The situation and reason
each® group was selected by the client HW Wonen for the renovation project of 79 homes on Hekelstraat, Schrankstraat and Zwingellaan in 's-Gravendeel (shaded green).
Wim Nieuwkerk MSc of elk® Group saw opportunities in this project for collaboration with supRmen and BIMpartners. The goal was to make the execution of maintenance and renovation more efficient and comprehensive by collecting data. This would be achieved by using a combination of indoor and outdoor scanning technology.
Customer issue
elk®, BIM Partners and supRmen worked together to propose a solution to HW Wonen. The key questions presented to supRmen for this purpose were as follows:
"What are the possibilities and costs for:
- gathering extremely accurate property data of the roofs and facades;
- creating a photorealistic 3D model for a complete overview;
- the ability to determine dimensions of window frames, doors and other building elements in the model and detect damages and discrepancies."
Wim's idea bore fruit and every® The estimation went faster because of proper drawing, quantities and visuals. The ongoing project aims to sustainably transform the homes for 25 years of worry-free use, including renovations to roofs, window frames and insulation, among others.
Our solution
Our solution consisted of three phases:
1. gather data;
2. visualize data;
3. quantify data.
1. Data collection
We started by informing all residents and neighbors within a 50-meter radius of the building by means of a comprehensive letter. We then took about 1,200 photographs of the complex. These photos were taken from the air by a drone as well as from street level with high resolution cameras. In this way, the undersides of e.g. roof overhangs and gutters were captured in razor-sharp detail from all angles. The collection took only half a day. The images were taken with a measuring accuracy of 5 mm to enable accurate measurements - necessary for ordering new window frames, for example. In addition, the high resolution of the images (100MP) ensures that the condition can be determined. In order not to violate privacy, persons and license plates are automatically blurred by our algorithm. This can be compared to Google Streetview.
2. Visualize
All photos taken by the drone and at street level were stitched together to create a complete online photorealistic 3D model in our cloud-based platform, in which all details were visible in 2D and 3D. We collected all appointments, construction work, documents and other information in a central location in our client portal. This made all information centrally visible in one place and everyone was always up-to-date on the progress of the project.
3. Quantify
In this phase, all required data was extracted from the 3D model and converted to directly applicable information for each®, Stadlander and other stakeholders . The starting point was to determine quantities and dimensions. For this assignment, the choice was made to have BIMpartners determine the quantities and dimensions in their BIM models. Nevertheless, all salient damages were annotated in the 3D model so that elk® could act on them.
Results
During an interim evaluation with Wim, it appears that the 3D model adds value at several points in the process. Here is a small sample of where:
Calculation and preparation
elk® used the 3D model for planning and calculation, where accurate dimensions could be extracted from the model in no time. At the start of the project, the 3D model was used during the kick-off with all partners and subcontractors to visually include everyone in the project. This approach not only saved time, but also ensured seamless integration of the digital model into the practical implementation.
Execution
The 3D model is also used during execution, serving as a tool during weekly progress meetings, among other things. The BIM and 3D model are consulted both for the technical definition of work and for solving practical issues, such as moving the central heating boiler and installing blinds.
Based on the images, it is also possible to identify where incidental façade repair needs to take place and where, based on visible staining, cavity wall insulation might have subsided. This has led to considerable efficiency gains. Wim reports that they "just saved a work week in travel time" because employees didn't have to drive to the site for every little thing.
Benefits for subcontractors
In addition to the benefits for each®, other stakeholders were also enthusiastic about this new way of working. The subcontractors, including the frame specialist, the roofer and the facade specialist expressed themselves positively about the use of this methodology. For example, the frame specialist was able to order the frames based on the BIM models created from the scans.
The future
Based on the advantages that this method has offered, Wim - and thus elk® as a whole - certainly intend to use 3D models and our software again in future projects. Initially to relieve calculators, but according to Wim there are also many opportunities to apply this technique organization-wide.
In addition, Wim is positive about the applications of AI in his field. He states that there are colleagues who remain positively critical, but it is a tool that can offer them much now and in the future.
"We should not see it as a threat, but we should embrace it as a tool."
- Wim Nieuwkerk MSc - Plan Developer elk® group-
Wim sees more potential for closer integration of AI, particularly in the ability to take condition measurements and monitor construction processes. For example, Wim argues that there is tremendous value in taking additional images during and after construction. Those images can be juxtaposed with the full 3D model. Potentially, an additional scan upon completion could be among the possibilities. The resulting model then acts as a baseline measurement for the end customer. A great idea that we will certainly explore together!
The other results for each® were:
- Access to accurate data; smallest details and precise conditions were visible.
- A large amount of photos of the roofs and facades on short notice, to be used as an archive and reference work.
- High-quality images of the hard-to-reach areas.
- Reducing visits by residents.
- Easy to share with clients, (sub)contractors and other stakeholders.
- Integral solution; models are used for multiple purposes.
- From subjective interpretation to objective information for everyone working in the project.
"Want to know the financial benefits of accurate and complete real estate data? Calculate your cost savings."
