CU4201

CAD User 

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 

VOL 37 NO 01 

WWW.CADUSER.COM 

Loch on Wood 

Winning creativity from the 2023 

Vectorworks Design Scholarship 

Gathering the evidence 

Zutec helps deliver Part L Photographic 

Evidence for Gleeson Homes 

Skipping Ahead 

HS2's Colne Valley Viaduct project 

IDEA StatiCa 

Revolutionising steel 

connection design 

INDUSTRY NEWS • CASE STUDIES • HARDWARE & SOFTWARE FOCUS • PRODUCT REVIEWS • FEATURES

CONTENTS 

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 

CONTENTS 

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT 12 

How RedSky's software is empowering 

construction companies to achieve project 

success through enhanced supply chain 

management 

GOING CARBON FREE WITH ERP 16 

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems 

can help housebuilders keep costs under 

control - including the hidden cost of 

sustainability 

SKIPPING AHEAD 18 

BIM software has been used on the temporary 

works for HS2's Colne Valley Viaduct, which has 

been designed to mimic the skipping of stones 

across a lake 

LOCH ON WOOD 22 

Dylan Baliski at the University of Dundee has 

won a 2023 Vectorworks Design Scholarship in 

the Architecture category for his striking design 

concept for an updated RSPB bird sanctuary 

NEWS.................................................INDUSTRY NEW.........................................................................................................6 

• AUTODESK SET TO ACQUIRE PAYAPPS • CALCULATING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 

EVENT PREVIEW................................FUTUREBUILD 2024.........................................................................................10 

• FUTUREBUILD 2024 AT EXCEL LONDON IN MARCH PROMISES TO BE THE MOST TRANSFORMATIVE EVENT YET 

CASE STUDY......................................LEVERAGING ASSETWISE...............................................................................20 

• CLARION HOUSING DEVISE THEIR OWN ASSET MANAGEMENT SOLUTION BASED ON BENTLEY ASSETWISE ALIM 

INDUSTRY COMMENT.......................WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BIM LEVEL 2?......................................................24 

• WHY HAS THERE BEEN SO LITTLE ADVANCEMENT IN IBIM LEVEL 2 ADOPTION? 

TECHNOLOGY FOCUS......................IDEA STATICA..................................................................................................26 

• HOW IDEA STATICA IS REVOLUTIONISING THE STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF STEEL CONNECTIONS 

CASE STUDY......................................MEETING THE BNG CHALLENGE....................................................................28 

• ATKINSRÉALIS CREATE A SOLUTION TO MEET NEW BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN LEGISLATION 

TECHNOLOGY FOCUS......................GATHERING THE EVIDENCE...........................................................................30 

• GLEESON HOMES PARTNER WITH ZUTEC TO DELIVER PART L PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE COMPLIANCE AND MORE 

TRAINING MAP...................................AUTODESK TRAINING.......................................................................................32 

• YOUR GUIDE TO AUTODESK TRAINING 

INDUSTRY FOCUS.............................CADVENTURE DIGITAL INTELLIGENCE CONFERENCE..................................34 

• CADVENTURE WILL LAUNCH ITS DIGITAL INTELLIGENCE CONFERENCE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BENTLEY SYSTEMS 

January/February 2024 3

COMMENT 

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or any resulting effects 

Comment 

The costs of sustainability 

by David Chadwick 

Iam sure you already know about the 

ongoing consultation on improving 

energy efficiency and reducing carbon 

emissions of new homes and nondomestic 

buildings, and inevitable 

changes to Part L (Conservation of Fuel 

and Power) and Part 6 of the Building 

Regulations 2010 ("the Building 

Regulations") as the government sets out 

Future Homes and Buildings Standards. 

Various organisations within the industry 

are weighing in with their take on the subject, 

the most interesting of them about solar 

panels. The National Federation of Builders 

stated recently that if they are merely an addon, 

instead of being installed during 

construction, then they are an extremely 

expensive proposition compared to other 

sustainable measures such as building 

warmer and draught-free houses, and wider 

use of heat pumps. The UK Green Building 

Council also argues that it is unconscionable 

that the UK government is considering 

scrapping the need for new roofs to have 

solar panels, opting instead for 'the least 

ambitious option possible'. 

Thankfully, various schemes already 

underway are pioneering more sustainable 

building methods - one of them local to me, 

where the council is building a small 

development of council houses with solar 

panels as an integral part of the roof, installed 

with heat pumps and using more efficient 

Porotherm multi-cellular clay blocks instead of 

traditional bricks or concrete blocks, enabling 

builders to dispense with cavity walls. 

I spoke to the builders behind the project - 

which can't be named yet, the council being 

shy about unofficial publicity. They said that 

the solar panels required specialised installers 

while the rest of the roof used traditional 

roofing subcontractors, and the Porotherm 

blocks weren't up to their normal standard, so 

were supplemented with internal insulation - 

pointing to the use of building performance 

calculations to enable the project to comply 

with the government's required decrease in 

embedded carbon. They also told me that 

heat pumps are considerably more expensive 

to buy and install than gas-fired boilers and 

were rather impractical if the buildings aren't 

well enough insulated. 

And then we have Part L Photographic 

Evidence requirements, whereby project 

managers need to produce compliant and 

well organised photographic proof throughout 

a construction to assure that it also meets the 

required building standards, as detailed in the 

case study from Zutec in this issue. 

The inevitable result is that construction 

projects are become more complex, and 

therefore expensive. Should the need for 

substantially increased house building ever 

be met, the complexity and costs will 

increase. The demand for sustainable 

building materials will become critical - 

Porotherm is made in Germany and shipped 

to suppliers in this country, for instance - with 

scarcities and competition from ecoconscious 

builders throughout Europe. We 

will need more heat pumps and engineers 

who can install them, and to find and employ 

higher skilled workers from a shrinking pool, 

and as a sideline use improved building 

performance and related software to comply 

with the new standards. 

Construction management software 

therefore needs to be equally adept and 

flexible enough to react rapidly in finding and 

choosing alternative suppliers, calculating the 

cost of late deliveries and fluctuating prices, 

regulating the workforce and so much more. 

With such a dramatic increase in the 

complexity of even small housebuilding 

projects, you need to use an integrated 

single source of truth like the Access COINS 

ERP system, built specifically for the 

construction industry. And to maintain proper 

records of the photos you take during 

construction, you can use Zutec's Part L 

Photographic Evidence suite within their 

Quality Management solution. 

4 January/February 2023

FASTER WORKFLOWS 

FROM START TO FINISH 

Design software that carries your projects from start to finish 

with the speed and reliability you require. With the latest in 

Vectorworks, you’ll find faster workflows at every stage of 

design, minimizing interruptions and maximizing productivity. 

Start your free trial at VECTORWORKS.NET/2024 

OYAKI FARM BY IROHADO 

COURTESY OF TONO MIRAI ARCHITECTS

INDUSTRY news 

CALCULATING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 

The recently released 2023 

Digital Construction Report 

from NBS explores the industry's 

evolving relationship 

between digital technology and 

safety and sustainability. The 

report found that two-thirds of 

professionals using digital tools 

to calculate environmental-related 

metrics, a sign that sustainable 

design is now intrinsic to 

construction processes. 

Significantly, four in ten use 

digital methods to understand 

the embodied carbon attached 

to a project - that is, the 

amount of CO2 emitted during 

construction. A similar figure 

(38%) also uses it to quantify 

the energy demands of structures 

and the components that 

go into them. There's room for 

improvement, but the figures 

show a clear push towards 

lower carbon outcomes. 

NBS also analysed levels of 

off-site construction, an area 

often associated with greener 

building practices, due to 

greater control of materials and 

waste. The results found that 

MMC (Modern Methods of 

Construction) continues to 

gather pace. Over half of professionals 

(57%) had been part 

of a construction project that 

had used or required off-site 

construction within the last 

year. This is an increase of 7% 

since 2021. This news comes 

despite the closure of several 

high-profile MMC factories. 

Manufacturers are the group 

most likely to be involved with 

MMC - 7 in 10 had worked with 

an off-site element, followed by 

nearly two-thirds of contractors 

(63%) and over half of consultants 

(58%). This increase 

could reflect an industry drive 

towards net zero as well as 

recent government backing for 

further MMC standardisation. 

The report also found that 

cloud computing is becoming 

further embedded within building 

practices, with four out of 

five now using it. The stats 

highlight the positive way technology 

is supporting collaborative 

working, with three-quarters 

using it to share documents 

and information with 

clients (77%). A similar number 

(74%) use it to collaborate with 

team members and produce 

3D models, specifications, and 

other important documents. 

Commenting on the results, 

David Bain, NBS' Research 

Manager, said, "The uptick in 

professionals seeking environmental-related 

metrics shows 

an industry putting sustainability 

front and centre. The drive 

towards Net-Zero has no doubt 

been a catalyst alongside the 

evolving legislative landscape - 

there's never been a greater 

emphasis on the environmental 

impact of building practices." 

https://shorturl.at/kZ156 

AUTODESK SET TO ACQUIRE PAYAPPS 

Autodesk has signed a 

definitive agreement to 

acquire Payapps, a leading 

global provider of construction 

payment and compliance 

management solutions. The 

acquisition builds off the previous 

collaboration and strategic 

alignment between Payapps 

and Autodesk Construction 

Cloud announced in 2022. 

