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CONSTRUCTION & BIM


CREATING A LEGACY FOR THE


LONG-TERM LIFECYCLE


Jason Ruddle , COO of Elecosoft plc, developer of project, portfolio, resource management and BIM software explains how BIM


can continue to be beneficial in the housing sector.


The Government appears to be driving the housing sector this year with enthusiasm, and an acute demand for new- build housing means there will be no shortage of takers for social, affordable or retail housing.


The exact policy details remain somewhat unclear at our time of writing, but several things have become clear even prior to Housing White Paper publication. More emphasis is likely to be placed on schemes that embrace the efficiencies and acceleration of off-site manufacturing and use of pre-fabricated materials, such as timber framing. Brownfield development will be encouraged in urban areas, while 14 new garden towns and cities will benefit local areas. It will give a shot in the arm to a construction sector, which has experienced turbulence, and is eyeing the path to Brexit with some uncertainty about both labour and material costs.


Financial structures emerged first. Local authorities and housing associations are among those likely to benefit most from the Government’s generosity via a range of funds including a £5 billion Accelerated Construction Scheme, £7bn dedicated for affordable housing, and starter homes incentives. The net effect of this will aim to lessen the strain on Local Authority social housing, reduce homelessness, and enable affordable home ownership for a new generation.


40 | TOMORROW’S FM


All resulting publicly-funded developments will fall under the BIM Level 2 mandate, which supports sustainability, and should mean new housing estates and assets are easier to manage throughout their lifecycle. The Government has already looked ahead to the next stage in its Digital Built Britain strategy, and is planning for future digital construction to embrace FM and clients.


BIM has been a work in progress since it was announced in 2011. However, as BIFM has recognised, there remain unanswered questions for FM providers about how BIM will relate to them. It has recently called for FMs to consult on changes to the BIM standard PAS-1192-3. It is important for FMs to understand the potential value of BIM-driven Asset Information Models. Yet it is still unclear how BIM will deliver whole-life benefits.


The objectives of BIM were not only to reduce CapEx and delivery costs, but to reduce whole life operational costs and improve carbon performance. However, the BIM Level 2 mandate is not directive on the process around these. It focuses on the standards and structures for construction, encouraging collaboration and supporting information flow through the design and build. Yet the maintenance, refurb, operational and staffing costs outweigh the cost of construction more than 200:1, according to some models.


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