (3+)",      mth, 1, DBG, v)     if pts.size < 3
+    return invalid("points (aligned)", mth, 1, DBG, v) unless xyz?(pts, :z, 0)
 
-    pts.each { |pt| mismatch("pt", pt, cl2, mth, ERR, v)  unless pt.is_a?(cl2) }
-    pts.each { |pt| v << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(pt.x, pt.y, 0) }
+    # Ensure counterclockwise sequence.
+    pts = pts.to_a
+    pts = pts.reverse if clockwise?(pts)
 
-    v
+    # Fetch index of candidate (0,0,0) point (i == 1, in most cases). Resort
+    # to last X == 0 point. Leave as is if failed attempts.
+    i0 = pts.index  { |pt| same?(pt, p0) }
+    i0 = pts.rindex { |pt| pt.x.abs < TOL } if i0.nil?
+
+    unless i0.nil?
+      i   = pts.size - 1
+      i   = i0 - 1 unless i0 == 0
+      pts = pts.rotate(i)
+    end
+
+    to_p3Dv(pts)
   end
 
   ##
-  # Validate whether 1st OpenStudio convex polygon fits in 2nd convex polygon.
-  #
-  # @param p1 [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] or Point3D array of polygon #1
-  # @param p2 [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] or Point3D array of polygon #2
-  # @param id1 [String] polygon #1 identifier (optional)
-  # @param id2 [String] polygon #2 identifier (optional)
-  #
-  # @return [Bool] true if 1st polygon fits entirely within the 2nd polygon
-  # @return [Bool] false if invalid input
-  def fits?(p1 = nil, p2 = nil, id1 = "", id2 = "")
+  # Returns an OpenStudio 3D point vector as basis for a valid OpenStudio 3D
+  # polygon. In addition to basic OpenStudio polygon tests (e.g. all points
+  # sharing the same 3D plane, non-self-intersecting), the method can
+  # optionally check for convexity, or ensure uniqueness and/or collinearity.
+  # Returned vector can also be 'aligned', as well as in UpperLeftCorner (ULC)
+  # counterclockwise sequence, or in clockwise sequence.
+  #
+  # @param pts [Set<OpenStudio::Point3d>] 3D points
+  # @param vx [Bool] whether to check for convexity
+  # @param uq [Bool] whether to ensure uniqueness
+  # @param co [Bool] whether to ensure non-collinearity
+  # @param tt [Bool, OpenStudio::Transformation] whether to 'align'
+  # @param sq [:no, :ulc, :cw] unaltered, ULC or clockwise sequence
+  #
+  # @return [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] 3D points (see logs if empty)
+  def poly(pts = nil, vx = false, uq = false, co = true, tt = false, sq = :no)
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
-    cl1 = OpenStudio::Point3dVector
-    cl2 = OpenStudio::Point3d
-    a   = false
+    pts = to_p3Dv(pts)
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Transformation
+    v   = OpenStudio::Point3dVector.new
+    vx  = false unless [true, false].include?(vx)
+    uq  = false unless [true, false].include?(uq)
+    co  = true  unless [true, false].include?(co)
 
-    return invalid("id1", mth, 3, DBG, a) unless id1.respond_to?(:to_s)
-    return invalid("id2", mth, 4, DBG, a) unless id2.respond_to?(:to_s)
+    # --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- #
+    # Exit if mismatched/invalid arguments.
+    ok1 = tt == true || tt == false || tt.is_a?(cl)
+    ok2 = sq == :no  || sq == :ulc  || sq == :cw
+    return invalid("transformation", mth, 5, DBG, v) unless ok1
+    return invalid("sequence",       mth, 6, DBG, v) unless ok2
 
-    i1  = id1.to_s
-    i2  = id2.to_s
-    i1  = "poly1" if i1.empty?
-    i2  = "poly2" if i2.empty?
+    # --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- #
+    # Basic tests:
+    p3 = getNonCollinears(pts, 3)
+    return empty("polygon", mth, ERR, v) if p3.size < 3
 
-    valid1 = p1.is_a?(cl1) || p1.is_a?(Array)
-    valid2 = p2.is_a?(cl1) || p2.is_a?(Array)
+    pln = OpenStudio::Plane.new(p3)
 
-    return mismatch(i1, p1, cl1, mth, DBG, a) unless valid1
-    return mismatch(i2, p2, cl1, mth, DBG, a) unless valid2
-    return empty(i1, mth, ERR, a)                 if p1.empty?
-    return empty(i2, mth, ERR, a)                 if p2.empty?
+    pts.each do |pt|
+      return empty("plane", mth, ERR, v) unless pln.pointOnPlane(pt)
+    end
 
-    p1.each { |v| return mismatch(i1, v, cl2, mth, ERR, a) unless v.is_a?(cl2) }
-    p2.each { |v| return mismatch(i2, v, cl2, mth, ERR, a) unless v.is_a?(cl2) }
+    t = tt
+    t = OpenStudio::Transformation.alignFace(pts) unless tt.is_a?(cl)
+    a = (t.inverse * pts).reverse
 
-    # XY-plane transformation matrix ... needs to be clockwise for boost.
-    ft    = OpenStudio::Transformation.alignFace(p1)
-    ft_p1 = flatZ( (ft.inverse * p1)         )
-    return  false                                                if ft_p1.empty?
+    if tt.is_a?(cl)
+      # Using a transformation that is most likely not specific to pts. The
+      # most probable reason to retain this option is when testing for polygon
+      # intersections, unions, etc., operations that typically require that
+      # points remain nonetheless 'aligned'. If re-activated, this logs a
+      # warning if aligned points aren't @Z =0, before 'flattening'.
+      #
+      #   invalid("points (non-aligned)", mth, 1, WRN) unless xyz?(a, :z, 0)
+      a = flatten(a).to_a unless xyz?(a, :z, 0)
+    end
 