Known as Payapps in Australia, 

New Zealand, the UK 

and Ireland, and GCPay in 

North America, the company's 

cloud offerings accelerate visibility 

of payments between 

project stakeholders and have 

helped construction teams 

save nearly 350,000 project 

hours a year. 

Geoff Tarrant, executive chairman 

of Payapps, commented: 

"Payapps and Autodesk share 

a common mission of helping 

our customers increase profitability 

through cost efficiencies 

and reduce risks wherever 

possible. With Payapps 

becoming part of Autodesk, 

our customers will get to experience 

the technology benefits 

of both companies as we continue 

our journey to help construction 

companies improve 

their payment management 

processes." 

www.autodesk.com 

BIM INTEGRATION TOOLS FOR CODESIGN 

Codesign, the app that 

enables architects to 

explore, iterate, and design 

faster than ever before, has 

announced that BIM integrations 

are now available that 

allow Codesign projects to be 

taken into your BIM system of 

choice, to continue developing 

and evolving your design. 

Codesign is a creative tool 

specifically for the conceptual 

design part of the architectural 

process. It allows users to 

sketch freely, envision concepts, 

and explore imaginative 

possibilities while incorporating 

valuable downstream data 

such as areas, massing, sun 

studies, carbon, context, and 

material implications. 

"We partnered with the software 

teams at Graphisoft, 

Autodesk, and Vectorworks to 

ensure seamless integration of 

the different BIM systems," 

said Campbell Yule, Founder 

and Chief Executive Officer of 

Codesign. "After a tremendous 

amount of beta testing, Archicad, 

Forma, Revit, and Vectorworks 

are all compatible." 

Version one of the Codesign 

Connections are complete, 

and regular release updates 

will follow. All subscribers to 

the app can enjoy the BIM 

integration feature free for 

one year. Codesign is available 

to download from the 

Apple App Store now, with 

tiered subscription rates 

based on usage. 

www.getcodesign.co 

6 

January/February 2024

VISIBILITY 

CONTROL 

ACCURACY 

CONSTRUCTION ERP SOFTWARE 

From pre-construction to post construction 

Visibility is everything; trust 

our software to give you control 

and accuracy. 

Access construction management 

software enables you to accurately 

estimate contracts, manage your 

projects with clear visibility and 

control your costs. 

Access Construction ERP Software 

comprises award-winning Enterprise 

Resource Planning (ERP) EasyBuild and 

ConQuest Estimating can help you with: 

• ESTIMATING 

• SITE MANAGEMENT 

• ACCOUNTING 

• HR AND PAYROLL 

• TRAINING 

• COMPLIANCE 

• PROCUREMENT 

• HOSTING AND CYBER SECURITY 

WHY CHOOSE SOFTWARE 

FROM ACCESS CONSTRUCTION? 

• Two core products written for the 

construction industry – ConQuest 

Estimating and EasyBuild ERP 

Software 

CONTACT US AND 

BOOK A DEMO TODAY 

Search: Access Construction 

• Bought alone or as an integrated 

package, we create the right solution 

for your company which can scale 

as you grow 

• Seamless implementation, with 

product training and dedicated 

customer support

INDUSTRY news 

VECTORWORKS WINS GOOD DESIGN AWARD 

Vectorworks has been honoured 

as a GOOD 

DESIGN® winner for its 

"Design Without Limits" entry in 

the graphic design category. 

The GOOD DESIGN Awards 

Program, presented by The 

Chicago Athenaeum Museum 

of Architecture and Design and 

Metropolitan Arts, is the world's 

oldest and most prestigious 

program for innovative and cutting-edge 

industrial, product, 

and graphic designs produced 

around the world. 

For more than seven 

decades, the awards program 

has honoured the yearly 

achievements of the best 

industrial and graphic designers 

and world manufacturers 

for their pursuit of extraordinary 

design excellence. This year, 

the Museum received a record 

number of submissions from 

the world's leading manufacturers 

and industrial and graphic 

design firms, representing the 

most important and critical 

mass of influential corporations 

in the design industry from 

over 55 countries. 

The Vectorworks Creative 

team spearheaded the design 

and inspiration to capture the 

creativity of the software and 

implemented this concept on 

employee t-shirts, customer 

swag, and throughout the 

company's headquarters office, 

including an interactive mural. 

The team was challenged to 

develop unique elements and 

special design touches to 

ensure the office and its experience 

embody Vectorworks' 

unique brand. 

www.good-designawards.com 

SHOOTHILL AND ACCESS COIN PARTNERSHIP 

Shoothill and Access 

COINS have entered a 5- 

year bilateral partnership 

whereby Shoothill agrees to 

provide Access COINS with 

various web-based technologies 

and development services. 

As part of the deal, 

Shoothill will be making innovations 

it has developed available 

to Access COINS, 

derived from its successful 

Housebuilder Pro software 

system launched in 2018. 

Alex Boury, General Manager 

at Access COINS said: "We're 

delighted to be working with 

Shoothill and together this 

new strategic partnership 

means we will be in an excellent 

position to fully embrace 

new and emerging web capabilities 

in innovative and creative 

ways, further raising our 

game in the construction 

industry. This is an exciting 

time for both companies." 

www.theaccessgroup.com 

ASK NFB FOR CONSTRUCTIVE ADVICE 

Anew data visualisation tool 

designed to support civil 

infrastructure teams expediate 

access to data during the planning 

phase - enabling more 

informed decision making and 

significant reductions in time 

and resources - has been 

developed and launched. 

Bluesky International and 

Sensat have entered into a 

partnership to merge rapid 

data collection methods and 

advanced visualisation capabilities, 

unlocking data certainty 

for infrastructure teams. The 

benefits include the ability to 

access geospatial data earlyon 

in the planning stage, often 

negating the requirement to 

conduct costly and time-intensive 

traditional surveys. Teams 

are now able to seamlessly 

overlay plans onto real-world 

contexts, ensuring decisions 

can be guided with the knowledge 

and security that they are 

The National Federation of 

Builders (NFB) has 

announced the launch of Ask 

NFB, a dedicated advice service 

that provides construction 

businesses with expert support 

and guidance on a wide range 

of industry-related topics. 

The launch of Ask NFB is the 

first in a series of modernisations 

the organisation is going 

through, as it positions itself as 

the professional home of 

builders, contractors and 

house builders and focuses in 

on its offering of ‘standards, 

services and advocacy’. 

James M. Butcher, Director of 

Strategy and Operations at the 

NFB said: “We know that construction 

is the number one 

sector when it comes to insolvencies 

and news story after 

news story reports the challenges 

construction faces. It is 

at these times that professional 

associations must step up to 

offer the support needed to 

keep construction building. 

That’s why we have launched 

Ask NFB, a one-stop shop for 

expert advice and support. Our 

message to members is simple 

– if you need help, advice, guidance 

or support, just Ask NFB” 

Ask NFB offers NFB members 

a dedicated national support 

desk backed by its membership 

services team, internal 

policy advisors and suite of 

expert specialists. The service 

will soon also include a comprehensive 

library of resources, 

including templates, latest 

guidance, model policies and 

information on key industry 

developments. 

www.builders.org.uk/ask-nfb 

DATA VISUALISATION TOOL COLLABORATION 

based on accurate and current 

geospatial data. 

Ralph Coleman, Chief Commercial 

Officer at Bluesky, said: 

“By seamlessly integrating 

Bluesky’s geospatial data with 

Sensat’s visualisation platform, 

we empower civil infrastructure 

teams to break free from time 

and cost constraints of traditional 

survey methods. Together, 

we are providing a solution 

that accelerates data access, 

setting a new standard for efficiency 

and accuracy in the 

planning process.” 

www.bluesky-world.com 

8 


05-07 March 2024 / ExCeL, London 

05 - 07 March 2024 ExCeL, London 

what will you 

take a stand for? 

Driving Collaboration and Innovation for a 

Sustainable Built Environment at the sectors 

most influential, large scale exhibition and 

conference. 

Join us at 

Futurebuild 2024 

Futurebuild is more than an event; it’s a call for action. It’s a platform to 

engage and collaborate, and a stage for debate. It’s three days of education 

and dissemination of knowledge, and a showcase of innovation. 

Take a stand for a better built environment. 

www.futurebuild.co.uk

EVENTpreview 

Futurebuild 2024: the build-up begins 

Futurebuild, the built 

environment's most influential 

event for innovation and 

collaboration is back for 2024, 

taking place March 5-7th 2024 

at London's ExCeL. Promising 

to be the most transformative 

yet, it will continue its mission 

of taking a stand for a better 

built environment with this 

year's key theme as 'take a 

stand for change' 

For the first time, Futurebuild is 

partnering with The Retrofit 

Academy to colocate its National 

Retrofit Conference alongside the 

Futurebuild conference. 

