IFCX — OpenAEC Foundation

Why IFCX?

IFCX is the next generation of the IFC data format. Where classic IFC (IFC2x3, IFC4) uses a fixed schema, IFCX offers a flexible, extensible model based on namespaces. This makes it possible to add domain-specific information without modifying the core schema.

For the OpenAEC Foundation, IFCX is the logical choice: it is open, extensible and aligns with our vision that the entire AEC ecosystem should run on open standards.

IFCX as universal language

Within the OpenAEC ecosystem, IFCX is the central data format. Every tool — from cost estimation to validation, from 2D drawings to 3D viewers — reads and writes IFCX. This means data flows seamlessly between all parts of the AEC chain, without conversion or data loss.

IFC 4.3: from buildings to infrastructure

IFCX builds on IFC 4.3, which supports not only buildings but full civil infrastructure. This means OpenAEC covers residential and commercial buildings, as well as roads, bridges, tunnels, railways, water infrastructure and marine facilities.

IfcBuilding — buildings (residential/commercial): homes, offices, schools, hospitals
IfcRoad — roads, intersections, roundabouts, cycle paths
IfcRail — railways, stations, platforms, switches
IfcBridge — bridges, viaducts, fly-overs
IfcTunnel — tunnels (road, rail, pipeline)
IfcMarineFacility — ports, locks, quay walls, dikes

Everything in one model

We store everything in IFC. Not just the geometry, but all data that has any relationship with the BIM model is stored in this format:

Standards

Dutch Building Decree, Eurocode, NL BIM Basis ILS and other regulations directly in the model

Formulas & calculations

Structural calculations, energy calculations and sizing formulas

Design basis

Project assumptions, design decisions and programme of requirements

Reports

Inspection reports, validation reports and advisory reports

Photos

Site photos, progress images and survey photos linked to elements

Signatures

Digital signatures for approvals, handovers and sign-offs

Drawings

2D drawings, detail drawings and working drawings as part of the model

Building physics data

Thermal properties, acoustics, daylight and moisture behavior

Quotes & estimates

Cost estimates, quotes, quantities and unit prices

Facility management data

Maintenance schedules, warranties, installation data and management information

Tools that speak IFCX

All tools in the OpenAEC ecosystem are built around IFCX as the central format:

Open Calc StudioReads IFCX quantities, writes cost data back as the openaec:cost namespace
Open 2D StudioGenerates 2D drawings directly from IFCX geometry
Open PDF StudioProduces technical documents based on IFCX model data
Open Energy StudioCalculates energy performance from the openaec:energy namespace
Open Planner StudioLinks planning to IFCX elements for 4D visualization
Open Pointcloud StudioCompares point cloud data with IFCX models for as-built verification
Open Field StudioLogs field inspections linked to IFCX elements
Monty IFC ViewerVisualizes IFCX models including all custom namespaces
BIM ValidatorValidates IFCX models against IDS specifications and Dutch standards

Open standard

All OpenAEC namespaces are published openly and are free to use under an open license. We work together with buildingSMART and the Dutch BIM community to align our namespaces with international standards.

By developing and maintaining all necessary namespaces ourselves, we ensure that IFCX can actually contain a complete building model — from first sketch to handover and management.