A pioneering PropTech startup aiming to address the UK’s housing crisis with an innovative AI-tool integrating Bluesky International’s high resolution aerial imagery, eyes significant growth with a rebrand and funding stream announced. Viability, formerly known as Hesti, launches at a critical time of rapid expansion for the UK’s house building
Q-Bot’s floor insulation technology, installed by robots and using AI, will improve the energy efficiency and housing quality of 100,000 homes in the West of England Q-Bot is pleased to announce that it is now a Retrofit West Trusted Professional, joining a directory of high-quality retrofit service providers. This significant
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has expanded its relationship with the University of Nottingham as it looks to improve its operational and energy efficiency. Working with Schneider Electric, the top 20 UK university is adopting a digital-first, AI-powered approach to manage its
Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform the landscape of facilities management (FM), according to global real estate advisor, CBRE. Early adopters of this evolving technology can expect to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs and improve the overall occupant experience. In its AI series, CBRE uncovers the ways facilities managers
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, in partnership with WSP, has been granted funding by Northumbrian Water to develop a new AI-powered platform designed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of data, thereby reducing delivery times for the company’s capital projects during asset management period 8 (AMP8). The funding will enable
…New VDI environment avoids downtime worth £1.79 million, with staff costs totalling £35,000 saved using the ControlUp platform… ControlUp, at the forefront of Digital Employee Experience (DEX) management, today announced that SimpsonHaugh Architects, a UK-based, award-winning and respected practice, is utilising the ControlUp DEX platform to monitor and optimise its
GMI Construction Group is partnering with spatial computing and AI provider SimplyVideo, Leeds Beckett University, and software developer Anglestack as part of a £1m Innovate UK initiative to create an interactive digital platform to access key elements of the complex legislation contained within the new Building Safety Act. The incorporation
The Nemetschek Group, a leading global provider of software solutions for the AEC/O and media industries, today announced the launch of an artificial intelligence layer to be embedded in all of the Group’s major solutions from 2025. The AI layer is set to revolutionise creativity and productivity in architecture, engineering
Whether it’s viewing architectural plans or enabling Internet of Things (IoT) devices, access to a reliable, high-speed internet connection is increasingly becoming a priority on construction sites. But with scope and timescales often varying so much between projects, is there such thing as a one-size-fits-all for internet connectivity? Here, Kristian
TaperedPlus, a national leader in the design and supply of flat roofing and insulation systems, is currently evaluating a bespoke Augmented Reality (AR) system that could prove a gamechanger within the roofing industry. Developed by award-winning digital innovators Alt Labs on behalf of the Teesside-headquartered company, the software enables smartphones
A pioneering PropTech startup aiming to address the UK’s housing crisis with an innovative AI-tool integrating Bluesky International’s high resolution aerial imagery, eyes significant growth with a rebrand and funding stream announced. Viability, formerly known as Hesti, launches at a critical time of rapid expansion for the UK’s house building industry with the new Government’s recent announcement committing to the creation of 370,000 new homes each year. With a successful funding campaign now secured, Viability is looking to continue the rollout of its AI-platform which leverages cutting-edge technology, accurate property data and Bluesky’s geospatial data to deliver a SaaS platform, particularly aimed at SME home developers. To ensure quality and accuracy for their customers, Viability has turned to Bluesky for the supply of aerial imagery to be streamed via the platform. Henry Mayell, co-founder and Chief Operations Officer at Viability said: “We initially applied satellite imagery to the platform but quickly found that the quality wasn’t sufficient for our customer requirements. As a result of the feedback, we started testing aerial imagery from Bluesky which offered significant improvements in terms of image resolution and accuracy. “Our platform enables developers to assess a site’s potential, understand what constraints there could be, in order to build a picture of risk and run financial analysis. With significant investment at stake it is important they can make decisions based on accurate data.” Ralph Coleman, Chief Commercial Officer at Bluesky added: “Our aerial imagery offers the detail needed for developers to begin plotting optimal scheme designs for potential sites. We are supplying Viability with the imagery via our GeoStream service which launched last year. GeoStream is our new data-as-a-service offering which enables customers who need data from us on a regular basis to access it quickly and easily via an API.” Henry commented: “We are very impressed with the GeoStream service and, from a user perspective, it has proved simple to implement into our platform. It also allows us to clearly overlay Ordnance Survey and Land Registry data over aerial imagery.” The viability of potential sites is a key restricting factor to the housing industry meeting development targets. Regulations are increasing and becoming more complex so a full picture of a proposed site is essential. Viability has also incorporated Biodiversity Net Gain assessments into their platform. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Q-Bot’s floor insulation technology, installed by robots and using AI, will improve the energy efficiency and housing quality of 100,000 homes in the West of England Q-Bot is pleased to announce that it is now a Retrofit West Trusted Professional, joining a directory of high-quality retrofit service providers. This significant achievement underscores the company’s dedication to excellence in the retrofit industry, ensuring homeowners receive the best possible home retrofit experience. Retrofit West, funded by the West of England Combined Authority, is committed to connecting homeowners in the region with professionals who uphold the highest standards of skill, service, and product quality. As part of this trusted network, Q-Bot combines robotics and AI to install underfloor insulation with minimal disruption, while reducing energy bills. For many homes with suspended timber floors, there is no other practical solution to reduce heat loss, improve comfort, and tackle damp and mould risk. Q-Bot’s insulation also improves the efficiency of heat pumps. Q-Bot is improving over 100 British homes every month, making them warmer, more comfortable, and more energy efficient. “Our inclusion in the Retrofit West Trusted Professionals directory is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering a superior level of floor insulation,” said Leigh Fairbrother, Q-bot’s Head of Commercial. “We are dedicated to maintaining high standards of workmanship and expertise, ensuring our clients – private homeowners, social housing landlords and private landlords – benefit from a reliable and effective retrofit solution.” Funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Retrofit West evaluates professionals on various criteria, including quality assurance, customer satisfaction, environmental responsibility, and ethical practices. By meeting these standards, Q-Bot demonstrates Retrofit’s West commitment to excellence and its dedication to enhancing the sustainability and energy efficiency of homes across the region. Head of Technical Services, George Pearson said “We are thrilled to have Q-Bot onboard. Underfloor insulation can be a disruptive and difficult measure to install but is one that significantly improves the comfort and energy efficiency of a home. Q-bot’s innovative approach is a great solution for homeowners.” “Homeowners looking for trusted retrofit services can now find us in the Retrofit West directory,” added Leigh Fairbrother. “We encourage anyone planning a retrofit project to explore our profile and see how we can help achieve their goals.” To learn more about our floor insulation technology and how we can assist with your retrofit project, visit our website www.q-bot.co Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has expanded its relationship with the University of Nottingham as it looks to improve its operational and energy efficiency. Working with Schneider Electric, the top 20 UK university is adopting a digital-first, AI-powered approach to manage its buildings estate, the fifth largest in the UK’s higher education sector. Schneider Electric has deployed its state-of-the-art Connected Services Hub (CSH) to provide 24/7 remote monitoring of the electrical equipment installed onsite. The CSH uses AI-powered digital analytics to deliver real-time, comprehensive insights into estate operations, ensuring preventative or remedial action is acted upon quickly. It does this by directly integrating urgent actions into the onsite engineers’ work schedules. It also identifies energy conservation measures, producing regular reports that offer guidance to the university’s in-house estates team on how to optimise their time and resources more effectively. In addition, Schneider Electric also provides a team of experienced engineers onsite, delivering preventative and condition-based fault remediation, and support and training for the university’s estates team to boost their skills. “Our challenge is how to optimise our building systems to minimise energy consumption and improve operations given we have a very small team responsible for a large physical estate. Embracing digital technology is helping us work towards our goals. Leveraging AI for analysis is like having thousands of eyes scrutinising the estate, significantly boosting what my team and I can deliver,” said Gavin Scott, Head of Sustainability at University of Nottingham. “Over the years, our relationship with Schneider Electric has evolved into a true partnership. The team at Schneider Electric know our campus inside out and access to its expertise and experience has been invaluable on our journey towards improved,” he added. “The University of Nottingham is a prime example of an institution striving to improve and create a more sustainable campus for students and staff,” said Kas Mohammad Schneider Electric’s VP, Digital Energy for the UK & Ireland. “It is using state-of-the-art technology and expert services to boost productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in its bid to hit its decarbonisation targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform the landscape of facilities management (FM), according to global real estate advisor, CBRE. Early adopters of this evolving technology can expect to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs and improve the overall occupant experience. In its AI series, CBRE uncovers the ways facilities managers can use AI to streamline processes and ultimately deliver greater