-    cw    = OpenStudio.pointInPolygon(ft_p1.first, ft_p1, TOL)
-    ft_p1 = flatZ( (ft.inverse * p1).reverse )               unless cw
-    ft_p2 = flatZ( (ft.inverse * p2).reverse )               unless cw
-    ft_p2 = flatZ( (ft.inverse * p2)         )                   if cw
-    return  false                                                if ft_p2.empty?
+    # The following 2x lines are commented out. This is a very commnon and very
+    # useful test, yet tested cases are first caught by the 'pointOnPlane'
+    # test above. Keeping it for possible further testing.
+    # bad = OpenStudio.selfIntersects(a, TOL)
+    # return invalid("points (intersecting)", mth, 1, ERR, v) if bad
 
-    area1 = OpenStudio.getArea(ft_p1)
-    area2 = OpenStudio.getArea(ft_p2)
-    return  empty("#{i1} area", mth, ERR, a)                     if area1.empty?
-    return  empty("#{i2} area", mth, ERR, a)                     if area2.empty?
+    # --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- #
+    # Ensure uniqueness and/or non-collinearity. Preserve original sequence.
+    p0 = a.first
+    a  = OpenStudio.simplify(a, false, TOL)     if uq
+    a  = OpenStudio.simplify(a, true,  TOL) unless co
+    i0 = a.index { |pt| same?(pt, p0) }
+    a  = a.rotate(i0)                       unless i0.nil?
 
-    area1 = area1.get
-    area2 = area2.get
-    union = OpenStudio.join(ft_p1, ft_p2, TOL2)
-    return  false                                                if union.empty?
+    # --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- #
+    # Check for convexity (optional).
+    if vx
+      a1 = OpenStudio.simplify(a, true, TOL).reverse
+      dX = a1.max_by(&:x).x.abs
+      dY = a1.max_by(&:y).y.abs
+      d  = [dX, dY].max
+      return false if d < TOL
+
+      u = OpenStudio::Vector3d.new(0, 0, d)
+
+      a1.each_with_index do |p1, i1|
+        i2 = i1 + 1
+        i2 = 0 if i2 == a1.size
+        p2 = a1[i2]
+        pi = p1 + u
+        vi = OpenStudio::Point3dVector.new
+        vi << pi
+        vi << p1
+        vi << p2
+        plane  = OpenStudio::Plane.new(vi)
+        normal = plane.outwardNormal
+
+        a1.each do |p3|
+          next if same?(p1, p3)
+          next if same?(p2, p3)
+          next if plane.pointOnPlane(p3)
+          next if normal.dot(p3 - p1) < 0
+
+          return invalid("points (non-convex)", mth, 1, ERR, v)
+        end
+      end
+    end
 
-    union = union.get
-    area  = OpenStudio.getArea(union)
-    return  empty("#{i1}:#{i2} union area", mth, ERR, a)         if area.empty?
+    # --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- #
+    # Alter sequence (optional).
+    unless tt
+      case sq
+      when :ulc
+        a = to_p3Dv(t * ulc(a.reverse))
+      when :cw
+        a = to_p3Dv(t * a)
+        a = OpenStudio.reverse(a) unless clockwise?(a)
+      else
+        a = to_p3Dv(t * a.reverse)
+      end
+    else
+      case sq
+      when :ulc
+        a = ulc(a.reverse)
+      when :cw
+        a = to_p3Dv(a)
+        a = OpenStudio.reverse(a) unless clockwise?(a)
+      else
+        a = to_p3Dv(a.reverse)
+      end
+    end
 
-    area = area.get
+    a
+  end
 
-    return false                                     if area < TOL
-    return true                                      if (area - area2).abs < TOL
-    return false                                     if (area - area2).abs > TOL
+  ##
+  # Returns 'width' of a set of OpenStudio 3D points (perpendicular view).
+  #
+  # @param pts [Set<OpenStudio::Point3d>] 3D points
+  #
+  # @return [Float] left-to-right width
+  # @return [0.0] if invalid inputs (see logs)
+  def width(pts = nil)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
 
