What is BIM?

Building Information Modelling, or BIM for short, is rapidly gaining traction in the construction industry, but what exactly is it?  This article provides a brief explanation of BIM for our clients, outlining how Novo is integrating the processes and tools into our workflow to provide our clients with an improved optimised service and experience.

BIM is simply a process for creating and managing information on your construction project across the project life cycle, from design inception, to construction, to management of the building in-use.  One of the key outputs of the process is the Building Information Model, a digital entity describing every aspect of the built asset.  The model is not simply a 3D computer generated model, but rather should be considered as a 5D coordinated repository of information assembled collaboratively, updated and coordinated by all members of the team throughout the project life cycle.

At Novo we have been using BIM software for nearly a decade.  However, it is only in the last 2 years that we have really started to ramp up integration with other members of the design team.  BIM enables us to bring together all of the information about every component of a building, in one place.  This makes it possible for anyone to access that information for any purpose, e.g. to integrate different aspects of the design more effectively.  In this way, the risk of mistakes or discrepancies is reduced, and abortive costs minimised.

BIM data can be used to illustrate the entire building life-cycle, from inception and design to demolition and materials reuse.  Spaces, systems, products and sequences can be shown in relative scale to each other and, in turn, relative to the entire project.  And by signalling conflict detection BIM prevents errors creeping in at the various stages of development/ construction.  We also use it for thermal modelling of the building, to inform and optimise our design solutions to provide a low energy use solution. 

Our two principle tools that we utilise in our BIM workflow are Archicad and NBS Chorus, our computer aided design software and specification software.  These tools integrate seamlessly with each other to create a digital model rich in data and interoperability for the design team to utilise.  The model enables us to produce a comprehensive set of coordinated information in real time.  It assists us with design explanation, detailing, thermal modelling, coordination, cost control and construction sequencing.  At project handover it provides the client with a detailed digital record of all aspects of the building allowing them to manage and maintain the asset appropriately.

Advantages for the Client

• Improved design decision making through 3d modelling

• Reduced costs by managing and minimising errors in the digital environment first

• Reduced in-use energy costs through innovative thermal modelling

• Cost certainty at each stage of the design process

• Better management of the building during occupancy

To date, due to cost of implementation, BIM has generally been reserved for larger projects.  In our Studio, we are certainly convinced that the early implementation of BIM into our workflow on smaller projects has greatly improved the quality of our service for our Clients.  In some ways this is innovative on such a small scale, however we are excited by the possibilities that it promises.  Moving forward it is our intention to rollout live interactive cost modelling to provide  increased cost certainty on projects.  With each component having an identifiable cost, quantities and cost management will be greatly improved for our clients.  Further development will also look at closing the gap between design model and site construction and assembly, exploring the possibilities of off-site manufacture.  In this way we look forward to having a greater influence on control of quality and performance of the final built asset.

All of our new projects will be integrating BIM protocols. If you feel that your project could benefit from this innovative tool we would love to assist in any way that we can, just contact us below.

What’s the cost of building to the Passivhaus Standard?

Innovation costs associated with early Passivhaus projects are now reducing as the methodology has become more widely adopted.  This article discusses the findings of a recent study to determine exactly what building to the Passivhaus Standard costs.  It will highlight the principle areas of cost in a Passivhaus, and focus on key design and project management strategies to follow to minimise the cost of your dream home.

Generally speaking in the UK, the cost for a new build, architect-designed bespoke home will be in the region of £1,650 - £1,800 per square metre.  This does not include land acquisition costs or professional fees.  Therefore, a typical 4 bedroom house of 150 square metres will cost in the region of £250k to £270k.  This will get you a 'standard' specification home built to UK Building Regulations.

But what are the costs of wanting to build a home that is better for the Environment, a so called EcoHome.  We have written previously about the Passivhaus Standard, a voluntary building standard that ensures a highly energy efficient building via a fabric first approach.  In 2019 the Passivhaus Trust published a report into Passivhaus Construction Costs.  This study confirmed that there has been a consistent trend in Passivhaus costs reducing in the last 10 years.  As of 2018, best practice costs were only 8% higher when set against comparable homes built to minimum Building Regulation standards.  Indeed the report concludes that at scale, such costs could be reduced to a 4% premium.  

Passivhaus Construction Costs

Passivhaus Trust Report October 2019

What exactly drives this additional capital cost?  The Passivhaus standard does not rely on fancy bolt on eco technologies to minimise energy use, rather it focuses on an energy efficient fabric, focused design strategies and exceptional build quality.  Due to this costs will increase when compared to 'standard' construction.  The practical reasons why a Passivhaus will cost more than a traditionally built house are;

• There is often more insulation being used in floors, walls and roof.

• Windows and Doors are of a higher specification, typically triple glazed.

• The ventilation strategy often relies on mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)

• Addressing the required Airtightness requires additional semi skilled labour and products.

By investing a little extra in the above however, you can take advantage of significant benefits such as;

• Simpler mechanical infrastructure due to reduced heating requirement

• The home will use less energy, reducing fuel bills and carbon emissions, making you more energy secure

• The home will be healthier, more comfortable with little temperature variation.

• The higher build quality will lead to lower maintenance costs.

• Your home will be worth more. As energy use becomes more and more important in the housing market, prices will begin to reflect running costs.

The PHT study of 2019 also had several key findings in regard to assisting future adopters of the Passivhaus Standard manage the cost of their Project.  Strategically their findings focused on design and early buy-in from the construction team.  The top 10 ways to minimise costs were;

1. Passivhaus needs to be part of the initial brief before a design is conceived.

2. Employ experienced Certified Passivhaus Designers

3. Keep it simple

4. Ventilation design and coordination is important

5. Consider summer comfort, even in the UK! Do not underestimate this.

6. Airtightness is key.

7. Work with a team that 'get it'.

8. It is more than just design. Construction is just as important.

9. Collaboration

10. Appoint a certifier early if you wish your project to be officially certified.

 If the above article is of interest and you would like to know more, or if you feel that we could assist you with your new home, we would be happy to help. Just click on the button below to contact us.