value to clients and occupants. One key use of the technology is data analysis. AI can streamline workflows and reduce errors, leading to higher quality outcomes and better overall performance. Machine learning AI algorithms can analyse and interpret vast amounts of data quickly, providing valuable insights that can help in decision-making and strategic planning for FM. By linking datasets from many different sources, such as asset optimisation, risk and energy performance, AI gives a simultaneous and holistic view of a building or estate’s performance. Looking at many datasets at the same time, rather than viewing them in silos, enables facilities managers to improve service across a range of indicators – such as optimising performance, reducing cost or reducing carbon emissions. This 360-degree estate analysis enables facilities managers to work more collaboratively with their clients and colleagues to deliver an enhanced service. In addition, AI has the power to significantly transform the workload of facilities managers by undertaking repetitive tasks, like reviewing occupancy data for workplace comfort and adjusting building maintenance systems. Taking advantage of administrative efficiencies could speed-up many processes and deliver faster resolutions for clients. This also allows employees more time to focus on more complex, creative, and business-critical tasks – thereby enhancing job satisfaction and overall productivity. With net zero deadlines approaching, there is increased focus on what AI and emerging technologies can do to accelerate progress. Smart systems that use AI can study patterns in a building’s energy usage and suggest tactics for decreasing consumption. By optimising lighting schedules, heating, ventilation and air conditioning according to occupancy and other external factors, machine learning algorithms can result in substantial energy savings. Jennet Siebrits, Head of UK Research at CBRE, said: “AI is at the forefront of technological innovation, driving advancements in sustainability and data. By integrating new technologies into operations, facilities managers can adapt to changing market trends and offer more innovative solutions to their clients. Those who can bridge theoretical knowledge with practical implementation, while managing the ongoing risks, will be able to most significantly capitalise on the benefits of AI.” Ben Taylor, Global Digital & Technology Lead at CBRE GWS Local, added: “It is not often that a technology arrives with such transformative potential. At CBRE we are committed to utilising AI in facilities management for the benefit of our clients, teams and our stakeholders. We will ensure that every space we manage is smarter, more sustainable, and tailored to the evolving needs of the people who use them.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, in partnership with WSP, has been granted funding by Northumbrian Water to develop a new AI-powered platform designed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of data, thereby reducing delivery times for the company’s capital projects during asset management period 8 (AMP8). The funding will enable Costain and WSP to develop a proof-of-concept for WISDOM – Wastewater Insights for Standardisation, Delivery, Operation and Maintenance – a platform that uses generative AI technology to capture, standardise and analyse large volumes of data from a variety of sources, providing a comprehensive intelligent database of operational assets. With AMP8 investment programmes likely to see a doubling of investment from the previous cycle, and a corresponding increase in asset interventions, capital delivery and operational teams need to manage and evaluate larger, more complex sets of data for compliance purposes. The WISDOM AI platform would seek to optimise, combine and process huge datasets, providing richer insight into operational performance for capital delivery teams working on AMP8 projects. The expectation is that the platform will reduce the need for wastewater works managers to repeatedly provide and analyse operational data for delivery teams, thereby reducing time spent on data entry which can be up to 45% of their working week. This will in turn improve overall delivery times and potentially save more than £10m for Northumbrian Water over the course of the AMP8 lifecycle. The idea was developed during Northumbrian Water’s Innovation Festival, where Costain and WSP were challenged with the task of revolutionising the designing and building of wastewater assets during the AMP8 investment cycle. Costain and WSP will deliver strategic infrastructure upgrades for the water company’s AMP8 investment programme. Gavin Stonard, framework director at Costain, commented: “Capital delivery programmes in AMP8 – which will see a doubling of investment on wastewater assets compared with AMP7 – will require enormous volumes of data to be gathered and analysed for design, operational and compliance purposes. This will be a considerable challenge and will not be accomplished using existing techniques. “Working closely with WSP and Northumbrian Water and using cutting-edge generative AI technology, we will provide teams with the information they need quickly and efficiently. This will be a first-of-a-kind solution for the water sector, and one that could have significant benefits in improving productivity, reducing delivery times and creating better outcomes for Northumbrian Water customers. “It’s hugely exciting to be taking this idea to proof-of-concept stage. Being at the forefront of innovation is a testament to the enterprising culture that Northumbrian Water has fostered with its suppliers.” Michelle Johnson, technical director, WSP, commented: “We quickly