Install & Compatibility
Where this runs
tested against v0.9.366 · pip install
no network on importno background threads
Install × environment matrix
Each cell = how many times install + import succeeded across repeated harness runs. Partial = flaky.
glibc = Debian/Ubuntu slim · musl = Alpine Linux
py 3.11
✕ build_error
✓ 16.5s
py 3.12
✕ build_error
✓ 15.35s
py 3.13
✕ timeout
✕ build_error
667MB installed
● package 667MB
Code
Verified usage
Verified import paths — ran on the pinned version, not inferred.
Model
✓ from honeybee.model import Model
✗ from lbt_honeybee.model import Model
lbt-honeybee is a metapackage; core classes are imported from 'honeybee' (which is honeybee-core).
Face
✓ from honeybee.face import Face
✗ from lbt_honeybee.face import Face
Face objects are part of the core honeybee package.
EnergyModel
✓ from honeybee_energy.model import Model as EnergyModel
Honeybee-energy has its own Model class, often aliased to avoid conflict with honeybee.model.Model.
RadianceModel
✓ from honeybee_radiance.model import Model as RadianceModel
Honeybee-radiance also has its own Model class, typically aliased.
This quickstart demonstrates how to create a basic Honeybee model using the core library components, representing a simple building floor. It highlights the typical import pattern from `honeybee` (honeybee-core) for foundational elements.
from honeybee.model import Model
from honeybee.face import Face
from honeybee.boundary import adiabatic_boundary_condition
from honeybee.geometry.face import rectangular_face_by_origin_and_vectors
# Create a rectangular floor with origin at (0, 0, 0), width 10 and depth 5
floor_geo = rectangular_face_by_origin_and_vectors((0,0,0), (10,0,0), (0,5,0))
floor = Face('Floor', floor_geo, bc=adiabatic_boundary_condition)
# Create a Model from the floor
model = Model('SimpleFloorModel', faces=[floor])
print(f"Created Honeybee Model: {model.display_name}")
print(f"Model as JSON (first 200 chars):\n{model.to_json()[:200]}...")
Debug
Known issues
gotchalbt-honeybee is a metapackage. While it installs all necessary components, you generally import classes and functions from the individual sub-packages (e.g., `honeybee`, `honeybee_energy`, `honeybee_radiance`) rather than `lbt_honeybee` directly.fixAlways check the specific sub-package for the symbol you need. E.g., `from honeybee.model import Model` instead of `from lbt_honeybee.model import Model`.
affects: All 0.x.x versions
breakingThe Honeybee Python SDK is currently in a 0.x.x version series, indicating that its API is not yet stable. Breaking changes may occur between minor versions as the project evolves towards 1.0.fixPin your dependency to a specific version (e.g., `lbt-honeybee==0.9.297`) and review release notes for breaking changes when updating.
affects: All 0.x.x versions
gotchaFor full energy and daylighting simulation capabilities, external simulation engines like EnergyPlus, OpenStudio, and Radiance must be installed and correctly configured on your system. These are not bundled with the Python package.fixRefer to the Ladybug Tools documentation for instructions on installing and configuring the necessary simulation engines for your operating system.
affects: All versions
Errors
Common errors & fixes
ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'lbt_honeybee.model'
Attempting to import classes directly from the `lbt_honeybee` package, which is a metapackage and does not contain the core classes itself.
fixImport core classes from `honeybee` (e.g., `from honeybee.model import Model`) or specific sub-packages like `honeybee_energy` or `honeybee_radiance`.
Error: Failed to find energyplus executable
The EnergyPlus simulation engine is not installed or not correctly configured in the system's PATH, preventing energy simulations.
fixInstall EnergyPlus and ensure its executables are accessible from your system's PATH. Consult the Ladybug Tools installation guide for detailed steps.
AttributeError: 'Model' object has no attribute 'add_zone'
Confusing `honeybee.model.Model` (core geometry) with `honeybee_energy.model.Model` (energy model). Specific energy-related methods often reside on the `honeybee_energy` model.
fixEnsure you are using the correct `Model` class for your intended operation. For energy-specific tasks, import `from honeybee_energy.model import Model as EnergyModel` and use that instance.
Upgrade
Version history
0.9.366latest on PyPI · released Jun 12, 2026
Audit
Dependencies
honeybee-corerequiredProvides core geometric and analytical model classes.
honeybee-energyrequiredAdds energy simulation capabilities and related models/objects.
honeybee-radiancerequiredAdds daylighting and glare analysis capabilities and related models/objects.