Utilising BIM technology – Lynwood House

Lynwood House in Lanchester opened its doors in September 2014 and consists of 34 2-bedroom apartments, a community centre and GP surgery.  Elvet Consultants was appointed as strategic project manager to oversee a £12m investment programme, which included the development of this scheme.

When Lynwood House was commissioned by North Durham housing provider, Derwentside Homes in 2012, BIM was a process which was developing at an incredible pace.  It was accepted from the outset that the project would need a bespoke level of BIM.

The whole scheme was designed and co-ordinated using BIM consistent with Level 2, which sets Lynwood House apart from similar schemes.  The design and construction greatly benefitted from the 3D co-ordination of each of the consultants models, which highlighted any issues before the construction started.  The final model contained valuable information to aid Derwentside Homes in the facilities management of Lynwood House.

Utilising BIM not only enabled the whole design team to visualise the spaces, but it created huge benefits such as cost saving, accuracy of information and co-ordination.

Since its completion, Lynwood House has showcased how BIM may be of benefit to similar projects and the benefits this may bring to client themselves.

Elvet have invested in appropriate software to enable us to complete direct take offs from BIM Models, as part of our new BIM 5D service. Derwentside Homes have allowed us to use Lynwood House to fine tune this new service, which will provide them with a detailed take-off in accordance with New Rules Measurement 1 and 2 directly linked to the BIM 3D model. In addition, our internal cost managers have enrolled on the RICS BIM Management Certificate, which is a formal qualification to ensure that our clients receive the most up to date service.

Since implementing our BIM 5D service in June 2014, we now apply this methodology to all future projects regardless whether the project is delivered in BIM, as we can complete detailed take-offs from all design formats.