recognised the challenge facing Northumbrian Water and that solving it required new and radical thinking. The Innovation Festival allowed us to stretch the boundaries and consider the adoption of new technologies, such as generative AI, and apply them to a capital delivery setting. We’re looking forward to taking WISDOM to the next level with the hope that, if successful, we can roll it out and make important savings throughout AMP8.” Richard Seales, head of engineering, Northumbrian Water, commented: “Coming up with fresh ways of thinking about the delivery of new and upgraded wastewater assets is not easy, but Costain and WSP have more than risen to the challenge, and their energy and enthusiasm has been plain to see. This was one of the standout ideas from our Innovation Festival and we’re excited to see how its application could solve a big challenge facing the whole of the water sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
…New VDI environment avoids downtime worth £1.79 million, with staff costs totalling £35,000 saved using the ControlUp platform… ControlUp, at the forefront of Digital Employee Experience (DEX) management, today announced that SimpsonHaugh Architects, a UK-based, award-winning and respected practice, is utilising the ControlUp DEX platform to monitor and optimise its new VDI environment in real-time. SimpsonHaugh is making a £1.21 million investment over several years to digitally transform by introducing VDI and AI technology to underpin the future development and operations of the business. Industry leading solutions have been installed including Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktop, Citrix NetScaler, VMware vSphere Hypervisor, Dell Servers with vSAN storage, NVIDIA vGPU and ControlUp’s DEX platform which is providing VDI performance analytics and remediation. Adopting VDI was driven by a strategic decision to centralise IT on-premise at SimpsonHaugh’s headquarters in Manchester, improve remote-working, support a work-life balance for staff and boost project collaboration by not being constrained by physical workstations. The IT team also wanted to avoid the complexity, time and expense of managing systems over three locations given the practice also has offices in London and Birmingham. Furthermore, many workstations – high end PCs each costing up to £6,500 – were becoming end of life, unreliable, consuming a lot of power and needed to be upgraded. The new VDI platform supports agile working yet is optimised to run GPU-intensive architectural applications like Revit, Rhino, Enscape and SketchUp – crucial to delivering customer projects on time, in what is an ever-demanding industry. “Architecture is a heavy user of graphics-based IT. Building Information Modelling is now adopted pervasively, producing large volumes of data and consuming substantial compute. Clients recognise the technology improvements so the expectations about the visuals and data provided are growing,” says Dave Moyes, partner, information and digital systems. “Ten years ago, we might have created 500 drawings for a project. Today, it’s at least double. Projects are increasingly complex and time scales are tight. The pressure to be quick and agile while creating quality design proposals which optimise a client’s brief is therefore considerable. It is no exaggeration to say that ICT to support this is indispensable.” SimpsonHaugh’s ICT strategy involves keeping technology simple for staff to use. The business is project delivery and ‘time charge’ based. ICT system availability is paramount given downtime has material impact on this. UK managed service provider and digital workspace consultancy, ebb3, was selected to support with the roll out and have been instrumental in the design, implementation and management of the VDI environment. ebb3 also provides SimpsonHaugh technical 2nd and 3rd line support. “The transition to VDI is being phased. SimpsonHaugh is running a hybrid environment – both virtual desktops and physical desktops – so as to capitalise on its existing investment in expensive workstations,” explains Jav Fiaz, ebb3’s Technical Architect & Senior Platform Engineer. “A key project goal was to keep the compute and data as close as possible to minimise latency which we’ve delivered.” Moyes adds, “If virtual desktops aren’t resourced properly – and applications freeze or suffer from latency – staff will blame the “new system”. Guaranteeing the end-user experience is vital. Monitoring in real-time using ControlUp’s DEX platform identifies which applications are hogging resources so that remedies can be considered like adding RAM, GPU or ‘throttling down’ software which is compute intensive.” SimpsonHaugh is experiencing significant benefits through the combination of VDI and ControlUp’s DEX platform: Project next steps SimpsonHaugh is currently working to expand its VDI environment to cover the whole business. This will take 3-5 years to complete. The strategy is to replace workstations as they approach end of life rather than waste perfectly good IT equipment. In addition, SimpsonHaugh is upgrading its corporate network to a 25 Gigabit Ethernet backbone to further support the end-user experience. The practice is also purchasing higher resolution 2k and 4k screens for staff and introducing Nutanix data storage to manage the virtual server environment. SimpsonHaugh is also working on other ICT innovation projects such as introducing privately hosted AI using private data across the practice (where powerful networking and compute is paramount) – a key priority given the impact AI is making on the architecture profession. Private AI is the only option because of client project confidentiality issues – where strict NDAs are signed – with SimpsonHaugh using three types of AI engine: “The project to introduce VDI and our DEX platform has boosted operational performance at SimpsonHaugh and put in place infrastructure to support the practice’s needs in the future,” says Robert Ellis, UK Sales Director at ControlUp. “End-users cannot tell whether they are using a physical workstation or desktop served by VDI – the implementation has been that well managed – and the speed of roll out was fast and disruption minimal because of extensive pre-implementation design and planning work carried out by ebb3.