-    true
+    poly(pts, false, true, false, true).max_by(&:x).x
   end
 
   ##
-  # Validate whether an OpenStudio polygon overlaps another.
+  # Returns 'height' of a set of OpenStudio 3D points (perpendicular view).
   #
-  # @param p1 [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] or Point3D array of polygon #1
-  # @param p2 [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] or Point3D array of polygon #2
-  # @param id1 [String] polygon #1 identifier (optional)
-  # @param id2 [String] polygon #2 identifier (optional)
+  # @param pts [Set<OpenStudio::Point3d>] 3D points
   #
-  # @return Returns true if polygons overlaps (or either fits into the other)
-  # @return [Bool] false if invalid input
-  def overlaps?(p1 = nil, p2 = nil, id1 = "", id2 = "")
+  # @return [Float] top-to-bottom height
+  # @return [0.0] if invalid inputs (see logs)
+  def height(pts = nil)
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
-    cl1 = OpenStudio::Point3dVector
-    cl2 = OpenStudio::Point3d
-    a   = false
-
-    return invalid("id1", mth, 3, DBG, a) unless id1.respond_to?(:to_s)
-    return invalid("id2", mth, 4, DBG, a) unless id2.respond_to?(:to_s)
-
-    i1 = id1.to_s
-    i2 = id2.to_s
-    i1 = "poly1" if i1.empty?
-    i2 = "poly2" if i2.empty?
-
-    valid1 = p1.is_a?(cl1) || p1.is_a?(Array)
-    valid2 = p2.is_a?(cl1) || p2.is_a?(Array)
-
-    return mismatch(i1, p1, cl1, mth, DBG, a) unless valid1
-    return mismatch(i2, p2, cl1, mth, DBG, a) unless valid2
-    return empty(i1, mth, ERR, a)                 if p1.empty?
-    return empty(i2, mth, ERR, a)                 if p2.empty?
-
-    p1.each { |v| return mismatch(i1, v, cl2, mth, ERR, a) unless v.is_a?(cl2) }
-    p2.each { |v| return mismatch(i2, v, cl2, mth, ERR, a) unless v.is_a?(cl2) }
-
-    # XY-plane transformation matrix ... needs to be clockwise for boost.
-    ft    = OpenStudio::Transformation.alignFace(p1)
-    ft_p1 = flatZ( (ft.inverse * p1)         )
-    ft_p2 = flatZ( (ft.inverse * p2)         )
-    return  false                                                if ft_p1.empty?
-    return  false                                                if ft_p2.empty?
-
-    cw    = OpenStudio.pointInPolygon(ft_p1.first, ft_p1, TOL)
-    ft_p1 = flatZ( (ft.inverse * p1).reverse )               unless cw
-    ft_p2 = flatZ( (ft.inverse * p2).reverse )               unless cw
-    return  false                                                if ft_p1.empty?
-    return  false                                                if ft_p2.empty?
-
-    area1 = OpenStudio.getArea(ft_p1)
-    area2 = OpenStudio.getArea(ft_p2)
-    return  empty("#{i1} area", mth, ERR, a)                     if area1.empty?
-    return  empty("#{i2} area", mth, ERR, a)                     if area2.empty?
+
+    poly(pts, false, true, false, true).max_by(&:y).y
+  end
+
+  ##
+  # Determines whether a 1st OpenStudio polygon fits in a 2nd polygon.
+  #
+  # @param p1 [Set<OpenStudio::Point3d>] 1st set of 3D points
+  # @param p2 [Set<OpenStudio::Point3d>] 2nd set of 3D points
+  # @param flat [Bool] whether points are to be pre-flattened (Z=0)
+  #
+  # @return [Bool] whether 1st polygon fits within the 2nd polygon
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def fits?(p1 = nil, p2 = nil, flat = true)
+    mth  = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    p1   = poly(p1, false, true, false)
+    p2   = poly(p2, false, true, false)
+    flat = true  unless [true, false].include?(flat)
+    return false     if p1.empty?
+    return false     if p2.empty?
+
+    # Aligned, clockwise points using transformation from 2nd polygon.
+    t  = OpenStudio::Transformation.alignFace(p2)
+    p1 = poly(p1, false, false, true, t, :cw)
+    p2 = poly(p2, false, false, true, t, :cw)
+    p1 = flatten(p1) if flat
+    p2 = flatten(p2) if flat
+    return false     if p1.empty?
+    return false     if p2.empty?
+
+    area1 = OpenStudio.getArea(p1)
+    area2 = OpenStudio.getArea(p2)
+    return empty("points 1 area", mth, ERR, false) if area1.empty?
+    return empty("points 2 area", mth, ERR, false) if area2.empty?
 
     area1 = area1.get
     area2 = area2.get
-    union = OpenStudio.join(ft_p1, ft_p2, TOL2)
-    return  false                                                if union.empty?
+    union = OpenStudio.join(p1, p2, TOL2)
+    return false if union.empty?
 
     union = union.get
     area  = OpenStudio.getArea(union)
-    return empty("#{i1}:#{i2} union area", mth, ERR, a)          if area.empty?
+    return false if area.empty?
 
     area = area.get
-    return false                                                 if area < TOL
 
-    delta = (area - area1 - area2).abs
-    return false                                                 if delta < TOL
+    if area > TOL
+      return true if (area - area2).abs < TOL
+    end
 
-    true
+    false
   end
 
   ##
-  # Generate offset vertices (by width) for a 3- or 4-sided, convex polygon.
+  # Determines whether OpenStudio polygons overlap.
   #
-  # @param p1 [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] OpenStudio Point3D vector/array
-  # @param w [Float] offset width (min: 0.0254m)
-  # @param v [Integer] OpenStudio SDK version, eg '321' for 'v3.2.1' (optional)
+  # @param p1 [Set<OpenStudio::Point3d>] 1st set of 3D points
+  # @param p2 [Set<OpenStudio::Point3d>] 2nd set of 3D points
+  # @param flat [Bool] whether points are to be pre-flattened (Z=0)
   #
-  # @return [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] offset points if successful
-  # @return [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] original points if invalid input
-  def offset(p1 = [], w = 0, v = 0)
-    mth   = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
-    cl    = OpenStudio::Point3d
-    vrsn  = OpenStudio.openStudioVersion.split(".").map(&:to_i).join.to_i
+  # @return [Bool] whether polygons overlap (or fit)
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def overlaps?(p1 = nil, p2 = nil, flat = true)
+    mth  = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    p1   = poly(p1, false, true, false)
+    p2   = poly(p2, false, true, false)
+    flat = true unless [true, false].include?(flat)
+    return false    if p1.empty?
+    return false    if p2.empty?
+
+    # Aligned, clockwise & convex points using transformation from 1st polygon.
+    t  = OpenStudio::Transformation.alignFace(p1)
+    p1 = poly(p1, false, false, true, t, :cw)
+    p2 = poly(p2, false, false, true, t, :cw)
+    p1 = flatten(p1) if flat
+    p2 = flatten(p2) if flat
+    return false     if p1.empty?
+    return false     if p2.empty?
+
+    return true if fits?(p1, p2)
+    return true if fits?(p2, p1)
+
+    area1 = OpenStudio.getArea(p1)
+    area2 = OpenStudio.getArea(p2)
+    return empty("points 1 area", mth, ERR, false) if area1.empty?
+    return empty("points 2 area", mth, ERR, false) if area2.empty?
 
-    valid = p1.is_a?(OpenStudio::Point3dVector) || p1.is_a?(Array)
-    return  mismatch("pts", p1, cl1, mth, DBG, p1)  unless valid
-    return  empty("pts", mth, ERR, p1)                  if p1.empty?
+    area1 = area1.get
+    area2 = area2.get
+    union = OpenStudio.join(p1, p2, TOL2)
+    return false if union.empty?
 
