Franke Sissons, world leader in providing washroom solutions for all industries, embarked on a journey to get ‘BIM-ready’ in 2017. Following a move to an outstanding new manufacturing site in Poland, covering 12,000m2 and with more capability than ever before, Franke wanted to combine its lean manufacturing processes and in-house
Engineering software developer, Envenio, has launched an online BIM (Building Information Modeling) and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Survey. The 5-6 minute survey has been designed to collect baseline data directly from industry, and aims to find out more about BIM and the role for CFD in building design and HVAC
Fusion Building Systems, the offsite designer, engineer, manufacturer and installer of light gauge steel superstructures can now provide its clients with ‘as manufactured’ digital models of their completed structures, thanks to its integration of MWF Pro Metal software from StrucSoft Solutions. Running as an add-on to the widely-used Revit design
Architects are set to benefit from a new ARCHICAD training facility following the relocation of Graphisoft UK’s training centre in Nottingham. The new facility based at Castlebridge Office Village in Nottingham offers a bright and spacious training space, ideally suited to the needs of delegates. The central location of the
Since its inception in 1957, virtual reality (VR) has been used for a multitude of purposes, from computer gaming and music videos to training simulations and product prototyping. Manufacturing is the latest industry to take the plunge as it incorporates virtual worlds into building information modelling (BIM). Here, Glyn Shawcross,
BIM Awards 2018, part of BIM Show Live in Newcastle upon Tyne, has announced Space Architects as the winners of the ‘Doing It: Architect’ category. Space Architects have been using digital construction methods to improve their workflows since 2001 when they purchased their first copy of Revit and now they
Graham Construction has become the first UK and Ireland contractor to be awarded a double BIM certification due to the fact that it has incorporated BIM across its construction business and has trained more than 500 people on its team in the technology. The company achieved the BSI Kitemark certification
The UK’s largest specialist cold roll-forming company, voestalpine Metsec plc, has been awarded the BSI Kitemark BS8541 for library objects for architecture, engineering and construction from the British Standards Institution (BSI). The Kitemark relates to the management and production of BIM objects and associated product data in accordance with BS
Explore Offsite Outlooks, in partnership with BRE, will look into the latest innovations and understand which way is the best to implement the technological advancements into an offsite strategy. The one day conference and exhibition invites clients and their professional advisers, contractors and project managers and offsite technology suppliers to
A provider for cloud software solutions for collaborative Building Information Modelling has joined the Open BIM Programme. 3D Repo has signed up to join the initiative which is designed to provide a universal approach to the collaborative design, realization and also operation of buildings. This approach is based on an
Franke Sissons, world leader in providing washroom solutions for all industries, embarked on a journey to get ‘BIM-ready’ in 2017. Following a move to an outstanding new manufacturing site in Poland, covering 12,000m2 and with more capability than ever before, Franke wanted to combine its lean manufacturing processes and in-house engineering expertise with BIM models and online data to continue to produce exceptional quality products that have served the industry for over 230 years. In 2017, Franke extended its relationship with NBS to host its first series of BIM objects within the NBS National BIM Library and in this time, the company has seen nearly half a million impressions on its products every month. “The recent changes have had a positive impact on the business and have helped the company consolidate and grow its offering, both online and offline,” said Sarah Hallam, Marketing Coordinator at Franke. The company partnered with NBS long before it’s journey to get ‘BIM-ready’ and has had its products’ technical information embedded in NBS specification software with NBS Plus and published product catalogues, technical documents and design files in the industry-leading online index of manufacturers’ product information, RIBA Product Selector. With hundreds of projects throughout the years, the specification process is something that Franke is looking to develop more in the future. BIM has provided a key opportunity to help support and develop relationships with public and private sector architects, designers, and industry professionals. After launching the first of its BIM Models in early 2017, which received a high response rate online, this has created many opportunities with architects, contractors and other businesses within the industry. The results so far have been very positive, and as its profile grows, and more models are hosted on the NBS National BIM Library, Franke hopes that these relationships will continue to thrive. Sarah continued: “We now have nearly half a million impressions