We, at Stockwool, have been developing our skills and knowledge around BIM working methodologies for over ten years. The Practice has a high level of understanding about how these technologies and working practices can deliver value for our clients at all stages of a project’s development. On all projects we have established extensive experience of delivering these benefits for our clients, maximising quality and productivity.
All projects are developed, from inception, using three dimensional, object based software enabling us to create data rich models. Stockwool has developed a range of templates and in-house tools, which refine our working practices and enable us to calculate, filter, organise and analyse data to deliver the required information to our in- house team, our clients and the consultant teams. The time invested in development enables speedy testing and analysis of the model at all stages of the design process. Outputs can be shared with the client, consultant and technical specialists using openBIM standards and easily accessed via a Common Data Environment. The architectural model becomes a shared resource for the consultant team, including both structure and services. Beyond these core disciplines the model can be used to assist with energy modelling, overheating analysis, daylight levels and visual impact studies. Stockwool are committed to a collaborative process and our BIM working practices are designed to facilitate that.
The data rich models that we create are developed in line with guidance provided in ISO 19650, which is the industry standard and one of the key foundations to collaborative working.
Typically we would prepare a BIM Execution Plan, which defines the level and quality of information required by all parties at all stages of the model’s development. Within Stockwool we audit our models at key stages to ensure they meet our best practice standards. A robust model is vital when working in a collaborative environment, forming a strong basis for sharing information across the teams. Once checked and validated Stockwool can provide federated models, these can be an essential asset to clients who are ultimately responsible for the long term management of the built asset.
Our processes have been developed to provide the best possible service to our clients at all stages. At inception we provide massing proposals within an existing context massing model to quickly assess site capacity, townscape impacts and define potential quantums. Our models are rendered to be visually clear and compelling, to address the needs of the user, whilst containing information that can deliver speedy analysis. We are able to utilise our in-house tools to provide a wide range of analysis, from net/ gross assessments to proportion of glazing within a façade, quantitates of building components to overshadowing studies. On this basis, option testing is more dynamic and collectively we are able to achieve a better end product in a more efficient manner.
In order to maintain and improve the level of knowledge across the Practice, all members of the Practice are supported by the BIM management team. The team is led by Peter Sebes, a qualified BIM Level 2 Practitioner and he is supported by two assistants, Mattia Fanin and Lazar Belchev. In addition to providing advice and training across the Practice, the team are responsible for updating our documentation and working methodologies for optimal delivery.
Our approach to preparing for the construction phases of a project has proven that well defined and collaborative BIM working methodologies can significantly mitigate risk during the construction phase itself. Using Federated Models, which include both structure and services, we are able to lead the process in identifying clashes within the models themselves and resolving these issues digitally before the works on site begin. Using a Common Data Environment we are able to identify and share the issues identified and quickly agree a resolution with the appropriate parties. Formal clash detection reports can be carried out on behalf of our clients to provide a clear audit trail and deliver fully co-ordinated models, which have been checked and validated across the disciplines.
Ultimately our ambition is to provide data rich federated models, which have been used from early design stages, through the design and construction process. These models would include co-ordinated information from the consultant team and specialists providing our clients with data which defines all important aspects of the built asset. This process will enable our clients to create and maintain a Golden Thread of information and provide a sound basis for safely managing the built asset through it’s lifetime.