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group is partnering with spatial computing and AI provider SimplyVideo, Leeds Beckett University, and software developer Anglestack as part of a £1m Innovate UK initiative to create an interactive digital platform to access key elements of the complex legislation contained within the new Building Safety Act. The incorporation of artificial intelligence into the platform ensures relevant safety regulations can be matched directly to specific types and stages of construction projects – ensuring consistent and efficient compliance by all parties involved while at the same time reducing the risk of oversight. Central to the initiative is the support of the “Golden Thread” concept, which provides a clear and complete record-keeping system which meticulously tracks all aspects of a building’s design, construction, and maintenance throughout its entire lifecycle, ensuring transparency and accountability. GMI Construction Group is investing in this project, highlighting its commitment to innovation and safety in the construction sector. Once fully assessed, this solution has the potential to be rolled out industry-wide, revolutionising the way safety compliance is accessed and managed. The project is also funded by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the UK’s innovation agency, which drives productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas. The platform will be accessible through a web app, mobile app, and smart glasses for site workers, as well as virtual reality (VR) Meta headsets via Microsoft’s immersive Mesh environment, enabling users to immerse themselves within a digital representation of the construction project. This VR Microsoft Mesh experience will include access to AI providing regulation information, Golden Thread information, and critical safety information, further enhancing understanding and engagement. Covering a wide spectrum of development and construction, including residential, office spaces, major manufacturing and logistics hubs, care homes, and hospitals, the resource could have a profound impact across the construction industry. The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced significant changes to the building control process, focusing on higher-risk structures and enhancing the competence of those overseeing, managing, and executing construction projects. Thomas West, Group Services Director at GMI Construction Group, said: “This collaboration is a game-changer for the business and builds upon the wider digital transformation that has taken place in GMI over recent years. By integrating AI with cutting-edge software solutions, we can provide our employees with immediate access to crucial regulatory information. This will not only streamline the compliance processes but also bring clarity, enhancing understanding and engagement for all those involved.” Alex Deighton, CEO of Leeds-based SimplyVideo, which is involved in the development of AI, smart glasses and VR using Microsoft Mesh, said: “We are combining both AI and spatial computing cutting edge technologies in a truly exciting way, to aid the construction industry in being compliant with the new BSA Regulation. Using AI to search both BSA regulation and Golden Thread information will save hours for construction professionals. Being able to access the AI and information in Smart Glasses and VR will be a gamechanger.” Dr Jamiu A Dauda, a Chartered Building Engineer and Senior Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, said “The proposed i-GBSM platform will be groundbreaking, representing a pivotal advancement in supporting building safety compliance. By harnessing state-of-the-art technology, we’re empowering stakeholders to navigate complex regulations more effectively, facilitating the comprehensive realisation of the Golden Thread’s advantages across various infrastructure and building.” Omolola Arawomo, Director of Anglestack, said: “At Anglestack, our focus has always been on leveraging advanced software solutions to address the most pressing challenges in the construction industry and beyond. This project represents a significant leap towards ensuring that compliance with the Building Safety Act is not just a regulatory obligation but a streamlined, and intuitive process. By integrating this software with AI-driven insights, we are helping to create a platform that will transform how safety information is accessed, understood, and applied across the entire lifecycle of a building project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Nemetschek Group, a leading global provider of software solutions for the AEC/O and media industries, today announced the launch of an artificial intelligence layer to be embedded in all of the Group’s major solutions from 2025. The AI layer is set to revolutionise creativity and productivity in architecture, engineering and construction as well as management and operation. It will offer tools to simplify complex tasks and empower professionals to focus on innovative design and project execution. Yves Padrines, CEO of the Nemetschek Group, comments: “Our goal is to empower architects, engineers, contractors, and