-    valid = p1.size == 3 || p1.size == 4
-    iv    = true if p1.size == 4
-    return  invalid("pts", mth, 1, DBG, p1)         unless valid
-    return  invalid("width", mth, 2, DBG, p1)       unless w.respond_to?(:to_f)
+    union = union.get
+    area  = OpenStudio.getArea(union)
+    return false if area.empty?
 
-    w     = w.to_f
-    return  p1                                          if w < 0.0254
+    area  = area.get
+    delta = area1 + area2 - area
 
-    v     = v.to_i                                      if v.respond_to?(:to_i)
-    v     = 0                                       unless v.respond_to?(:to_i)
-    v     = vrsn                                        if v.zero?
+    if area > TOL
+      return false if (area - area1).abs < TOL
+      return false if (area - area2).abs < TOL
+      return false if delta.abs < TOL
+      return true  if delta > TOL
+    end
 
-    p1.each { |x| return mismatch("p", x, cl, mth, ERR, p1) unless x.is_a?(cl) }
+    false
+  end
 
-    unless v < 340
-      # XY-plane transformation matrix ... needs to be clockwise for boost.
-      ft     = OpenStudio::Transformation::alignFace(p1)
-      ft_pts = flatZ( (ft.inverse * p1) )
-      return   p1                                       if ft_pts.empty?
+  ##
+  # Generates offset vertices (by width) for a 3- or 4-sided, convex polygon.
+  #
+  # @param p1 [Set<OpenStudio::Point3d>] OpenStudio 3D points
+  # @param w [#to_f] offset width (min: 0.0254m)
+  # @param v [#to_i] OpenStudio SDK version, eg '321' for "v3.2.1" (optional)
+  #
+  # @return [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] offset points (see logs if unaltered)
+  def offset(p1 = nil, w = 0, v = 0)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    pts = poly(p1, true, true, false, true, :cw)
+    return invalid("points", mth, 1, DBG, p1) unless [3, 4].include?(pts.size)
 
-      cw     = OpenStudio::pointInPolygon(ft_pts.first, ft_pts, TOL)
-      ft_pts = flatZ( (ft.inverse * p1).reverse )   unless cw
-      offset = OpenStudio.buffer(ft_pts, w, TOL)
-      return   p1                                       if offset.empty?
+    mismatch("width",   w, Numeric, mth) unless w.respond_to?(:to_f)
+    mismatch("version", v, Integer, mth) unless v.respond_to?(:to_i)
 
-      offset = offset.get
-      offset =  ft * offset                             if cw
-      offset = (ft * offset).reverse                unless cw
+    vs = OpenStudio.openStudioVersion.split(".").join.to_i
+    iv = true   if pts.size == 4
+    v  = v.to_i if v.respond_to?(:to_i)
+    v  = -1 unless v.respond_to?(:to_i)
+    v  = vs     if v < 0
+    w  = w.to_f if w.respond_to?(:to_f)
+    w  = 0  unless w.respond_to?(:to_f)
+    w  = 0      if w < 0.0254
 
-      pz = OpenStudio::Point3dVector.new
-      offset.each { |o| pz << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(o.x, o.y, o.z ) }
+    unless v < 340
+      t      = OpenStudio::Transformation.alignFace(p1)
+      offset = OpenStudio.buffer(pts, w, TOL)
+      return p1 if offset.empty?
 
-      return pz
-    else                                                  # brute force approach
+      return to_p3Dv(t * offset.get.reverse)
+    else                                                 # brute force approach
       pz     = {}
       pz[:A] = {}
       pz[:B] = {}
@@ -1690,81 +3155,347 @@ module OSut
   end
 