The Futurebuild conference, curated 

by The Edge and sponsored by 

Soprema and One Click LCA, is a 

highly respected gathering of 

influential innovators and collaborators 

tackling the industry's problems head 

on. The three daily themes are: 

Pathways to change, Levers for 

change and Sharing visons for change. 

Featuring a line-up of the who's who of 

the built and natural environment; 

guests for 2024 include: Smith Mordak, 

Chief Executive, UKGBC; Muyiwa Oki, 

President, RIBA and Sara Edmonds, 

Co-director, National Retrofit Hub to 

name just a few. 

The full programme can be found 

here with speaker details and 

biographies. 

SCALING UP HIGH-QUALITY 

RETROFIT 

Sponsored by Sustainable Building 

Services UK (Ltd), the National Retrofit 

Conference will bring together 

visionaries and industry leaders to focus 

on a crucial mission - decarbonising our 

existing housing stock. 

The three day conference will focus 

on Skills, Innovation and Policy and 

provide the practical solutions that 

attendees can take away to drive their 

retrofit programmes forward, with a 

line-up of speakers that includes 

thought leaders from inside and 

outside of the sector. 

MORE THAN JUST A 

CONFERENCE 

As well as the two conferences, 

Futurebuild features the industry's 

largest exhibition, with over 400 

innovative brands and six stages that 

will host 500+ industry-leading 

10 


EVENTpreview 

speakers across sections. The six 

stages are FutureX, Buildings, Energy, 

Materials, Sustainable Infrastructure 

and Digital. 

The knowledge programme has been 

made possible with the help and 

support of our event sponsors and 

80 partners. 

The full list of sponsors can be 

found here. 

EMBRACING INNOVATION 

As the industry platform for innovation, 

Futurebuild has continued to partner 

with game-changing brands. Follow 

our Innovation Trail to meet our 

Innovation Partners: Advantage 

Austria, NexGen, MKc Training 

Services Ltd, Bauder, the Concrete 

Centre, Tepeo, Sugastune UK Ltd, SDS 

Limited, Qvantum, Mixergy Limited, 

LKAB Minerals Limited, Glen Dimplex 

Heating and Ventilation, Curv360 

Limited, Aico, 540 World and Kensa. 

The Future X section, sponsored by the 

Department for Energy Security and Net 

Zero, The Carbon Trust and Innovate 

UK, is an exciting zone that showcases 

start-ups and SME's innovative ideas 

and technologies that will make net zero 

possible.The Big Innovation Pitch also 

returns for 2024, and will highlight the 

newest and brightest solutions to built 

environment challenges in an exciting 

presentation battle, taking place in front 

of a live audience. 

Futurebuild 2024 invites industry 

leaders, visionaries, and enthusiasts 

alike to join us, and share ideas, 

embrace innovation and help create the 

blueprint for a better tomorrow. 

For more details and exhibitor enquires, visit 

www.futurebuild.co.uk 

Don't miss out on Futurebuild 2024. Visitor 

registration is now open 


TECHNOLOGY focus 

Supply Chain Management 

Enhancing construction supply chain efficiency with RedSky 

The seamless management of 

suppliers and subcontractors is 

vital for successful project delivery, 

cost control, and quality assurance. 

RedSky's new construction supply chain 

software offers a tailored solution 

designed to optimise and streamline 

construction supply chains, providing an 

array of features and benefits specifically 

crafted for construction stakeholders in 

the UK and Ireland. This article delves 

into the innovative functionalities and 

advantages of RedSky's software, aimed 

at empowering construction companies 

to achieve project success through 

enhanced supply chain management. 

From centralised management to 

automated workflows and real-time data 

analytics, RedSky's software equips 

construction companies with a robust 

toolkit to transform their supply chain 

management processes. There is a 

comprehensive suite of features that will 

benefit your pre-qualification to 

onboarding, insurance and capabilities 

requests to performance and bid 

management. These include 

communication and collaboration tools, 

mobile access, vendor register, 

document store, customisable views and 

search, reports, and notifications. They 

are designed to elevate efficiency and 

effectiveness in supply chain 

management. 

This article explores the transformative 

impact of RedSky's software on the 

construction industry, highlighting its 

pivotal role in driving efficiency, 

collaboration, and success. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF EFFICIENT 

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT 

Construction projects rely on the efficient 

management of suppliers and 

subcontractors to ensure the delivery of 

projects on time, on budget and to the 

required quality standards. RedSky's 

construction supply chain software is 

specifically designed to optimise and 

streamline construction supply chains, 

offering a range of features and benefits 

that help construction companies 

maintain the best partner relationships 

and achieve project success. 

TAILORED SOLUTION FOR THE UK 

AND IRELAND CONSTRUCTION 

INDUSTRY 

RedSky's Supply Chain Management 

solution is tailored to meet the needs of 

construction stakeholders in the UK and 

Ireland. By leveraging this software, 

construction companies can efficiently 

store and access vendor profiles, 

contracts, compliance documentation, 

and performance metrics. The 

automated workflows save time and 

reduce administrative burden, while the 

real-time data analytics empower 

construction companies to track and 

analyse critical metrics and ensure 

compliance. 

12 


TECHNOLOGYfocus 

VENDOR REGISTER: MANAGING 

APPROVED AND UNAPPROVED 

VENDORS 


solution includes a Vendor Register 

feature that enables construction 

companies to maintain an updated list of 

approved and unapproved vendors. This 

feature stores essential supplier and 

subcontractor information, such as 

contact details, qualifications, 

capabilities, and insurance 

documentation. The Vendor Register 

provides a secure platform for managing 

vendor-related documents, ensuring 

easy retrieval and efficient collaboration. 

The views and search functionality also 

streamlines data access, improving user 

efficiency and productivity. 

With a centralised Vendor Register, 

construction companies can quickly find 

approved subcontractors for their 

projects and tenders, ensuring the right 

capabilities and capacities are available 

when needed. 

CENTRALISED MANAGEMENT AND 

STREAMLINED WORKFLOWS 

RedSky's software provides centralised 

management, allowing construction 

companies to store efficiently and 

access profiles, contracts, compliance 

documentation, and performance 

metrics. This centralised approach 

ensures quick and easy access to vital 

information, enabling construction 

companies to track compliance and 

monitor performance through a unified 

management system. Say goodbye to 

scattered spreadsheets and paperbased 

systems and welcome a 

streamlined approach to supply 

chain management. 

AUTOMATED WORKFLOWS 

FEATURE 

The automated workflow feature saves 

construction companies time and 

reduces administrative burdens. Prequalification 

via configurable 

questionnaires can be managed 

efficiently, significantly reducing 

administrative burdens on teams. 

Suppliers and subcontractors receive 

pre-qualification forms automatically via 

notifications, minimising the need for 

manual intervention or copy-pasting. 

When it comes to keeping insurance 

and other critical information up to date, 

the automated notifications can request 

updates directly from suppliers, notifying 

your staff when the details are completed 

so they can be verified and approved on 

their vendor record. 

REAL-TIME DATA ANALYTICS FOR 

INFORMED DECISION-MAKING 

Real-time data analytics are crucial for 

project success. RedSky's Supply Chain 

Management solution empowers 

construction companies with real-time 

data analytics capabilities. Metrics such 

as on-time delivery, quality performance, 

and compliance can be tracked and 

analysed in real time. By leveraging 

these insights, construction companies 

can identify potential issues before they 

escalate, take proactive steps to address 

them, and make informed decisions 

regarding future opportunities. 

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND 

COLLABORATION TOOLS 

Effective communication and 

collaboration are essential for successful 

supply chain management. RedSky's 

software provides a centralised 

communication platform, enabling 

seamless communication between 

internal teams and the supply chain. 

Project requirements, timelines, and 

expectations can be easily 

communicated, improving project 

outcomes and enhancing performance. 

Collaborative project planning and 

execution become a breeze, further 

boosting overall efficiency. 

MOBILE ACCESS FOR ON-THE-GO 

EFFICIENCY 

In today's fast-paced construction 

industry, having mobile access to data is 

crucial. RedSky's Supply Chain 

Management solution offers mobile 

access, allowing field teams to access 

real-time data and communicate with 

subcontractors on the go. With mobile 

access, construction companies can 



enhance efficiency, reduce administrative 

tasks, and stay connected with suppliers 

and subcontractors, even in the field. 

DOCUMENT STORE FEATURE 

Construction projects generate a vast 

amount of documentation. RedSky's 

software provides a Document Store 

feature, where construction companies 

can securely store and manage vendorrelated 

documents. This feature allows 

for easy document retrieval, ensuring 

that important files and compliance 

documentation are readily accessible to 

relevant stakeholders. With a centralised 

Document Store, construction 

companies can maintain compliance, 

track revisions, and facilitate efficient 

collaboration. 