building managers by providing them with tools that expand their expertise. We believe that human intelligence, paired with advanced artificial intelligence, can push boundaries. By integrating the new artificial intelligence layer into our key solutions, we aim to unlock new possibilities and revolutionise workflow efficiency.” Nemetschek Group’s AI layer will leverage secure cloud technology to process user requests efficiently, whether they are making simple inquiries or conducting complex tasks. By managing users’ input quickly and delivering precise responses, the AI layer will support a large range of use cases, from design ideation to task automation. The layer is modular and can understand natural language, enabling fast and accurate responses while transforming and optimising the way users work with Nemetschek products. The AI layer is designed to integrate seamlessly and enhance a wide range of functions: Intelligent automation plays a central role by offering automated task execution, adaptive project management, and natural language interaction, simplifying even the most complex workflows. Insight-driven decision-making is achieved through AI-powered data insights, which guide design processes and optimise decision-making. Additionally, design augmentation allows AI to assist in design iterations, pattern creation, and scenario simulations, enabling more innovative and creative project outcomes. Those features ultimately enable better planning and execution for a more sustainable building process and a better built world. A key focus is on the user experience, making the interactions and engagements with the user more intuitive and efficient. The modular AI layer will also include collaboration tools that drive more effective communication between parties in the construction lifecycle; they will continue to improve based on user feedback. Julian Geiger, VP Head of AI Product & Transformation, Nemetschek Group, says: “We are excited to introduce an AI-powered layer that will be integrated across all our brands and products, bringing new levels of intelligence and automation to our entire ecosystem. Our intention is simple: We aim to make creativity more creative and productivity more productive. By embedding AI into our offerings, we are enabling more efficient workflows, more precise decision-making, and more personalised experiences that empower professionals to do their best work.” Nemetschek’s Vision of Ethical AI Nemetschek’s vision for ethical and trustworthy AI focuses on transparency, data privacy, and reliability. AI decisions should be understandable to users, with clear explanations provided. Stringent data security measures are in place, including user consent and anonymisation where possible. Before deployment, AI models will undergo rigorous testing and validation, with human oversight in critical areas. Clear accountability needs to be established within the organisation. Additionally, AI is used to promote sustainability and the well-being of our society as well as to help its users adjust to new realities, and therefore adapt to evolving job roles and expectations. “As a leading software provider in the AEC/O industry, we are dedicated to ensuring that our AI technologies are developed ethically, prioritising transparency, fairness, and accountability. We are committed to creating AI systems that are explainable and free from bias, promoting inclusivity for all users. Privacy and data security are at the core of our AI initiatives, and we implement strong safeguards to protect sensitive information”, adds Charlie Sheridan, Chief AI and Data Officer, Nemetschek Group. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whether it’s viewing architectural plans or enabling Internet of Things (IoT) devices, access to a reliable, high-speed internet connection is increasingly becoming a priority on construction sites. But with scope and timescales often varying so much between projects, is there such thing as a one-size-fits-all for internet connectivity? Here, Kristian Torode, director and co-founder of business IT provider Crystaline, investigates. Construction workers are increasingly finding themselves in need of a faster, more reliable internet connection. Whether it’s accessing architectural plans or 3D CAD diagrams, the ability to share, edit and download large files is becoming more and more essential to the daily operation of sites. This need is exacerbated further in larger developments, where multiple teams across the site need to be able to communicate with one another. Internet access can also facilitate the implementation of IoT technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM uses a host of cameras and sensors on-site to create a digital model of the project as construction work goes on, allowing for architects and engineers to validate the structure’s integrity throughout. As a result, minor errors or faults can be spotted much more quickly, preventing long project delays. Security is another area that can benefit, with remote CCTV monitoring and the ability to set up more sophisticated locking systems at gates and barriers. Using personal devices But how can construction sites get online? The first, and perhaps easiest option, is to rely on workers to use their own personal devices to access the internet. And for quick access to one or two individual files, such an approach might be sufficient. But problems can quickly arise as soon as there’s a need to do more. Workers may not have sufficient data plans to access everything they need, for example. This can be alleviated in part by using devices to ‘tether’ to one another and sharing data that way, but it often results in slow speeds for the user