every month which is an outstanding breakthrough for us on a digital level. According to research from NBS, 71% of specifiers need manufacturers to provide them with BIM objects, which is why we are providing models of our products. “Although we do not use BIM as a way of manufacturing our products, we see BIM as a positive aid for the specification process, developing our relationships, and enhancing product knowledge for architects and designers. “In the future we believe that BIM will become more integral to all sectors, not just in the public sector, and we see BIM becoming the norm within many industries. As part of this we are striving to develop further models of both existing and new products to ensure that information is easily available during the specification process. We are eager to continue our BIM journey and are striving to make as much progress as possible, and we are excited to see what the future holds.” Franke Sissons has been actively involved in NBS events and is part of the RIBA CPD Providers Network, sharing best practice and knowledge, especially around sustainable architecture with a range of CPD materials on offer under the sustainable architecture category. As one of the world’s leading providers of washroom solutions, Franke are very conscious of its responsibility for contributing to a sustainable environment and are actively engaged in this challenge. Working to reduce the environmental impact of its operations, taking into account the commercial viability and availability of environmentally friendly technology, Franke has implemented a number of measures to ensure that its environmental footprint is reduced; these include sustainable buildings, reduction of water use, resourcing efficient products and demonstrating material efficiency in production. To find out more about NBS visit www.theNBS.com
Engineering software developer, Envenio, has launched an online BIM (Building Information Modeling) and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Survey. The 5-6 minute survey has been designed to collect baseline data directly from industry, and aims to find out more about BIM and the role for CFD in building design and HVAC system optimization. “The results will enable us to better understand how BIM and CFD tools are being used, and identify new areas where they could be used” says Scott Walton, VP of Envenio. Respondents will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win $500 worth of compute time on Envenio’s cloud hosted, on-demand CFD platform EXN/Aero. Advances in both BIM and CFD technology have enabled complicated building models to be digitally constructed with precise geometry and accurate information to support the project construction, fabrication, analysis and procurement activities. Mapping 3D flow patterns, evaluating occupant thermal comfort, and predicting contaminant dispersion are just some of the reasons more and more in the built environment have been turning to CFD as a general purpose flow simulator, and engineers are using CFD to trial new design ideas at low cost or to identify problems with existing systems during retrofits. The survey will ask questions about existing BIM and CFD use, identifying current attitudes and perceptions, training and usability issues, and costs. Results from the survey will be shared in September. The survey can be accessed by clicking here.
Fusion Building Systems, the offsite designer, engineer, manufacturer and installer of light gauge steel superstructures can now provide its clients with ‘as manufactured’ digital models of their completed structures, thanks to its integration of MWF Pro Metal software from StrucSoft Solutions. Running as an add-on to the widely-used Revit design platform, Fusion has invested in MWF Pro Metal to help its construction clients achieve the highest possible degree of accuracy in their projects and have a clear understanding of the finished structure before the offsite manufacturing process begins. By using MWF Pro Metal, just about every element of the design for consideration can be reviewed in detail prior to sign off, then directly instructed to Fusion’s roll-forming equipment at its Northampton manufacturing facility, producing structures which are precise according to design. Robert Clark, Fusion head of business development, said: “For offsite methods to become widely adopted by the construction industry we need to shift from a project by project approach, to one which is led by the product. BIM is the enabler for this. “By integrating StrucSoft Solutions’ MWF Pro Metal into our design, engineering and manufacturing processes, we’re encouraging our clients to focus their attention on the overall product and in doing so, moving closer to the future of MMC.” Fusion had previously been running a bespoke software solution called FusionSoft, which was ahead of its time when first developed. Now outdated and not BIM-ready, StrucSoft Solutions’ MWF Pro was chosen as Fusion’s new platform for integration with Revit and to enable the Company to work to an enviable degree of technical accuracy. Used day to day in Fusion’s design and manufacturing processes, StrucSoft Solutions’ MWF Pro Metal will enable the automated creation of walls and floors, the accurate design of cutbacks and openings around thousands of M&E