VIEWS & SEARCH FUNCTIONALITY 

Navigating through large volumes of 

data can be time-consuming and 

challenging. RedSky's software offers 

Views & Search functionality, allowing 

construction companies to create 

customised views and perform 

advanced searches within the system. 

By defining specific filters and criteria, 

users can quickly find the information 

they need, whether related to 

capabilities, essential contact 

information or compliance records. 

Views & Search streamline data access, 

improving user efficiency and 

productivity. 

ROBUST REPORTING CAPABILITIES 


solution offers robust reporting 

capabilities and easy-to-use dashboards 

for managing business KPIs. 

Construction companies can generate 

reports on subcontractor performance, 

compliance status, order values, and 

other key metrics. These reports provide 

valuable insights for decision-making 

and help identify areas for improvement. 

Additionally, the software provides 

notifications and alerts, ensuring that the 

supply chain stays informed about 

upcoming expirations or the need to 

resubmit forms. Reports and notifications 

enable proactive management and 

timely actions. 

BID TRACKING FEATURE 

The Bid Tracking feature simplifies the 

procurement process for construction 

companies. With it, construction 

companies can maintain a 

comprehensive record of bid requests, 

evaluations, and selections, ensuring a 

transparent and efficient bid lifecycle. 

The feature allows construction 

companies to track and manage the 

entire bid lifecycle, from the initial 

requests for bids to the evaluation and 

selection of pre-approved supply chain 

partners. This streamlining of the bid 

process provides construction 

companies with a valuable tool for 

managing and tracking bids effectively. 

ADAPTING TO THE DYNAMIC 

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY 

In a dynamic and constantly evolving 

industry, RedSky's Supply Chain 

Management solution is designed to meet 

the changing needs of construction 

companies in the UK and Ireland. By 

providing a centralised platform for supply 

chain management, RedSky's software 

offers a comprehensive set of features that 

enhance efficiency, collaboration, and 

decision-making. 

REDSKY'S SOLUTION FOR 

CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY CHAIN 

MANAGEMENT 

In conclusion, RedSky's construction 

supply chain software is a valuable asset 

for construction companies in the UK and 

Ireland. Its innovative features and tailored 

approach cater to the unique requirements 

of the construction industry, providing an 

efficient and effective solution for 

managing suppliers and subcontractors. 

Whether streamlining workflows, tracking 

performance metrics, or enhancing 

communication, RedSky's Supply Chain 

Management solution offers a 

comprehensive suite of tools to drive 

project success and efficiency. 

To learn more about RedSky's Supply 

Chain Management solution, get in touch 

via contact us form, or request a 

personalised demo today. 

www.redskyit.com 

14 


INNOVATION 

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The cost of going carbon free 

How ERP systems can help 

housebuilders keep costs under 

control, including the hidden 

cost of sustainability 

For housebuilders, cost control is a 

constant balancing act. Juggling 

material prices, labour expenses, 

and tight timelines leaves little room for 

error. The Building Cost Information 

Service has flagged dramatic increases in 

the cost of building houses over the past 

three years, with most of the blame lying 

within increases in material and shipping 

costs triggered by economic uncertainty 

and rising interest rates. 

Housebuilders are also facing additional 

pressures with the new 'Part L' building 

regulations, which demand new homes 

must produce 31% lower emissions than 

the older standard. This will lead to more 

than just the increased costs in materials 

and labour, with a demand for newer and 

more sustainable building materials, a 

scarcity of builders trained in their use, 

alternative supply chains, and closer 

cooperation with architects having to 

design buildings with lower embedded 

carbon emissions. 

ADAPTING ERP FOR A SINGLE 

SOURCE OF TRUTH 

In this pressure cooker environment, 

adopting an Enterprise Resource Planning 

(ERP) system can be a game-changer, 

helping to both slash costs and boost 

profitability. An ERP system is a 

centralised platform that integrates all 

critical business functions, from 

procurement and inventory management 

to project planning and financial reporting. 

This connects the back office to the 

building site, helping everyone from 

project managers to procurement 

specialists work from the same data set 

and collaborate seamlessly on house 

building projects. 

Traditional methods of managing 

construction projects, using 

siloed data and manual processes, are 

prone to inefficiencies and costly 

mistakes, whereas working from a single 

source of truth helps construction 

companies navigate project blockers with 

ease. The single source of truth also 

provides a stable platform for integrating 

newer technology and demands, such as 

the implementation of carbon friendly 

materials and practices in housebuilding, 

as required by the UK Government. 

There are, therefore, many reasons for 

adopting an ERP system to help house 

builders protect their profit margins. 

CUTTING PROCUREMENT COSTS 

While ERP can't change the prices of 

materials, it can help cut costs elsewhere 

by streamlining the procurement process, 

from identifying the best suppliers to 

negotiating price discounts. With new 

materials, new suppliers and an 

increasing demand for sustainable 

resources, the market is going to be much 

tougher than it is today. 

ERP systems built for construction 

feature built-in tools that track material 

usage, analyse both past projects and 

help you evaluate future trends, and 

recommend cost-effective alternatives. 

This empowers housebuilders to negotiate 

bulk discounts, plan deliveries and reduce 

waste and overstocking through real-time 

inventory tracking and using forecasting to 

anticipate future needs. Integrated 

supplier portals can improve 

communication and collaboration with 

suppliers, fostering stronger relationships 

with key vendors. 

PLAN HOUSEBUILDING PROJECTS 

WITH PRECISION 

ERP systems transform project planning 

from an intuitive art to a data-driven 

science. By centralising project data, 

16 



these systems can enable housebuilders 

to create accurate budgets, optimally 

allocate resources and track project 

progress in real-time. 

ERP financials provide detailed 

breakdowns of material and labour costs 

ensure realistic budget predictions, which 

prevents costly overruns and project 

delays. Instant access to project data 

also allows for proactive course 

correction. With real-time insights into 

budget adherence, material deliveries, 

and labour productivity, housebuilders 

can identify and address issues before 

they snowball into major roadblocks. 

UNLOCKING SMOOTH 

COLLABORATION 

Delays and miscommunications due to 

missed phone calls and lost emails can 

be left in the past. ERP systems act as 

central hubs for all project 

communications, ensuring seamless 

collaboration between teams and 

stakeholders. This translates to reduced 

rework and errors, improved 

subcontractor performance and 

increased customer satisfaction. 

Integrated document management 

ensures everyone involved in a house 

building project has access to the latest 

information, minimising 

misunderstandings and costly rework 

due to outdated plans or specifications. 

Real-time project updates and progress 

reports help keep subcontractors 

accountable and facilitate timely 

completion of tasks. 

Finally, construction-specific ERPs offer 

online portals for buyers to track their 

home's progress, which fosters 

transparency and builds trust, leading to 

a happier customer experience and a 

stellar reputation. 

FINANCIAL FORECASTING HELPS 

CONTROL COSTS 

An ERP system acts as a financial 'crystal 

ball', offering valuable insights into both 

past performance and future profitability, 

especially valuable as the industry 

evolves. Housebuilders can both identify 

cost drivers and improve their cashflow 

management and keep abreast of price 

and cost fluctuations as they occur. 

Granular expense tracking helps 

pinpoints areas where savings can be 

maximised. Builders can also analyse the 

cost-effectiveness of different materials, 

subcontractors, and construction 

methods, and make informed decisions 

to optimise future projects. 

Accurate project timelines and budget 

monitoring also leads to better cashflow 

forecasting. This allows builders to 

negotiate payment terms with suppliers 

and subcontractors, further maximising 

efficiency and profitability. 

BEYOND COST SAVINGS 

While cost-cutting is a major benefit, the 

advantages of ERP go beyond the 

bottom line. Improved project visibility 

leads to faster timelines, better quality 

control, and ultimately, happier 

customers. By streamlining processes 

and empowering employees with datadriven 

insights, ERP systems can unlock 

a competitive edge for housebuilders in a 

challenging and rapidly evolving market. 

AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE 

Embracing an ERP system comes with its 

own set of challenges. Choosing the right 

software, integrating it with existing 

systems, and training employees require 

careful planning and investment. 

However, the long-term benefits of 

improved efficiency, cost savings, and 

increased profitability far outweigh the 

initial hurdles. 

For housebuilders facing a pricesensitive 

market and tight margins, an 

ERP system is not just a nice-to-have, it's 

a strategic weapon. By optimising 

processes, slashing costs, and boosting 

efficiency, ERP empowers builders to 

navigate the competitive landscape and 

build not just houses, but a foundation for 

sustainable success. 

ACCESS COINS IS CHOSEN BY THE 

UK'S LEADING HOUSEBUILDERS 

Access COINS is a powerful ERP system 

built for construction with supply chain 

management, project management and 

workforce management capabilities. It 

has helped the UK's leading 

housebuilders identify inefficiencies and 

keep control of their margins in a 

challenging landscape. 

Discover Access COINS. 


