New EKOVENT Plugin improves ventilation design in MagiCAD for AutoCAD

We are delighted to introduce the new EKOVENT Plugin for MagiCAD for AutoCAD, designed to simplify the selection and integration of EKOVENT roof hoods and inlets directly into MagiCAD projects. We interviewed Ljubomir Doslic, Product & Marketing Manager at EKOVENT, to share why this plugin was developed, what are the biggest trends shaping the future of the HVAC industry, and how is EKOVENT preparing to address them.

EKOVENT is one of Sweden’s leading companies in ventilation and fire protection, with over 50 years of experience in developing, manufacturing, and marketing high-quality products. For several years, EKOVENT products have been available in MagiCAD Cloud, enabling designers to integrate them into their projects. EKOSELECT, EKOVENT’s product selection tool for fire dampers, roof hoods, and louvres, simplifies the process of choosing the right product for specific needs. The new MagiCAD Plugin links the roof hoods and inlets from the selection program directly to the MagiCAD for AutoCAD software, making product insertion easier and project workflows even more efficient.

Could you share what inspired the development of the EKOVENT plugin for MagiCAD for AutoCAD?

“The EKOVENT plugin for MagiCAD for AutoCAD was developed to address the specific challenges HVAC professionals face in modern building design. It streamlines the integration of roof hoods, inlets, and combination products directly into BIM workflows, ensuring precise performance data, compatibility, and efficient system design. This development was guided by a clear demand for tools that reduce manual work and improve accuracy in ventilation projects.

A key driver behind the plugin’s creation was feedback from professionals who identified inefficiencies in traditional methods. Configuring complex solutions, such as roof hoods combined with inlets, often required significant manual effort to ensure alignment with ductwork and system requirements. The plugin solves this by automating these processes, validating duct systems, and ensuring all product dimensions, airflow capacities, and pressure drops are accurately integrated into the design.

One of the primary challenges during development was creating a tool capable of handling not only individual components but also complex product combinations without compromising performance data. This required mapping detailed product specifications and ensuring seamless interaction with MagiCAD’s calculation tools for airflow and pressure balancing.”

How does the EKOVENT Plugin for MagiCAD for AutoCAD work

The new plugin connects roof hoods and inlets from EKOVENT’s product selection web tool EKOSELECT to MagiCAD for AutoCAD.

It enables users to efficiently choose products across three categories—exhaust, outdoor supply, and combination systems. Once selected, products can be inserted into MagiCAD for AutoCAD, where they can be integrated with ventilation ductwork and linked to MagiCAD’s specific calculations for technical data and system performance. The plugin ensures compatibility by verifying that necessary ventilation systems are available in your project, enhancing workflow and precision in design.

The basic workflow for the insert operation in MagiCAD for AutoCAD begins with the user clicking the insert button located in the MagiCAD Plugins tab under the EKOVENT panel, which indicates the product class. The plugin then checks if the project contains the required duct series and silently adds it if missing, notifying the user only in case of an error.

It also verifies the existence of systems for the selected product class, informing the user if they are missing but still allowing product browsing. The EKOVENT selection tool opens within the plugin’s browser, where the user can filter and choose a roof hood or a combination of hood and inlet.

After selecting, the user clicks the insert button, which closes the browser and opens an insert dialog with pre-set fields. Once the user confirms by clicking insert, the plugin adds the product to the MagiCAD project. The plugin then generates a 3D geometry object that the user can drag and drop into the drawing. For roof hood and inlet combinations, the entire product package is used. Finally, the user can connect the object to MagiCAD ductwork, perform necessary calculations, and view the results in MagiCAD balancing reports.

How does this plugin improve the design and workflow processes for HVAC professionals?

“The plugin makes it much easier for users to design and connect roof hoods and roof inlets with ventilation systems. By allowing quick and easy selection of products like exhaust, outdoor supply, and combination systems, it ensures that these components fit perfectly with ventilation ductwork in MagiCAD for AutoCAD.

The plugin ensures accurate transfer of product data, generates precise 3D geometry, and seamlessly connects products to ductwork. With built-in calculation tools, the plugin automatically checks airflow, pressure, and performance, reducing the need for manual adjustments and lowering the chance of mistakes.

Compared to previous manual methods, it saves time, improves accuracy, and enhances flexibility in product selection. By aligning data with BIM standards, it also supports better collaboration and consistent project workflows.”

How do you foresee the plugin evolving in the future?

“We see the plugin evolving as a comprehensive tool for HVAC professionals, integrating more advanced features to streamline design workflows and improve efficiency. In the future, we plan to expand its compatibility by releasing versions for Revit and BricsCAD.”

How do you see digital tools like the EKOVENT Plugin shaping the future of the HVAC industry?

“As the industry continues to adopt BIM and prioritize sustainability, tools like the EKOVENT Plugin will play a key role in optimizing system performance, reducing errors, and meeting evolving project demands. They empower professionals to design smarter, more sustainable HVAC systems while saving time and resources.”

In your opinion, what are the biggest trends shaping the future of the HVAC industry, and how is EKOVENT preparing to address them?

“The HVAC industry’s future is shaped by trends like the adoption of BIM, increased focus on energy efficiency, and demand for streamlined workflows in ventilation design. For roof hoods and ventilation systems, precision, sustainability, and seamless integration into digital tools are becoming critical.

EKOVENT is addressing these trends by enhancing tools like the EKOVENT Plugin, which simplifies the integration of roof hoods and ventilation components into BIM workflows. By ensuring accurate performance calculations and compatibility with platforms like Revit and BricsCAD, we’re making it easier for professionals to design efficient, sustainable systems that meet modern demands.”

With increasing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable building solutions, how do you think HVAC technologies will adapt to meet these new standards?

“HVAC technologies are adapting to new standards by focusing on energy efficiency, precise design, and seamless integration into sustainable systems. Digital tools like MagiCAD for AutoCAD, combined with plugins, enable professionals to optimize ventilation systems while reducing energy use and ensuring compliance with sustainability requirements.

EKOVENT contributes to this shift with products that meet these standards, supported by EKOSELECT and our MagiCAD plugin. This combination allows professionals to select and integrate efficient ventilation products into projects effortlessly, aligning with the demands of energy-efficient and sustainable buildings.”

The EKOSELECT product selection tool is currently available in Swedish, and the EKOVENT Plugin can be easily installed via MagiCAD Portal. In MagiCAD for AutoCAD, the EKOVENT panel is accessible under the MagiCAD Plugins tab.

About EKOVENT

EKOVENT’s rich legacy spans nearly five decades, showcasing an impressive portfolio of projects that embody their commitment to excellence in ventilation and fire protection solutions. EKOVENT’s modern in-house factory and head office are in Vellinge, Sweden. Combining advanced technology with craftsmanship, EKOVENT is a trusted partner known for high ambitions and exceptional service. EKOVENT has been owned by Lindab Group 2020. 

MagiCAD Cloud is the leading BIM platform connecting MEP designers with manufacturers worldwide. It provides high-quality BIM objects, product configurators, and design tool integrations that bring manufacturers’ products directly into the MEP design workflow. MagiCAD Cloud helps manufacturers gain visibility in real design projects, support specification at the earliest stages, and deliver smarter, greener, and more efficient buildings.