locations, structural intersections and accessories, as well as allowing Fusion’s engineers to specify directly into the Revit model. Byron Starnes, StrucSoft Solutions’ EMEA business development manager, added: “We created Fusion’s software solution just for them, tailored to the way they build and allowing them to take advantage of the most modern and up to date software solutions for their digital engineering requirements. Their investment in our product marks a revolutionary overhaul of their existing ICT solution, having an emphasis on greater design efficiencies, accuracy and collaboration – especially as it pertains to the design and manufacturing of the bespoke and patented Fusion system.” MWF Pro Metal utilises the built-in intelligence of Revit to automate the creation of light gauge steel framing across virtually any construction project. Developed in conjunction with industry experts, MWF Pro Metal’s automated tools allow users to easily frame entire projects while simultaneously creating schedules, material cut lists, framing elevations and fully dimensioned 2D shop drawings. The tool of choice for professionals framing everything from bathroom pods, right up to billion-dollar healthcare projects. StrucSoft Solutions provided Fusion with initial training on MWF Pro Metal at their Liverpool office and will continue to provide ongoing review work and updates as the solution matures. For further information visit www.fusionbuild.com and www.strucsoftsolutions.com
Architects are set to benefit from a new ARCHICAD training facility following the relocation of Graphisoft UK’s training centre in Nottingham. The new facility based at Castlebridge Office Village in Nottingham offers a bright and spacious training space, ideally suited to the needs of delegates. The central location of the venue is also convenient with good transport links nearby. “It was great to start in our new premises. We’ve received some brilliant feedback from delegates who have already attended courses at our new facility,” said Gemma Sewell, support and training manager at Graphisoft UK. “We have a team of six highly-experienced support staff who provide our customers with personalised technical support. The additional space and open plan layout will allow us to work more closely together and will enable us to grow our team as necessary so that we can continue to provide a high level of service,” she added. According to Brendan Sexton, BIM manager at maber, an architectural practice headquartered in Nottingham, “It’s often best to take time out of the office to fully concentrate on learning new skills. Graphisoft’s new training facility is the ideal environment to do just that. As always, the standard of training by the Graphisoft team is exceptional, and with the new facility we expect to be frequent visitors over the coming months.” Training groups are kept to a maximum of six delegates to allow the courses and trainers to focus on individual requirements. Graphisoft offers several training courses tailored to suit the needs of architects with varying degrees of knowledge about ARCHICAD. All courses include a mixture of discussions, exercises and assessments to help trainees develop skills in ARCHICAD. The essentials course introduces delegates to the principles of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and demonstrates positive and productive ways to use the software. The advanced course goes beyond the essentials, showing delegates the most productive ways to use all ARCHICAD’s tools and covers workflows, templates and documentation. Bespoke training courses are also available, which allow courses to be tailored to the specific requirements of the customer. Find out more about training with Graphisoft at: http://www.graphisoft.com/training/training-courses/
Since its inception in 1957, virtual reality (VR) has been used for a multitude of purposes, from computer gaming and music videos to training simulations and product prototyping. Manufacturing is the latest industry to take the plunge as it incorporates virtual worlds into building information modelling (BIM). Here, Glyn Shawcross, group design manager at engineering solutions provider Boulting Group, explains the practicalities and benefits of VR and BIM. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a collaborative way of working underpinned by digital technologies (3D modelling) which allows for more efficient methods of designing, delivering and maintaining physical built assets throughout their entire life cycle. In 2011, the Government Construction Strategy (GCS) outlined a new mandate, stating that all centrally procured Government projects would need to include BIM as part of the documentation process. Since the deadline of 2016, other sectors have adopted the same mandate as a way of changing behaviours in the industry. Once the 3D model has been generated this can be exported and converted to VR friendly software. Boulting Group has been incorporating BIM into the design and build of its projects for a number of years. But what’s next? Contractors are now looking to take BIM one step further by incorporating VR into the modelling process, bringing with it a host of new possibilities. The briefing stage While line drawings and 3D diagrams help the client to visualise the finished project, VR creates