CASEstudy 

Skipping ahead 

BIM software has been used on the temporary works for HS2's Colne Valley Viaduct, which has been 

designed to mimic the skipping of stones across a lake 

With a tight programme schedule, 

the use of Tekla custom 

components proved essential 

on the construction of HS2's Colne Valley 

Viaduct temporary works, enabling 

Taziker to navigate design changes and 

modifications timely and efficiently. 

Stretching for over two miles (3.4km) 

between Hillingdon and the M25, the 

Colne Valley Viaduct forms a critical part 

of the HS2 network. Carrying the railway 

around 10 metres high above a series of 

lakes, the River Colne and Grand Union 

Canal, the viaduct will be the longest 

railway bridge of its kind in the UK once 

completed. The design of the structure 

was inspired by the flight of a stone 

skipping across water, with a series of 

elegant spans making up its 

construction. The project is being led by 

HS2's main works contractor Align JV - a 

team made up of Bouygues Travaux 

Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine and 

VolkerFitzpatrick. 

The construction of the momentous 

structure has understandably come up 

against various logistical and engineering 

challenges, not least the location and 

tricky terrain. One of those challenges 

was to construct 292 bored piles, 

required to support the piers and 

abutments of the bridge. In order to 

enable these works and provide safe 

access for plant equipment and materials 

operating over the lakes, a series of 

temporary steel jetties were required. 

Spanning over four lakes in the South 

Harefield region, this temporary 

causeway was detailed, fabricated and 

installed by Taziker. 

Measuring at over 3,000 km in length, 

the temporary jetties were constructed 

from circa 3600 tonnes of steelwork. At 

each pier location, the jetty was further 

widened to include the whole working 

area, with modular decking sections 

removed as required for permanent piling 

and to construct cofferdams. 

18 


CASEstudy 

Speaking about the project, Jarrod 

Hulme, MD Structural Solutions at Taziker 

said: "We were working with an already 

tight programme schedule, making it 

challenging to decide how to start the 

model knowing there would definitely be 

upcoming design changes. With time 

pressing on, and with such a large 

volume of steel needing to be secured by 

our procurement department, the team 

decided to opt for using a largely 

complex custom component with over 

860 parameters. 

This was also necessary as the viaduct 

follows a very gradual curve over a 3.4km 

distance, meaning it was near impossible 

to detail correctly using a 'copy to another 

plane' or 'copy to another object' approach. 

"Through our use of custom 

components, once the crossbeams had 

been put into the model across the top of 

all the pile caps, all that was required was 

selecting one crossbeam, then another 

and the custom component created in 

Tekla Structures would automatically fill 

the gap with the top deck and all the 

latticed steelwork. This method allowed 

for modifications to be made to every 

deck - simultaneously and efficiently - 

whenever we were provided with a new 

design change, as all parameters were 

interconnected. 

"Once steel started to arrive on site, it 

was reported that our 12-metre decks 

were landing on pile caps to within a 

2mm tolerance at every single location - 

a fantastic result and our team were 

incredibly proud that the method was 

so successful." 

As well as using Trimble's Tekla 

constructible modelling software at the 

detailing stage, Taziker also utilised the 

cloud-based Trimble Connect platform 

once the steel had reached fabrication, 

enabling greater communication and 

traceability throughout. 

Jarrod explained: "By using Trimble 

Connect, the 3D model was easily 

accessible to the fabrication team in the 

workshop. With access to this level of 

detail and data, they were able to easily 

keep track of the steelwork coming into 

the shop, a task that would have been 

incredibly challenging without the software 

due to the sheer volume of steel." 

In total, Taziker produced over 240 

general arrangement drawings, over 

1200 assembly drawings and over 1700 

fittings drawings for the fabrication and 

construction of the Colne Valley Viaduct 

temporary jetties. 

www.tekla.com 


CASEstudy 

Leveraging AssetWise 

Clarion Housing have devised their own Asset Management solution, based on Bentley's AssetWise 

ALIM, to comply with the government's Building Safety Act 

It was a natural outcome following 

the horrors of Grenfell in 2017 that 

the UK government should introduce 

new legislation covering safety issues 

in high-rise buildings. The Building 

Safety Act 2022 is a huge change in 

the government's regulatory framework. 

It's aim is not only to change the way 

the construction industry handles 

safety issues within the design, 

construction and operation of high-rise 

buildings, but also to give occupants a 

greater say in how their building is kept 

safe, and to raise safety concerns 

directly with owners and managers of 

such buildings. 

It gives leaseholders substantially 

more clout when it comes to sorting 

out building safety defects, and the 

tools that will enable allow those 

responsible for tragedies and financial 

burdens arising from other building 

safety defects to be held to account. 

The new regulations are designed to 

overhaul the existing ones, and to 

make clear how residential buildings 

should be constructed, maintained and 

made safe. To implement the Building 

Safety Act, three new oversight bodies 

have been set up: the Building Safety 

Regulator, the National Regulator of 

Construction Products and the New 

Homes Ombudsman. 

Responsible for the 

implementation of the Building 

Safety Act are the designer, 

the contractor or the owner, 

who will be 

required to manage building safety 

risks during the design, construction 

and occupation of all buildings and can 

demonstrate that they have 

proportionate measures in place to 

manage building safety risks. 

If they don't meet their obligations 

they may face criminal charges, and at 

the very least, they will need to 

contribute to the costs of fixing their 

own buildings. 

CLARION HOUSING GROUP 

Conforming to the new requirements is 

another matter entirely, requiring 

developers and owners of such 

properties to compile details of which 

parts of a building are considered to be 

a fire or structural risk, and which are 

covered by the new regulations, and to 

maintain records of their performance, 

regular inspections and any other 

information about the steps taken to 

mitigate those risks. 

Hence Clarion 

Housing initiating a project to digitise 

information for all components of 

higher-risk buildings that impact fire 

and structural safety and enable it to 

comply with the Building Safety Act. 

The initiative, they say, will increase 

the safety of all of Clarion's higher-risk 

buildings through enhanced asset 

management, and improve and 

demonstrate the safety of Clarion's 

stock. 

Clarion Housing have a portfolio of 

higher-risk buildings in London and 

across England, all residential 

buildings of seven storeys and above. 

The project presented significant 

information challenges when gathering 

and coordinating data that was at 

times siloed, unstructured, missing, 

and inaccurate. 

Catering for a portfolio of buildings 

constructed over some years and 

including modern and future buildings 

designed to BIM specifications, the 

complexity of information gathering can 

often outweighs it value. Clarion, 

however, wanted to develop a fully 

operational 

Point cloud scan of a high-rise building 

20 


CASEstudy 

digital estate of their portfolio of 

properties and needed flexible 

technology to create a smart, dynamic 

asset platform. They decided to develop 

their own digital twin, to create their own 

'Golden Thread' between the building 

and the information about the building 

components that needed to be covered. 

Three years ago they set up a small 

team under the guidance of Jack 

White, their Technical Manager, to 

digitise each of their buildings to create 

their own 3D model to which they could 

attach the relevant data. 

It was a meticulous process, using 

laser technology to create point clouds 

describing the elevations and the 

internal layouts of each building, so 

that they could create the detailed 

floorplans required to meet the new 

building safety regulations. The point 

clouds were converted into iModels, 

Bentley's model sharing format, which 

allows information from different 

applications to be shared and used in 

different applications. 

Bentley's iModelHub, part of Bentley's 

iTwin Services, was used to align and 

improve accessibility to iModel data 

and is regarded as a sort of control 

centre for iModels, coordinating 

concurrent access as well as 

maintaining a timeline of changes to 

the information. 

Information about every component 

within a building was physically 

acquired and entered into the digital 

twin. Fire doors were checked and the 

specifications confirmed by the original 

suppliers where possible. Other 

structural elements that were regarded 

as part of a fire risk were also added - 

bearing in mind the principal causes of 

the fire at Grenfell. 

Elements such as gas-fired 

equipment, boilers, suppression 

systems, fire detection, and cladding 

were also added to the 3D model, 

being considered as significant in 

understanding risk. 

The information was compiled from 

many different sources and placed in a 

spreadsheet, enabling it to be 

integrated within Bentley's AssetWise 

ALIM. This established an intelligent 

system of components and building parts 

across all higher-risk sites with all relevant 

assets linked to a physical model. 

The Bentley-based solution provides 

a register of all assets within a building 

together with related data and 

provides a record of the results of 

inspections and completed works. It 

can also be used to analyse the 

outcomes and schedule regular and 

preventive maintenance tasks, 

providing cost-effective asset 

management, better prioritisation of 

risk, and safer buildings. 

REPORTS AND SCHEDULES 

The aim of the project was to set up 

and maintain a real-time overview of 

the status of each building and its 

ability to comply with the Building 

Safety Act, and to make it available to 

the building safety manager within 

each of the buildings. AssetWise ALIM 

Web facilitates this, as it includes a 

cloud based platform that allows users 

access to all the information they need. 