   ##
-  # Validate whether an OpenStudio planar surface is safe to process.
+  # Generates a ULC OpenStudio 3D point vector (a bounding box) that surrounds
+  # multiple (smaller) OpenStudio 3D point vectors. The generated, 4-point
+  # outline is optionally buffered (or offset). Frame and Divider frame widths
+  # are taken into account.
+  #
+  # @param a [Array] sets of OpenStudio 3D points
+  # @param bfr [Numeric] an optional buffer size (min: 0.0254m)
+  # @param flat [Bool] if points are to be pre-flattened (Z=0)
+  #
+  # @return [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] ULC outline (see logs if empty)
+  def outline(a = [], bfr = 0, flat = true)
+    mth  = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    flat = true unless [true, false].include?(flat)
+    xMIN = nil
+    xMAX = nil
+    yMIN = nil
+    yMAX = nil
+    a2   = []
+    out  = OpenStudio::Point3dVector.new
+    cl   = Array
+    return mismatch("array", a, cl, mth, DBG, out) unless a.is_a?(cl)
+    return empty("array",           mth, DBG, out)     if a.empty?
+
+    mismatch("buffer", bfr, Numeric, mth) unless bfr.respond_to?(:to_f)
+
+    bfr = bfr.to_f if bfr.respond_to?(:to_f)
+    bfr = 0    unless bfr.respond_to?(:to_f)
+    bfr = 0        if bfr < 0.0254
+    vtx = poly(a.first)
+    t   = OpenStudio::Transformation.alignFace(vtx) unless vtx.empty?
+    return out                                          if vtx.empty?
+
+    a.each do |pts|
+      points = poly(pts, false, true, false, t)
+      points = flatten(points) if flat
+      next if points.empty?
+
+      a2 << points
+    end
+
+    a2.each do |pts|
+      minX = pts.min_by(&:x).x
+      maxX = pts.max_by(&:x).x
+      minY = pts.min_by(&:y).y
+      maxY = pts.max_by(&:y).y
+
+      # Consider frame width, if frame-and-divider-enabled sub surface.
+      if pts.respond_to?(:allowWindowPropertyFrameAndDivider)
+        fd = pts.windowPropertyFrameAndDivider
+        w  = 0
+        w  = fd.get.frameWidth unless fd.empty?
+
+        if w > TOL
+          minX -= w
+          maxX += w
+          minY -= w
+          maxY += w
+        end
+      end
+
+      xMIN = minX if xMIN.nil?
+      xMAX = maxX if xMAX.nil?
+      yMIN = minY if yMIN.nil?
+      yMAX = maxY if yMAX.nil?
+
+      xMIN = [xMIN, minX].min
+      xMAX = [xMAX, maxX].max
+      yMIN = [yMIN, minY].min
+      yMAX = [yMAX, maxY].max
+    end
+
+    return negative("outline width",  mth, DBG, out) if xMAX < xMIN
+    return negative("outline height", mth, DBG, out) if yMAX < yMIN
+    return zero("outline width",      mth, DBG, out) if (xMIN - xMAX).abs < TOL
+    return zero("outline height",     mth, DBG, out) if (yMIN - yMAX).abs < TOL
+
+    # Generate ULC point 3D vector.
+    out << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(xMIN, yMAX, 0)
+    out << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(xMIN, yMIN, 0)
+    out << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(xMAX, yMIN, 0)
+    out << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(xMAX, yMAX, 0)
+
+    # Apply buffer, apply ULC (options).
+    out = offset(out, bfr, 300) if bfr > 0.0254
+
+    to_p3Dv(t * out)
+  end
+
+  ##
+  # Returns an array of OpenStudio space-specific surfaces that match criteria,
+  # e.g. exterior, north-east facing walls in hotel "lobby". Note 'sides' rely
+  # on space coordinates (not absolute model coordinates). And 'sides' are
+  # exclusive, not inclusive (e.g. walls strictly north-facing or strictly
+  # east-facing would not be returned if 'sides' holds [:north, :east]).
+  #
+  # @param spaces [Array<OpenStudio::Model::Space>] target spaces
+  # @param boundary [#to_s] OpenStudio outside boundary condition
+  # @param type [#to_s] OpenStudio surface type
+  # @param sides [Array<Symbols>] direction keys, e.g. :north (see OSut::SIDZ)
+  #
+  # @return [Array<OpenStudio::Model::Surface>] surfaces (may be empty)
+  def facets(spaces = [], boundary = "Outdoors", type = "Wall", sides = [])
+    return [] unless spaces.respond_to?(:&)
+    return [] unless sides.respond_to?(:&)
+    return []     if sides.empty?
+
+    faces    = []
+    boundary = trim(boundary).downcase
+    type     = trim(type).downcase
+    return [] if boundary.empty?
+    return [] if type.empty?
+
+    # Keep valid sides.
+    sides = sides.select { |side| SIDZ.include?(side) }
+    return [] if sides.empty?
+
+    spaces.each do |space|
+      return [] unless space.respond_to?(:setSpaceType)
+
+      space.surfaces.each do |s|
+        next unless s.outsideBoundaryCondition.downcase == boundary
+        next unless s.surfaceType.downcase == type
+
+        orientations = []
+        orientations << :top    if s.outwardNormal.z >  TOL
+        orientations << :bottom if s.outwardNormal.z < -TOL
+        orientations << :north  if s.outwardNormal.y >  TOL
+        orientations << :east   if s.outwardNormal.x >  TOL
+        orientations << :south  if s.outwardNormal.y < -TOL
+        orientations << :west   if s.outwardNormal.x < -TOL
+
+        faces << s if sides.all? { |o| orientations.include?(o) }
+      end
+    end
+
+    faces
+  end
+
+  ##
+  # Generates an OpenStudio 3D point vector of a composite floor "slab", a
+  # 'union' of multiple rectangular, horizontal floor "plates". Each plate
+  # must either share an edge with (or encompass or overlap) any of the
+  # preceding plates in the array. The generated slab may not be convex.
+  #
+  # @param [Array<Hash>] pltz individual floor plates, each holding:
+  # @option pltz [Numeric] :x left corner of plate origin (bird's eye view)
+  # @option pltz [Numeric] :y bottom corner of plate origin (bird's eye view)
+  # @option pltz [Numeric] :dx plate width (bird's eye view)
+  # @option pltz [Numeric] :dy plate depth (bird's eye view)
+  # @param z [Numeric] Z-axis coordinate
+  #
+  # @return [OpenStudio::Point3dVector] slab vertices (see logs if empty)
+  def genSlab(pltz = [], z = 0)
+    mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
+    slb = OpenStudio::Point3dVector.new
+    bkp = OpenStudio::Point3dVector.new
+    cl1 = Array
+    cl2 = Hash
+    cl3 = Numeric
+
+    # Input validation.
+    return mismatch("plates", pltz, cl1, mth, DBG, slb) unless pltz.is_a?(cl1)
+    return mismatch(     "Z",    z, cl3, mth, DBG, slb) unless z.is_a?(cl3)
+
+    pltz.each_with_index do |plt, i|
+      id = "plate # #{i+1} (index #{i})"
+
+      return mismatch(id, plt, cl1, mth, DBG, slb) unless plt.is_a?(cl2)
+      return hashkey( id, plt,  :x, mth, DBG, slb) unless plt.key?(:x )
+      return hashkey( id, plt,  :y, mth, DBG, slb) unless plt.key?(:y )
+      return hashkey( id, plt, :dx, mth, DBG, slb) unless plt.key?(:dx)
+      return hashkey( id, plt, :dy, mth, DBG, slb) unless plt.key?(:dy)
+
+      x  = plt[:x ]
+      y  = plt[:y ]
+      dx = plt[:dx]
+      dy = plt[:dy]
+
+      return mismatch("#{id} X",   x, cl3, mth, DBG, slb) unless  x.is_a?(cl3)
+      return mismatch("#{id} Y",   y, cl3, mth, DBG, slb) unless  y.is_a?(cl3)
+      return mismatch("#{id} dX", dx, cl3, mth, DBG, slb) unless dx.is_a?(cl3)
+      return mismatch("#{id} dY", dy, cl3, mth, DBG, slb) unless dy.is_a?(cl3)
+      return zero(    "#{id} dX",          mth, ERR, slb)     if dx.abs < TOL
+      return zero(    "#{id} dY",          mth, ERR, slb)     if dy.abs < TOL
+    end
+
+    # Join plates.
+    pltz.each_with_index do |plt, i|
+      id = "plate # #{i+1} (index #{i})"
+      x  = plt[:x ]
+      y  = plt[:y ]
+      dx = plt[:dx]
+      dy = plt[:dy]
+
+      # Adjust X if dX < 0.
+      x -= -dx if dx < 0
+      dx = -dx if dx < 0
+
+      # Adjust Y if dY < 0.
+      y -= -dy if dy < 0
+      dy = -dy if dy < 0
+
+      vtx  = []
+      vtx << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(x + dx, y + dy, 0)
+      vtx << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(x + dx, y,      0)
+      vtx << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(x,      y,      0)
+      vtx << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(x,      y + dy, 0)
+
+      if slb.empty?
+        slb = vtx
+      else
+        slab = OpenStudio.join(slb, vtx, TOL2)
+        slb  = slab.get                  unless slab.empty?
+        return invalid(id, mth, 0, ERR, bkp) if slab.empty?
+      end
+    end
+
+    # Once joined, re-adjust Z-axis coordinates.
+    unless z.zero?
+      vtx = OpenStudio::Point3dVector.new
+      slb.each { |pt| vtx << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(pt.x, pt.y, z) }
+      slb = vtx
+    end
+
+    slb
+  end
+
+  ##
+  # Returns outdoor-facing, space-(related) roof/ceiling surfaces. These
+  # include outdoor-facing roof/ceilings of the space per se, as well as
+  # any outside-facing roof/ceiling surface of an unoccupied space
+  # immediately above (e.g. a plenum) overlapping any of the roof/ceilings
+  # of the space itself.
   #
-  # @param s [OpenStudio::Model::PlanarSurface] a surface
+  # @param space [OpenStudio::Model::Space] a space
   #
-  # @return [Bool] true if valid surface
-  def surface_valid?(s = nil)
+  # @return [Array<OpenStudio::Model::Surface>] surfaces (see logs if empty)
+  def getRoofs(space = nil)
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
-    cl = OpenStudio::Model::PlanarSurface
+    cl  = OpenStudio::Model::Space
+    return mismatch("space", space, cl, mth, DBG, []) unless space.is_a?(cl)
+
+    roofs = space.surfaces # outdoor-facing roofs of the space
+    clngs = space.surfaces # surface-facing ceilings of the space
+
+    roofs = roofs.select {|s| s.surfaceType.downcase == "roofceiling"}
+    roofs = roofs.select {|s| s.outsideBoundaryCondition.downcase == "outdoors"}
 