a truly immersive experience, allowing them to explore their new working environment before work even begins. By doing so, any necessary changes to design can be implemented much earlier, saving both time and money. With high-precision infrared sensors that allow for enhanced tracking and rotation, VR can accurately replicate an entire building, providing both contractors and clients with a far greater perspective of the project than any computer screen or print-out. Safer project delivery and completion The ability to create simulated site scenarios can improve project safety significantly. By virtually walking round a site before work commences contractors can see exactly how the various elements of the build connect, ensuring they do not create hazards, avoiding possible expensive mistakes. Following the completion of a project, the VR environment still has its uses. By being incorporated into the client’s training programme, VR can allow employees to explore their new workplace and be trained on equipment and processes before starting work. This is another time and money saving exercise that ensures staff are ready to start work straight away. Industry 4.0 has led the manufacturing sector to great strides forward as new technologies continue to create endless possibilities for the industry. As VR becomes more accessible, we’re positive we will see more projects adopt the technology. While BIM benefits greatly from its application, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
BIM Awards 2018, part of BIM Show Live in Newcastle upon Tyne, has announced Space Architects as the winners of the ‘Doing It: Architect’ category. Space Architects have been using digital construction methods to improve their workflows since 2001 when they purchased their first copy of Revit and now they are seen as pioneers in the digital construction industry. “BIM is changing the way we design, construct and manage buildings. At Space Architects we have always strived to stay ahead of the curve and lead the way with regards to innovation and best practice. To be recognised for our achievements at the BIM Awards is an honour and a compliment to the team here at Space Architects,” said Paul Broadfoot, Director at Space Architects. All of Space Architects’ projects follow the principles of the Government’s strict Level 2 BIM mandate and, in addition, the company has also established a specialist consultancy called BIM.Technologies that has worked on high profile projects such as the Vauxhall Sky Gardens, London Design Museum and Centre Court 2 at Wimbledon. Back in 2005, they were believed to be the only practices in the UK adopting the BIM technology when they completed the design of Washington School using 3D modelling in Revit. Five years later, BIM became their central strategy and Space Architects has gone from strength to strength since then. They have been active in the promotion of BIM for over 15 years and have effectively encouraged others to adopt the practice to raise the standard across the industry. Space Architects is part of Space Group and were founded by Arnold Waring and Leonard Netts in Newcastle-upon- Tyne in 1957. The practice was recognised for its quality social housing and, as a result, its work grew steadily in size and scope. Today they are known for their specialist knowledge and experience in the design of buildings for education, commercial and health sectors and cemented its reputation with an award-winning portfolio.
Graham Construction has become the first UK and Ireland contractor to be awarded a double BIM certification due to the fact that it has incorporated BIM across its construction business and has trained more than 500 people on its team in the technology. The company achieved the BSI Kitemark certification for both BIM Design and Construction (PAS 1192-2) and BIM Asset Management (PAS 1192-3). Some of the projects that use BIM are the Baird & Anchor Hospitals on behalf of NHS Grampian, the framework for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in Richmond, London, and the University of Reading’s Thames Valley Science Park development in Shinfield, Reading. “Embedding BIM into our everyday business practices has been a priority at Graham. We are using the growing volume of information on construction projects to make smarter decisions, control costs and deliver consistently excellent projects,” explained Melanie Dawson, head of BIM at Graham Construction. Additionally, she argues that BIM is improving efficiency in the supply chain, which not only benefits the company but the clients as well. “More importantly it gives our clients and stakeholders the confidence and assurance that we will deliver consistent excellence from project inception through construction and into asset management.” Gavin Summerson, senior certification manager at BSI explains that the BSI BIM Kitemark is the most difficult test on the implementation of BIM that an organisation can take and for this reason, Graham should be very proud for achieving it. “Not only have they demonstrated the delivery of BIM projects during the design and construction phase in accordance with PAS 1192-2, they have also demonstrated that they are continuing to work to BIM level 2 at the asset management phase, in accordance with PAS 1192-3,” said Gavin Summerson.