Jack informed me that they worked 

closely with Bentley Systems on this 

project as AssetWise, when they 

started using it, was not exactly geared 

up to produce specifically what they 

needed - but over the last three years 

they have now reached the stage 

where the integration with their digital 

twin is fully operational. The Golden 

Thread is now working successfully, 

and the team is confident that can now 

take it further. 

FULL COMPLIANCE 

The Clarion Housing Group has 

provided a hugely successful response 

to the challenges of the Building Safety 

Act and now has the means to 

measure, plan for and react to current 

and future safety risks. Armed with this 

information, they can also satisfy the 

requirements outlined above - namely 

"to give our teams the best chance to 

not only keep our residents safe but 

help them feel safe in their homes." 

www.bentley.com 


CASEstudy 

Loch on wood 

Dylan Baliski at the University of Dundee has won a 2023 Vectorworks Design Scholarship in the 

Architecture category for his striking design concept for an updated RSPB bird sanctuary 

How can our architecture be not just 

a response to humanity but also 

the environment it is situated in? 

Loch on Wood, Dylan Baliski's winning 

project entry for the 2023 Vectorworks 

Design Scholarship, explores this 

question through the eyes of both 

humans and birds in a gorgeous RSPB 

site situated 500m south-east of 

Lochwinnoch, Scotland. The site is on the 

periphery of a beautiful loch, circulated by 

a trail system, with birdwatching posts 

protruding out intermittently. 

The RSPB's current visitor centre on the 

site is now very outdated and provides 

minimal learning experiences within the 

interior spaces. Despite the incredibly hardworking 

volunteers running the facilities and 

programmes, the existing building had 

failed to entice new customers, who fund 

facilities and site maintenance. Now 

however they using Dylan’s design concept 

to attract funding for developing the site. 

THE ARCHITECTURE 

The solution to the problem goes beyond 

the RSPB's need for an updated visitors 

centre; it also has to connect to the 

landscape and allow the wildlife to roam 

free. The central driving concept behind the 

design was therefore about the journey a 

bird takes in its seasonal disposition.This 

migration pattern is imperative to almost 

every bird on earth, thus proving its 

importance. The architecture of the design 

reflects this journey, with the existing trail 

system extending over the roof of the 

updated visitors centre. The trail system will 

flow above the glazed gateway, visually 

connecting the loch to the external spaces 

south of the building. 

This glimpse into what is withheld in the 

site will draw pedestrians and drivers in 

from the freeway running perpendicular to 

the site. The boardwalk connecting to the 

foyer acts as a material and visual bridge 

into the exhibition space, easing the 

transition between nature and architecture. 

Once inside, the view to the loch will only 

expand in the timber interiors. The journey 

visitors take to the roof observation area is 

also mirrored in the interior, with the 

exhibition spaces pushed through the 

journey upwards to the observation deck. 

The sloping steam-bent plywood light 

chimney will immediately draw visitors, 

allowing a smoother connection between 

all three floors and the immense void 

spaces to be flooded by light. 

The triple-height void space in 

the heart of the circulation 

offers a flowing contrast to 

the more geometric 

exterior, creating an 

atmospheric entrance to the learning 

space. Along the way, patrons can learn 

about the species of birds present within 

Lochwinnoch, their migration patterns, and 

the measures being taken to protect them. 

The gift shop, which currently provides 

almost all of the revenue for the RSPB, will 

lie on the apex of the L-shaped plan, 

constantly being in view of the journey. 

Along with a café, the exhibition spaces 

will provide not just a reason to circulate 

through the space but also to stay. As 

visitors move through the exhibition, they 

will arrive at the parametric stairway, which 

acts as a beacon to ’fly’ them upwards 

through more exhibition spaces and finally 

to the interpretation space, which looks 

down the light chimney to the beginning of 

the journey. 

The third level interpretation space 

provides ample viewing and a buffer 

space, preventing birds from colliding with 

the windows. Bird-proof fritted glass will be 

implemented on the exposed glazing (the 

corten steel façade will cover much of it). 

This will allow a seamless view of the loch 

while protecting the birds that call it home. 

Within the main panels, there is the option 

to open the eye-level windows, enabling 

photographers to snap pictures of the 

wildlife. With these public functions 

covering the horizontal aspect of the site, 

the private functions will accommodate the 

vertical part of the plan, allowing staff and 

volunteers to have their own space away 

Visitors to the propsed centre will 

have extensive views of the loch 

22 


CASEstudy 

The triple height void space in the heart of the circulation 

The vertical circulation will allow 

staff and volunteers to have their 

own private spaces 

Raised structure to mitigate any 

flooding and create a smaller 

footprint on the landscape 

The dining space acts as the foyer, 

allowing a clear view of the cafe at 

all times 

from the bustling exhibition and viewing 

spaces to work and rest. The light chimney 

defines the foyer and exhibition space from 

the learning journey while maintaining a 

direct connection. 

The simple glulam post-beam structure 

will hold up and define these interior 

spaces, with an additional timber frame for 

the interpretation space. The parametric 

slats revolving in and around the visitor 

centre are inspired by the anatomical 

geometry of bird wings and bird nests, 

adding to the dynamic space. 

A geometric corten steel façade will wrap 

around the spaces above the first floor, 

creating seclusion for the private interior 

spaces and birds and adding an aesthetic 

flare. The way it wraps around the building 

guides your eyes to the journey along the 

roof pathway, from the beginning to the end 

and back down again. 

ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS 

The previous builders had raised the RSPB 

visitor centre to mitigate any flooding. 

Utilising this strategy again was concluded 

to be the best option to combat the damp 

soil quality on-site. The raised structure also 

creates a smaller footprint on the 

landscape. A new system of boardwalks 

will float above, connecting the building to 

the landscape materially similar to the 

architecture, creating a sense of cohesion 

throughout the entire site. 

Along with the L-shaped plan of the 

visitor's centre, these boardwalks were 

carefully designed to surround the dense 

flora on the site, with no trees needing to be 

felled in the construction process. They are 

further expanded to the existing trail 

system, creating a looped path with better 

circulation than the current 'there-and-back' 

situation. Beneath the boardwalk, a 

compact trench heat pump will provide the 

building's electricity. Underfloor heating will 

provide the primary heat source using the 

ground source heat pump, an 

extraordinarily sustainable and effective 

combination with a good reputation in the 

industry - and which is also easy to install. 

Rainwater capture was a vital 

consideration of the proposal right from the 

start. Instead of being implemented as the 

'icing on the cake', it influenced Loch on 

Wood's development. A blue/green roof 

hybrid system was the obvious choice as it 

could help retain and distribute grey water 

to the building and materially blend into the 

surroundings. The 525 square metre 

surface area of the blue/green roof can 

accumulate up to 673,050 litres of water 

annually (which a runoff strategy can easily 

reduce). The green layer of the roofing 

system merges the architecture into the 

landscape and also acts as a filter for greywater 

precipitation, with its soil absorbing 

up to 75% of the incoming precipitation. 

The residual rainfall used for the toilets 

and showers could amount to more than 

150,000 litres - not accounting for the water 

lost due to evaporation, people, etc. These 

systems will contribute, along with the 

timber materiality, to the building's overall 

carbon-positive running of the building and 

low carbon footprint. 

CONCLUSION 

With this new design of the RSPB visitor 

centre an immediate increase in visitors is 

expected locally and abroad. Loch on 

Wood doesn't just provide a viewpoint for 

Scotland's wildlife but also provides a 

sanctuary for it to thrive in as well. 

www.vectorworks.net/scholarship/winners 


INDUSTRY focus 

Whatever happened to BIM Level 2? 

From the mid 1990's onwards, many research projects have concluded that the major problem 

impacting the delivery of construction projects is the failure in production of quality information. The 

lack of quality information and spatial coordination created an added cost to construction projects, 

estimated between 10-20%, and extended the time to delivery. Mervyn Richards and Paul Oakley, 

CEO of Oakley CAD Services Ltd, explore the issues 

The use of 3D modelling in the early 

2000's was seen as a possible 

method of elminating waste and 

helping to deliver projects on time by 

reducing rework. Supplemented with 

standards, methods, and procedures, a 

possible method of working was published 

by the Construction Project Information 

Committee (CPIC), as Production 

Information: A code of procedure for the 

construction industry. First edition 2003. 

Prior to this publication, the procedures 

had been developed and tested within 

industry, initially on the BAA Heathrow 

Express, and subsequently the BAA 

Terminal 5 (T5) project. The standards 

were also implemented on a variety of 

projects, ranging from shopping centre 

development to standard office buildings. 

In all cases, the standards were shown to 

have a beneficial effect on the delivery of 

those projects. 

The benefits were accepted and further 

government funding, through AVANTI, 

demonstrated that if implemented properly, 

everybody in the supply chain - from client 

to designer, constructor, and operator - 

could reduce costs and improve profits. 

With final testing on the Crossrail project, 

the methods were developed and 

published as best practice by the British 

Standards Institute as BS1192-2007 and 

guidance was provided by BSI/CPI 

BIP2207. The major developments from 

these projects are known as the Common 

Data Environment and the File Naming 

Convention. A process for sharing 

information in a collaborative environment 

to eliminate the problems of spatial 

coordination and coordination of the data 

developed throughout the design and 

delivery process. 