-    return mismatch("surface", s, cl, mth, DBG, false) unless s.is_a?(cl)
+    clngs = clngs.select {|s| s.surfaceType.downcase == "roofceiling"}
+    clngs = clngs.select {|s| s.outsideBoundaryCondition.downcase == "surface"}
 
-    id   = s.nameString
-    size = s.vertices.size
-    last = size - 1
+    clngs.each do |ceiling|
+      floor = ceiling.adjacentSurface
+      next if floor.empty?
 
-    log(ERR, "#{id} #{size} vertices? need +3 (#{mth})")        unless size > 2
-    return false                                                unless size > 2
+      other = floor.get.space
+      next if other.empty?
 
-    [0, last].each do |i|
-      v1  = s.vertices[i]
-      v2  = s.vertices[i + 1]                                  unless i == last
-      v2  = s.vertices.first                                       if i == last
-      vec = v2 - v1
-      bad = vec.length < TOL
+      rufs = other.get.surfaces
 
-      # As is, this comparison also catches collinear vertices (< 10mm apart)
-      # along an edge. Should avoid red-flagging such cases. TO DO.
-      log(ERR, "#{id}: < #{TOL}m (#{mth})")                              if bad
-      return false                                                       if bad
+      rufs = rufs.select {|s| s.surfaceType.downcase == "roofceiling"}
+      rufs = rufs.select {|s| s.outsideBoundaryCondition.downcase == "outdoors"}
+      next if rufs.empty?
+
+      # Only keep track of "other" roof(s) that "overlap" ceiling below.
+      rufs.each do |ruf|
+        next unless overlaps?(ceiling, ruf)
+
+        roofs << ruf unless roofs.include?(ruf)
+      end
     end
 