The UK’s largest specialist cold roll-forming company, voestalpine Metsec plc, has been awarded the BSI Kitemark BS8541 for library objects for architecture, engineering and construction from the British Standards Institution (BSI). The Kitemark relates to the management and production of BIM objects and associated product data in accordance with BS 8541-1, BS 8541-3 and BS 8451-4. After becoming the first tier two organisation globally to receive Kitemark PAS 1192-2 for BIM in late 2016, the certification now makes Metsec the first cold roll-forming company globally to be awarded both Kitemarks, proving the company’s commitment to helping customers deliver projects at the design and construction phase, saving time and costs. An audit of Metsec’s complete range of models was carried out by the BSI to achieve the certification and ensure all the data and files within the BIM models are correct and a true representation of its product range. The audit also included assessing Metsec’s processes when creating new BIM models to validate the functionality of the information. The models are able to be downloaded from both the Metsec website and BIM Store as Revit files, meaning they are able to be added straight into a BIM design model easily and quickly. To date, all models for Metsec’s Purlins and Framing divisions are complete and able to be downloaded with the Cable Management models to follow in 2018. Altogether this represents around 13,200 models that Metsec has created. The certification gives customers complete confidence during design, construction and asset management stages whilst also reducing risk and the required number of checks as the processes and products have been endorsed as reliable and robust. As a result, costs for expensive rework to rectify mistakes made at the design stage can be avoided. Alan Harris, quality manager at Metsec, said: “BIM is becoming increasingly important throughout the global construction landscape and we’re committed to going above and beyond with our BIM offering, as this accreditation highlights. “The Kitemark for our BIM models acts as a seal of approval and highlights our objective to adopt the highest industry standards and use cutting-edge technology to further strengthen our position as market leader.”
Explore Offsite Outlooks, in partnership with BRE, will look into the latest innovations and understand which way is the best to implement the technological advancements into an offsite strategy. The one day conference and exhibition invites clients and their professional advisers, contractors and project managers and offsite technology suppliers to network with industry experts and discuss the latest developments in digital construction for the offsite sector. BIM has been a debatable subject in recent years and whether driving greater collaboration across the disciplines of architecture, engineering, manufacturing and construction is the right approach, is still unknown. The construction industry has been slower than other industry when it comes to digital transformation and it needs to catch up. Last year, McAvoy was presented with the award for Best Virtual Reality BIM at the third annual RICS BIM4SME Awards, for the design and delivery of a two-storey primary school building for children with special educational needs at West Hill School for Surrey County Council. The new school will incorporate classrooms, teaching training areas, a food technology room, a library, and staffroom, and will connect two separate buildings on the site, with a height difference of 870mm. To offset the height difference in the existing buildings, McAvoy was able to incorporate a ramped gradient within the design, nullifying it. “We are absolutely thrilled that our industry-leading commitment and investment in BIM has been recognised in this way. McAvoy was the first offsite construction specialist to be accredited to BIM Level 2 – which was a major achievement. We are now working towards BIM Level 3 as we really value the efficiency benefits that the process and the latest virtual reality technology can bring to our customers and our offsite projects,” said Eugene Lynch, Managing Director at The McAvoy Group. This achievement and how they implemented the BIM will be discussed at the conference, hoping to inspire and help others to do the same.
A provider for cloud software solutions for collaborative Building Information Modelling has joined the Open BIM Programme. 3D Repo has signed up to join the initiative which is designed to provide a universal approach to the collaborative design, realization and also operation of buildings. This approach is based on an open standard and workflows. Open BIM is a system that is used by leading software vendors using the buildingSMART Data Model. This model uses open standards such as Industry Foundation Classes and BIM Collaboration Format. This open source software solution is award winning and available to try for free. 3D Repo is joining a growing number of members in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction sector that is promoting collaborations that are being successful and streamlined on BIM projects around the world. Open BIM allows the support of a transparent workflow that is creating a common space for end users to communicate with potential suppliers in order to get projects with clear cut commercial engagement as well as a service evaluation that is comparable and an assured level of data quality. The Open BIM Programme is a worldwide system that is not specific to any particular product, rather created by the buildingSMART group with the intention to promote open communication systems as a vital part of the BIM process. This system will provide the industry with education and support with the use of the Open BIM process. The Open BIM programme is promoted by companies such as GRAPHISOFT, Tekla and other different companies. The intention behind this scheme is to encourage the globally coordinated Open BIM idea across the Architectural, Engineering and Construction Industries. The system allows for common branding for those signed up to the programme like 3D Repo. The Open BIM Programme allows stakeholders of this industry to work together, in a way that is independent from their profession or software choice in order to support the construction sector.