The secondary requirement of the CDE 

was to enable the collection, management, 

and dissemination of shared information, 

or common data, and to provide an audit 

trail of the development activity. The latter 

was a requirement of the Health and Safety 

Executive (HSE) resulting from the 

Heathrow Express collapse. It is a 

requirement that has never been fully 

implemented but is currently being 

reinforced following the Grenfell Tower 

disaster, and the Dame Judith Hackitt fire 

safety report into legislation to provide a 

'golden thread' of audited data. 

In 2008, with the financial crash and the 

change in UK Government from Labour to 

Conservative, it was recognised that, to 

continue government delivery of centrally 

funded projects, new ways of delivery were 

needed, to allow for greater value and 

reduced cost. 

The concept of BIM Level 2 was 

conceived by Dr Mark Bew MBE and Prof. 

Mervyn Richards OBE. It was accepted by 

UKHMG as a game-changer. BS 1192 

became the foundation for a set of 

standards under the 1192 series. These 

were based on the roadmap developed as 

part of the BIM Level 2 Maturity Diagram. 

The roadmap was agreed and published 

by the BSI B555 Committee to be 

delivered, prior to the UK BIM Mandate to 

be published in 2016. 

The strategy was published as part of the 

BIS BIM Strategy and the HMG 

Construction Strategy 2011, giving the 

industry 5 years to prepare. Guidance, 

education, training, and certification were 

made available to the industry through the 

BSI, the Building Research Establishment 

(BRE), and Lloyds Register (supported by 

Excitech Ltd). In addition, several 

Information Management courses and 

MSc degrees were also made available at 

UK universities, including Reading and 

London Middlesex. 

To ascertain the effects of the BIM Level 2 

strategy, several government projects were 

used to measure the results. The results 

proved that the strategy and the guidance 

was successful, to such a degree that the 

international community wanted the 

standards to be converted to a series of 

ISO standards on information 

management. 

This requirement was granted and 

promoted by UKHMG and the BSI. This 

proved to be a major problem. The 

international members of the ISO 

committee did not want a UK standard, 

particularly when it came to conventions 

and codification and, during the 

development of ISO 19650-2, all 'UK-isms', 

such as the UK Government's strategy, 

BIM Level 2 and UK-specific references, 

etc., had to be removed with UK-specific 

definitions, instead, held in a National 

Annex. Source: 

www.thenbs.com/knowledge/from-bs- 

1192-to-iso-19650-and-everything-inbetween 

However, requirements not relevant to 

information management were lost. This 

was somewhat ironic, as many of these 

requirements were fundamental in 

improving the quality of information - which 

was why the international community 

wanted to adopt the UK standards. 

In the original PAS1192-2 document, 

guidance and descriptions were given as 

notes, allowable under the British Standard 

PAS form of standards development. The 

ISO standard format does not allow for this, 

and so explanatory information is missing 

from the ISO 19650 documentation. 

BSI could have just included the updated 

and unpublished 2018 PAS1192-2 as the 

24 


INDUSTRYfocus 

UK National Annex to 19650, but instead 

of taking this simple step, a whole new set 

of guidance documents on information 

management were produced by 

volunteers - an interpretation of the ISO 

19650 requirements with quarterly 

updates over a period of years to get to 

the current release. 

The British Standards Institute, Centre for 

Digital Built Britain (CDBB) and UK BIM 

Alliance produced the documentation with 

multiple named authors for each section, 

published on the UK BIM Alliance website 

and adopted by the UK BIM Framework. 

This was seen as part of the delivery of BIM 

Level 2 and, as such, 'business as usual' - 

but nothing has really happened since. 

The original 1192 standards and the 

CDE processes were developed to 

ensure a clash-free set of information and 

fully coordinated data. However, it 

appears that the standards are not being 

implemented in the correct manner and 

the use of clash detection software, as an 

additional service, is being used as a 

matter of course. 

ISO 19650 does not support the BIM 

Mandate 2011-2016 and has removed all 

references to BIM maturity, as well as all 

'UK-isms', such as the UK Government's 

strategy, BIM Level 2 and UK-specific 

references. New guidance documents 

were designed to address this problem, 

but fail to deal with some of the basic 

blockers to BIM adoption, such as 

Professional Indemnity, which impact on 

project delivery and information 

management. This was previously covered 

under the CIC Best Practice Guide for 

Professional Indemnity Insurance, when 

using BIM Level 2, but no new equivalent 

has been produced for ISO 19650. 

What was the rationale for the further 

development under the UK BIM 

Framework banner? Was it to satisfy the 

new IPA BIM Mandate, that the UK BIM 

Framework guidance versions were 

conceived? The continual updating and 

massaging of the requirements has 

created a major problem for the certifiers 

and educators, such as universities, in 

providing updates in this confusing 

environment. 

Dr Marzia Bolpagni, in her recent report 

Adoption of Bim-related International 

Standards Across Europe (2023), 

suggests that the standards are not being 

used as published, but are further 

interpretations by companies and 

individuals around the world. The UK may 

be the most prolific user of the standards, 

but even here there are numerous 

company and individual versions. 

It would seem from countless articles on 

BIM+, and specifically from John Ford 

research, that very few people and 

particularly clients understand their 

responsibilities in providing real 

requirements, and it is now almost 

impossible for a true BIM Execution Plan 

to be written from a tendering team. 

BIM Level 2 and the original requirements 

- to enable centrally funded government 

projects to be delivered on time or to cost - 

has not been achieved; in fact the 

opposite seems to have occurred. 

The promise of BIM Level 2 as business 

as usual, and the suggestion that ISO 

would enable a global standard to be 

delivered that would allow the UK to take 

advantage of winning more international 

projects, is now also a pipe dream. The 

removal of key requirements means 

international consensus cannot be 

achieved, authors fail to understand key 

concepts, and numerous National 

Annexes have been created. 

As a country the UK is in a new financial 

crisis, and we once more need to provide 

centrally funded projects more 

economically. Perhaps we need to look 

again at the simple requirements of the 

original standards and guidance for the 

UK to reduce cost and waste, identifying 

the needs of carbon reduction and once 

again boost productivity in the 

construction industry. 

Mervyn Richards OBE and Paul Oakley 

BA(Hons) Dip Arch RIBA © 2023 

Mervyn Richards 



IDEA StatiCa 

Winners of the Innovation of the Year category at the 2023 Construction Computing Awards, IDEA 

StatiCa revolutionises the structural design of steel connections 

In the world of structural engineering, 

the design and analysis of steel 

connections play a pivotal role in 

ensuring the safety and integrity of 

buildings and infrastructure. Over the 

years, advancements in software 

technology have significantly 

contributed to streamlining and 

enhancing the design process. 

Among these innovations, IDEA 

StatiCa, a leading provider of structural 

engineering software tools, has 

developed a comprehensive set of 

features specifically designed for the 

design, optimisation, and analysis of 

steel connections - a groundbreaking 

solution that revolutionises the 

structural design of steel connections. 

The software combines the power of 

finite element analysis (FEA) with a 

user-friendly interface, enabling 

engineers to efficiently design and 

assess complex connections. 

IDEA StatiCa incorporates the 

innovative Component-based Finite 

Element Method (CBFEM), combining 

the accuracy of finite element analysis 

with the efficiency of component-based 

modelling. The CBFEM method breaks 

down the complex steel connections 

into individual components, such as 

plates, bolts, and welds. Each 

component is modelled using finite 

elements, capturing its specific 

behaviour and interaction with other 

components, providing a detailed 

analysis of the connection's 

performance and ensuring accurate 

predictions of structural response. 

By using the CBFEM method, IDEA 

StatiCa overcomes the limitations of 

traditional design approaches that rely 

on simplified hand calculations or 

empirical formulas. The software 

considers the geometric complexity, 

material nonlinearity, and load 

distribution in a connection, resulting 

in more precise and reliable design 

results. 

Furthermore, IDEA StatiCa's CBFEM 

method accounts for various factors 

that influence connection behaviour, 

such as joint stiffness, stress 

concentrations, and load redistribution. 

It accurately predicts stress 

distribution, deformation, and failure 

modes within the connection, enabling 

engineers to optimise the design for 

maximum strength and efficiency. 

By integrating CBFEM into IDEA 

StatiCa, engineers can benefit from a 

more holistic and accurate design 

approach. They can analyse 

connections under different load 

scenarios, assess the influence of 

various design parameters, and 

optimise connections for costeffectiveness 

and structural 

performance. This method empowers 

engineers to design connections that 

not only meet safety requirements but 

also provide optimal solutions in terms 

of material usage and construction 

feasibility. 

UNLIMITED STEEL CONNECTIONS 

One of the key strengths of IDEA 

StatiCa is its ability to handle a wide 

range of connection types, including 

welded, bolted, and composite 

connections. The software provides 

extensive libraries of standardised 

connections, allowing engineers to 

choose from a vast selection of predefined 

templates. Furthermore, IDEA 

StatiCa offers customisation options, 

enabling engineers to tailor 

connections to specific project 

requirements, without any limitations in 

the geometry. 