-    # Add as many extra tests as needed ...
-    true
+    roofs
   end
 
   ##
-  # Add sub surfaces (e.g. windows, doors, skylights) to surface.
+  # Adds sub surfaces (e.g. windows, doors, skylights) to surface.
   #
-  # @param model [OpenStudio::Model::Model] a model
   # @param s [OpenStudio::Model::Surface] a model surface
-  # @param subs [Array] requested sub surface attributes
-  # @param clear [Bool] remove current sub surfaces if true
-  # @param bfr [Double] safety buffer (m), when ~aligned along other edges
-  #
-  # @return [Bool] true if successful (check for logged messages if failures)
-  def addSubs(model = nil, s = nil, subs = [], clear = false, bfr = 0.005)
+  # @param [Array<Hash>] subs requested attributes
+  # @option subs [#to_s] :id identifier e.g. "Window 007"
+  # @option subs [#to_s] :type ("FixedWindow") OpenStudio subsurface type
+  # @option subs [#to_i] :count (1) number of individual subs per array
+  # @option subs [#to_i] :multiplier (1) OpenStudio subsurface multiplier
+  # @option subs [#frameWidth] :frame (nil) OpenStudio frame & divider object
+  # @option subs [#isFenestration] :assembly (nil) OpenStudio construction
+  # @option subs [#to_f] :ratio e.g. %FWR [0.0, 1.0]
+  # @option subs [#to_f] :head (OSut::HEAD) e.g. door height (incl frame)
+  # @option subs [#to_f] :sill (OSut::SILL) e.g. window sill (incl frame)
+  # @option subs [#to_f] :height sill-to-head height
+  # @option subs [#to_f] :width e.g. door width
+  # @option subs [#to_f] :offset left-right centreline dX e.g. between doors
+  # @option subs [#to_f] :centreline left-right dX (sub/array vs base)
+  # @option subs [#to_f] :r_buffer gap between sub/array and right corner
+  # @option subs [#to_f] :l_buffer gap between sub/array and left corner
+  # @param clear [Bool] whether to remove current sub surfaces
+  # @param bfr [#to_f] safety buffer, to maintain near other edges
+  #
+  # @return [Bool] whether addition is successful
+  # @return [false] if invalid input (see logs)
+  def addSubs(s = nil, subs = [], clear = false, bfr = 0.005)
     mth = "OSut::#{__callee__}"
     v   = OpenStudio.openStudioVersion.split(".").join.to_i
-    cl1 = OpenStudio::Model::Model
-    cl2 = OpenStudio::Model::Surface
-    cl3 = Array
-    cl4 = Hash
-    cl5 = Numeric
+    cl1 = OpenStudio::Model::Surface
+    cl2 = Array
+    cl3 = Hash
     min = 0.050 # minimum ratio value ( 5%)
     max = 0.950 # maximum ratio value (95%)
     no  = false
 
     # --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- #
     # Exit if mismatched or invalid argument classes.
-    return mismatch("model", model, cl1, mth, DBG, no) unless model.is_a?(cl1)
-    return mismatch("surface",   s, cl2, mth, DBG, no) unless s.is_a?(cl2)
-    return mismatch("subs",   subs, cl3, mth, DBG, no) unless subs.is_a?(cl3)
-    return no                                          unless surface_valid?(s)
+    return mismatch("surface",  s, cl2, mth, DBG, no) unless s.is_a?(cl1)
+    return mismatch("subs",  subs, cl3, mth, DBG, no) unless subs.is_a?(cl2)
+    return empty("surface points",      mth, DBG, no)     if poly(s).empty?
 
     # --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- #
     # Clear existing sub surfaces if requested.
     nom = s.nameString
+    mdl = s.model
 
-    unless clear == true || clear == false
+    unless [true, false].include?(clear)
       log(WRN, "#{nom}: Keeping existing sub surfaces (#{mth})")
       clear = false
     end
 
     s.subSurfaces.map(&:remove) if clear
 
+    # --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- #
+    # Ensure minimum safety buffer.
+    if bfr.respond_to?(:to_f)
+      bfr = bfr.to_f
+      return negative("safety buffer", mth, ERR, no) if bfr < 0
+
+      msg = "Safety buffer < 5mm may generate invalid geometry (#{mth})"
+      log(WRN, msg) if bfr < 0.005
+    else
+      log(ERR, "Setting safety buffer to 5mm (#{mth})")
+      bfr = 0.005
+    end
+
     # --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- #
     # Allowable sub surface types ... & Frame&Divider enabled
     #   - "FixedWindow"             | true
@@ -1780,47 +3511,36 @@ module OSut
     stype = s.surfaceType # Wall, RoofCeiling or Floor
 
     # --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- #
-    # Fetch transform, as if host surface vertices were to "align", i.e.:
-    #   - rotated/tilted ... then flattened along XY plane
-    #   - all Z-axis coordinates ~= 0
-    #   - vertices with the lowest X-axis values are "aligned" along X-axis (0)
-    #   - vertices with the lowest Z-axis values are "aligned" along Y-axis (0)
-    #   - Z-axis values are represented as Y-axis values
-    tr = OpenStudio::Transformation.alignFace(s.vertices)
-
-    # Aligned vertices of host surface, and fetch attributes.
-    aligned = tr.inverse * s.vertices
-    max_x   = aligned.max_by(&:x).x
-    max_y   = aligned.max_by(&:y).y
-    mid_x   = max_x / 2
-    mid_y   = max_y / 2
+    t     = OpenStudio::Transformation.alignFace(s.vertices)
+    max_x = width(s)
+    max_y = height(s)
+    mid_x = max_x / 2
+    mid_y = max_y / 2
 
     # --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- #
     # Assign default values to certain sub keys (if missing), +more validation.
     subs.each_with_index do |sub, index|
-      return mismatch("sub", sub, cl4, mth, DBG, no) unless sub.is_a?(cl4)
+      return mismatch("sub", sub, cl4, mth, DBG, no) unless sub.is_a?(cl3)
 
