CAMP END MANOR WINS AWARD

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Lees Associates are delighted to announce that Camp End Manor has won the Best Residential Property £20 million + at The 2017 International Design Awards, held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

Described by Country Life (06.09.17) as “the Hill’s most prestigious launch of the autumn season”, Camp End Manor is the epitome of refined luxury and elegance.

Partner, Andrew Paulson, who oversaw the project from its conception through to completion said: “It was a fantastic experience to work alongside our client, Daniel Mateos of Werner Capital, to deliver a home of such exceptional quality. We set out with a vision for the finest house on The Hill and, through a combination of passion and perseverance, we have achieved it. It is wonderful that all of the team’s hard work over the past few years has been recognised in these awards.”

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WHY BIM?

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What is BIM?

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is not new, it’s been around for at least 30 years. The term relates to an entire process, rather than a product. It is best described as a ‘way of working’ within the planning and construction industry. BIM does require a software that is capable of 3D modelling, but the key is implementing and sharing information with the model. Collectively BIM represents the first truly global digital construction technology – since BIM is a way of thinking, it is possible regardless of project type and size.

BIM is based on collaboration of designers working on the same 3D model from which all the documentation and data is extracted. It is used from the concept design phase, through to tender and construction. Even after project completion the BIM model can be used for asset management throughout the lifetime of a building, it therefore involves all construction industry members.

Critically, BIM is obligatory for publicly-procured projects from 2016. The implementation is driven and directed by the government, which is expecting to reduce capital expenditure on projects by 20% by applying this method. With government paving the way, it will soon become standard procedure, even in the private sector.

What are the key benefits?

BIM is initially for designers, made possible by new modelling technologies. Applying this holistic method of designing provides better collaborative working, information, co-ordination and communication of project development. Other advantages include early cost certainty, predictable planning, better/earlier compliance checking and because it helps support these benefits it can reduce project risk and ultimately delivery costs.

Why is non-BIM practice inefficient?

Traditionally different activities during the design process are separated, each consultant working on different software and often different drawings. As such the communication can be inefficient. Here’s why. Consultants are working on separate 2D drawings and use a 3D model that is not related to the 2D drawings. Every time a change occurs, all the drawings and the model need to be updated separately, including schedules and visuals. The chance of mistakes and clashes is high in this ‘old school’ environment, still common in many practices.

How does BIM work differently?

BIM produces a coordinated output based on a central 3D model. It comes with the benefit that when changes are made in the central model, they are reflected in every output (views, drawings, and schedules). All the required data derives from one source, which means better integration between the different branches of design and specialists.

All BIM software usually has dynamic links to other software as well and thus the changes made on the model will go all the way through the project. It works with design tools that look and act like real construction elements, like walls, door, windows. It also enables the integration of real objects based on manufacturers’ actual construction detail. The fact that these elements have real and accurate physical properties makes everyone’s job easier. The designers can detect mistakes and clashes, the clients have a more accurate understanding of what will be built in the future. Information can be populated into schedules, and many of these processes can be automated, thus reducing the possibility of errors.

A new workflow

The model is developed within the same software from conceptual design through to the final design phase and after. As the design process goes on and the model evolves, it becomes possible to create:

  • Massing studies
  • Façade studies
  • Light studies
  • Design development
  • Value engineering exercises
  • CGI renders and movies
  • Planning and technical documentation
  • Details
  • Schedules
  • 3D fly-throughs for the client to sign off on

The whole team can work on the same model, even with colleagues who are based in different places the world.

The information model can be presented and even shared to clients and other members easily via BIMx – an application for tablets and smart-phones. This allows them to see the proposal in 3D before it is built and provides them with sections, plans and schedules from the same file.

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Further BIM benefits

In a BIM project we can differentiate between existing elements, new elements, and those to be demolished. This feature is crucial in a refurbishment project, where Lees Associates have significant experience. With the BIM model we can even simulate construction and identify possible issues on site before the project even starts. Quantities can be extracted from the model that link directly to other software (typically working with cost management, known as ‘5D solutions’). Once construction is finished, facility managers can use the virtual model for handling and retrieving information, collaborating with architects and contractors for the lifetime of the building. A virtual building interface can be set up that links to mobile devices, thus allowing active maintenance and even automated servicing.

Conclusion

At Lees Associates we have been using BIM software for over 25 years. We work on ArchiCAD – a software package that was developed specifically for the architecture industry. Our clients enjoy the benefits of BIM whenever they work with us. Lees can offer BIM across many levels, from simple in-house project modelling up to full design team BIM integration. If you are interested in the possibilities of the BIM for your project or practice, feel free to contact our studio for a chat about the future.