and is unlikely to be able to support more than one or two devices at a time. And for businesses who are paying for company plans, it might be that the cost of multiple unlimited data plans quickly starts to add up. Fixed broadband So, what about installing a broadband line? For long-term projects lasting several years, in areas already with access to ultrafast broadband, this might be the most appropriate solution. But often, projects must work on a shorter timeframe. With most broadband contracts locking customers in for 12 or 24-month periods, it often isn’t financially viable for workers who may only be on-site for half that time, for example. And with the time it takes to lay a new fixed line varying from weeks to months, particularly in remote areas or those with more challenging terrain, it could result in a significant and crucial part of the project not having the connectivity required. With the PSTN stop sell having already taken place, setting up new connections on these old lines will no longer be possible, presenting an additional challenge to construction companies looking to get their sites online. Rolling out 5G routers Rather than relying on personal device usage or long-term broadband plans, a 5G router could provide the ideal solution. 5G routers provide connectivity via mobile network connections rather than on fixed broadband lines, meaning they can be plugged in anywhere to provide connectivity within minutes. With 5G up to ten times faster than 4G, and just a fraction of the latency, a 5G router offers enough speed and bandwidth for multiple workers to access any file they might need or hold video meetings with other colleagues. Crystaline offers TCL’s LinkHub 5G HH515 router which can support up to 256 connections alone. Capable of delivering speeds up to 4.67 Gpbs, it’s on par with most fibre connections, without the long setup. Other benefits include the ease of setting up ‘Guest Wi-Fi’, which can help improve cybersecurity by separating visitor connections from employees. Many routers, including the LinkHub, will also come with an app for additional functionalities, allowing for any changes and upgrades to be carried out remotely. With the size and scale of construction sites varying so much between projects, finding the right solution to fit can be a challenge. But with the flexibility of a router, combined with the UK’s ongoing 5G rollout, it could be the answer to providing businesses with high-speed, reliable internet, wherever the job next takes you. Crystaline supplies a range of 5G routers to suit a variety of construction site specifications. To discuss your individual needs with a member of the team, please get in touch. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
TaperedPlus, a national leader in the design and supply of flat roofing and insulation systems, is currently evaluating a bespoke Augmented Reality (AR) system that could prove a gamechanger within the roofing industry. Developed by award-winning digital innovators Alt Labs on behalf of the Teesside-headquartered company, the software enables smartphones and tablets to be used to scan a flat roof, providing instant and highly accurate measurements. Unlike other applications currently being used within the roofing industry, it does not require significant investment in hardware or expensive monthly subscription packages, which can cost many thousands of pounds per user per year. The Alt Labs technology automatically uploads the data to TaperedPlus’s internal system, converting it into technical blueprints – a process at least ten times quicker than traditional measuring methods, particularly when applied to complex flat roof designs. It also eliminates the element of human error. Alt Labs, based in Middlesbrough, was approached by TaperedPlus to deliver a solution that would enhance efficiency. It developed bespoke software utilising light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors incorporated into Apple smartphones and iPads. This uses light emitted from a sensor to measure the range to a target object, allowing augmented reality to place markers that plot key points of a roof for precise measurements. The technology is both highly secure and easily scalable and can be adapted for immersive technology, including Virtual Reality headsets. Part of TaperedPlus’s ambitious growth plans, the project follows a recent £5.5 million investment by equity investor BGF along with achieving B Corp accreditation, reflecting its commitment to targeting inefficiency within its procedures. It is also working with academics at Teesside University as part of a separate initiative to develop a unique system that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline its technical drawing processes. Aman Chahal, co-founder and CEO of TaperedPlus, said: “We are thrilled to be at the forefront of technological innovation within the roofing industry. This AR system will significantly enhance our efficiency and accuracy, allowing us to better serve our customers and contribute to more sustainable building practices. The integration of AR and AI marks a significant milestone in our digital transformation, opening up new possibilities for growth and innovation.” Imran Anwar, CEO of Alt Labs, added: “Our bespoke solution leverages cutting-edge technology to transform how roof measurements are captured and processed, setting new standards for the industry. This technology is not only innovative but versatile, with the potential for wide-ranging applications across multiple sectors. By utilising LiDAR and augmented reality, we are able to provide unprecedented accuracy and efficiency, which could prove a real gamechanger.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