       # Required key:value pairs (either set by the user or defaulted).
-      sub[:id        ] = ""     unless sub.key?(:id        ) # "Window 007"
-      sub[:type      ] = type   unless sub.key?(:type      ) # "FixedWindow"
-      sub[:count     ] = 1      unless sub.key?(:count     ) # for an array
-      sub[:multiplier] = 1      unless sub.key?(:multiplier)
-      sub[:frame     ] = nil    unless sub.key?(:frame     ) # frame/divider
-      sub[:assembly  ] = nil    unless sub.key?(:assembly  ) # construction
-
-      # Optional key:value pairs.
-      # sub[:ratio     ] # e.g. %FWR
-      # sub[:head      ] # e.g. std 80" door + frame/buffers (+ m)
-      # sub[:sill      ] # e.g. std 30" sill + frame/buffers (+ m)
-      # sub[:height    ] # any sub surface height, below "head" (+ m)
-      # sub[:width     ] # e.g. 1.200 m
-      # sub[:offset    ] # if array (+ m)
-      # sub[:centreline] # left or right of base surface centreline (+/- m)
-      # sub[:r_buffer  ] # buffer between sub/array and right-side corner (+ m)
-      # sub[:l_buffer  ] # buffer between sub/array and left-side corner (+ m)
-
-      sub[:id] = "#{nom}|#{index}" if sub[:id].empty?
-      id       = sub[:id]
+      sub[:frame     ] = nil  unless sub.key?(:frame     )
+      sub[:assembly  ] = nil  unless sub.key?(:assembly  )
+      sub[:count     ] = 1    unless sub.key?(:count     )
+      sub[:multiplier] = 1    unless sub.key?(:multiplier)
+      sub[:id        ] = ""   unless sub.key?(:id        )
+      sub[:type      ] = type unless sub.key?(:type      )
+      sub[:type      ] = trim(sub[:type])
+      sub[:id        ] = trim(sub[:id])
+      sub[:type      ] = type                   if sub[:type].empty?
+      sub[:id        ] = "OSut|#{nom}|#{index}" if sub[:id  ].empty?
+      sub[:count     ] = 1 unless sub[:count     ].respond_to?(:to_i)
+      sub[:multiplier] = 1 unless sub[:multiplier].respond_to?(:to_i)
+      sub[:count     ] = sub[:count     ].to_i
+      sub[:multiplier] = sub[:multiplier].to_i
+      sub[:count     ] = 1 if sub[:count     ] < 1
+      sub[:multiplier] = 1 if sub[:multiplier] < 1
+
+      id = sub[:id]
 
       # If sub surface type is invalid, log/reset. Additional corrections may
       # be enabled once a sub surface is actually instantiated.
@@ -1855,14 +3575,17 @@ module OSut
         end
       end
 
-      # Log/reset negative numerical values. Set ~0 values to 0.
+      # Log/reset negative float values. Set ~0.0 values to 0.0.
       sub.each do |key, value|
-        next if key == :id
+        next if key == :count
+        next if key == :multiplier
         next if key == :type
+        next if key == :id
         next if key == :frame
         next if key == :assembly
 
-        return mismatch(key, value, cl5, mth, DBG, no) unless value.is_a?(cl5)
+        ok = value.respond_to?(:to_f)
+        return mismatch(key, value, Float, mth, DBG, no) unless ok
         next if key == :centreline
 
         negative(key, mth, WRN) if value < 0
@@ -1907,9 +3630,9 @@ module OSut
       max_height = max_y - buffers
       max_width  = max_x - buffers
 
-      # Default sub surface "head" & "sill" height (unless user-specified).
-      typ_head = HEAD # standard 80" door
-      typ_sill = SILL # standard 30" window sill
+      # Default sub surface "head" & "sill" height, unless user-specified.
+      typ_head = HEAD
+      typ_sill = SILL
 
       if sub.key?(:ratio)
         typ_head = mid_y * (1 + sub[:ratio])     if sub[:ratio] > 0.75
@@ -2051,18 +3774,22 @@ module OSut
       # Log/reset "width" if beyond min/max.
       if sub.key?(:width)
         unless sub[:width].between?(glass, max_width)
-          sub[:width] = glass      if sub[:width] < glass
-          sub[:width] = max_width  if sub[:width] > max_width
+          sub[:width] = glass     if sub[:width] < glass
+          sub[:width] = max_width if sub[:width] > max_width
           log(WRN, "Reset '#{id}' width to #{sub[:width]} m (#{mth})")
         end
       end
 
-      # Log/reset "count" if < 1.
-      if sub.key?(:count)
+      # Log/reset "count" if < 1 (or not an Integer)
+      if sub[:count].respond_to?(:to_i)
+        sub[:count] = sub[:count].to_i
+
         if sub[:count] < 1
           sub[:count] = 1
           log(WRN, "Reset '#{id}' count to #{sub[:count]} (#{mth})")
         end
+      else
+        sub[:count] = 1
       end
 
       sub[:count] = 1 unless sub.key?(:count)
@@ -2221,7 +3948,7 @@ module OSut
 
       # Generate sub(s).
       sub[:count].times do |i|
-        name = "#{id}:#{i}"
+        name = "#{id}|#{i}"
         fr   = 0
         fr   = sub[:frame].frameWidth if sub[:frame]
 
@@ -2230,12 +3957,12 @@ module OSut
         vec << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(pos,               sub[:sill], 0)
         vec << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(pos + sub[:width], sub[:sill], 0)
         vec << OpenStudio::Point3d.new(pos + sub[:width], sub[:head], 0)
-        vec = tr * vec
+        vec = t * vec
 
         # Log/skip if conflict between individual sub and base surface.
         vc = vec
         vc = offset(vc, fr, 300) if fr > 0
-        ok = fits?(vc, s.vertices, name, nom)
+        ok = fits?(vc, s)
         log(ERR, "Skip '#{name}': won't fit in '#{nom}' (#{mth})") unless ok
         break                                                      unless ok
 
@@ -2247,7 +3974,7 @@ module OSut
           fr   = fd.get.frameWidth unless fd.empty?
           vk   = sb.vertices
           vk   = offset(vk, fr, 300) if fr > 0
-          oops = overlaps?(vc, vk, name, nome)
+          oops = overlaps?(vc, vk)
           log(ERR, "Skip '#{name}': overlaps '#{nome}' (#{mth})") if oops
           ok = false                                              if oops
           break                                                   if oops
@@ -2255,7 +3982,7 @@ module OSut
 
         break unless ok
 
-        sb = OpenStudio::Model::SubSurface.new(vec, model)
+        sb = OpenStudio::Model::SubSurface.new(vec, mdl)
         sb.setName(name)
         sb.setSubSurfaceType(sub[:type])
         sb.setConstruction(sub[:assembly])               if sub[:assembly]