By automating the design process, 

IDEA StatiCa significantly reduces the 

time required for connection design. 

Engineers can quickly generate 

optimised designs based on 

predefined templates or customise 

26 



connections as per project 

requirements. The software also 

enables automatic generation of 

detailed design reports, reducing 

manual documentation efforts. 

Consequently, project timelines are 

shortened, and overall costs are 

reduced. 

ENHANCED COLLABORATION 

The software also facilitates seamless 

collaboration between design teams, 

fabricators, and contractors. This 

enables the easy sharing of connection 

models and ensures clear 

communication and coordination 

throughout the project. Design changes 

can be efficiently incorporated and 

communicated, reducing the chances 

of errors and delays. 

COMPLIANCE WITH 

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS 

IDEA StatiCa incorporates various 

international design codes and 

standards, ensuring compliance with 

regulatory requirements, supporting 

codes such as Eurocode, AISC, and 

CISC, among others, and enabling 

engineers to design connections that 

adhere to industry norms. 

This feature eliminates the need for 

manual code checks and promotes 

standardised design practices. 

IDEA StatiCa has proven to be 

invaluable in a wide range of iconic 

projects across the world. It has been 

extensively utilised in the design of 

bridges, high-rise buildings, industrial 

structures, and other complex 

projects. The software's versatility 

allows engineers to tackle diverse 

design challenges, providing 

innovative solutions for steel 

connections. 

For example, in the construction of 

large-scale bridges, where the 

behaviour of connections is critical, 

IDEA StatiCa enables engineers to 

optimise connection designs for 

maximum strength and load-carrying 

capacity. The software's precise 

calculations ensure that the 

connections can withstand dynamic 

forces and environmental conditions, 

ensuring the long-term durability and 

safety of the structures 

In high-rise buildings, where steel 

connections bear the weight and loads 

imposed by gravity and lateral forces, 

IDEA StatiCa offers sophisticated 

design capabilities. The software 

enables engineers to analyse the 

performance of connections under 

different load scenarios and optimise 

them for optimal structural 

performance. This ensures the stability 

and resilience of the building, 

safeguarding occupants and property. 

CONCLUSION 

IDEA StatiCa is a game-changer in the 

field of structural engineering, 

particularly in the design of steel 

connections. Its accurate calculations, 

time and cost efficiency, enhanced 

collaboration features, and 

compliance with international 

standards make it an indispensable 

tool for engineers. By leveraging IDEA 

StatiCa, structural engineers can 

create optimised connection designs 

that are safe, reliable, and compliant 

with industry regulations. 

The incorporation of the CBFEM 

method in IDEA StatiCa sets it apart as 

a powerful and advanced software for 

the structural design of steel 

connections. By leveraging this 

method, engineers can overcome the 

limitations of traditional approaches, 

achieve more accurate and reliable 

results, and ultimately enhance the 

safety and efficiency of steel 

structures. 

IDEA StatiCa is an important 

innovation in structural design for steel 

connections, reshaping the way steel 

connections are designed and 

revolutionising the construction 

industry. 

www.ideastatica.com 


CASEstudy 

Meeting the BNG challenge 

AtkinsRéalis create a solution to meet new biodiversity net gain legislation 

AtkinsRéalis has used the new solution in 

the last 12 months include both rail and 

road, as well as utilities and masterplanning. 

The analytical BNG process sits within the 

AtkinsRéalis SpatialCDE, a common data 

environment designed and built specifically 

to manage the unique challenges of 

geospatial data over large projects or 

programmes. Benefits of the SpatialCDE 

approach across certain projects include: 

More efficient data collation and 

management within the SpatialCDE 

saves £300,000 per year on each 

development 

Quickly developed custom tools 

deliver £160,000 cost savings per 

year, per project 

1,000% increase in BNG is projected on 

a single project. 

Global design, engineering and 

project management organisation 

AtkinsRéalis was already 

committed to sustainable development 

but needed a way of meeting the 

Environment Act 2021. This demands that 

all new major construction projects from 

January 2024 deliver a biodiversity net 

gain (BNG) of at least 110%. 

Biodiversity is the incredible variety of life 

on earth, including ecosystems, habitats 

and species. The new law makes sure a 

development leaves the natural 

environment in a measurably better state 

than it was beforehand. 

Determining BNG has become more 

complex with the new legislation, which 

now needs to be run every time a design 

scheme is altered. This can mean costs 

escalate very quickly. Any process for 

handling BNG calculations need to be 

repeatable, accurate and quick. 

AtkinsRéalis has created a new solution to 

streamline the processes involved and 

dramatically reduce the time and cost it 

takes to plan, monitor and report on the 

amount of biodiversity for each rail, road, 

energy or other project. The geospatial 

approach has created new digital 

workflows, usable by everyone on a project. 

This involves repeatable processes, 

interactive map dashboards or web maps 

for better data sharing and mobile apps for 

faster data collection in the field. 

The result is an incredibly accurate, 

efficient and cost-effective method of 

managing a project's impact on the 

landscape, ensuring environmental 

sustainability and meeting the new 

legislation. Client projects where 

THE CHALLENGE 

Across the industry, organisations are 

grappling with how best to meet the 

Environment Act 2021. The new legislation 

has made determining BNG on client 

projects more complex and the process 

has to be run every time a design scheme 

changes. Organisations also need to be 

able to prove that the data being used is 

the most current version available. Any 

significant change in BNG has to be 

highlighted along with the reasons why, by 

setting out the differences in the data used. 

On any large highway, rail, energy or 

other infrastructure project, there can be 

over 12 different disciplines, all working to 

limit the negative impact on the 

environment and understand the central 

design, which moves quickly. Disciplines 

include design, engineering, construction, 

geotechnical, flooding, archaeology, 

ecology, environmental services, heritage 

and social value. 

Working on similar BNG questions 

nuanced to their field, these disciplines also 

need to be able to understand each other's 

domain. With multiple inputs and outputs 

28 


CASEstudy 

created across these stakeholders, a highly 

complex working environment is soon 

established. 

Maintaining this interconnected process 

can get very expensive without any central 

spatial system or automation. Manual 

disconnected approaches carry a data 

management overhead for each team's 

individual data silo, while timescales are 

lengthened as it takes time for data to pass 

between silos. The risk of problems from 

out-of-sync versioning could be potentially 

disastrous for a project, including delays in 

construction and costly reworks. 

THE SOLUTION 

To ensure all parties remain aligned, a 

single source of truth devoid of any human 

error is critical. Having this as a repeatable, 

iterative, accurate process, enshrined in a 

concrete GIS element is absolutely vital, 

and this is what AtkinsRéalis has created. 

At the heart of the BNG solution lies the 

AtkinsRéalis Spatial Common Data 

Environment (SpatialCDE), which means 

solid data management is already in place 

and accelerates any analysis performed 

upon it. The SpatialCDE is a fully custom 

tech-stack, combining open source with 

FME, Esri ArcGIS, and Microsoft Azure to 

create a resilient data management and 

visualisation toolbox. A project may have 

several thousand individual data layers; the 

SpatialCDE ensures they are identifiable, 

auditable, accessible, and understandable. 

Using Esri ArcGIS Python libraries, 

AtkinsRéalis SpatialCDE can build custom 

analytical applications quickly, so users 

can view or analyse data in 2D or 3D to 

answer their specific queries in a selfservice 

way. They don't need desktop 

software and they don't all need to be fully 

skilled in GIS, but can focus on their 

domain specialisms such as ecology, 

without encountering technological or 

personnel bottlenecks. 

Using custom apps connected to the 

SpatialCDE means accurate and timely 

data is easily shared across multiple teams 

and third-party organisations, enhancing 

the BNG decision-making process. No 

specialist training is required - its intuitive 

user interface makes it easy for new users 

to become familiar with interrogating data. 

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) 

are conducted using ArcGIS Field Maps on 

mobile devices. Ecologists use map-driven 

mobile forms to capture different assets 

and observations to complete their work 

efficiently and accurately. Data is then 

automatically uploaded to the SpatialCDE. 

The whole platform is aligned with ISO 

19650, the international standard which 

sets data management guidance and is 

BIM Level 2 compliant. 

Now, when BNG is being examined, the 

SpatialCDE looks at the type and volume of 

habitats which are due to be impacted. As 

it's a systems based approach, the same 

analysis can take place every time the 

design is changed in order to reveal exactly 

how much habitat is impacted. 

Replacements or mitigation are then 

calculated. The workflow takes seconds 

instead of days or weeks, compared to a 

traditional manual paper-based method. 

BENEFITS AND EVIDENCE OF 

SUCCESS 

1. More efficient data collection and 

management saves each AtkinsRéalis 

SpatialCDE project £300,000 per year. Time 

saved comes from: 

Less time spent looking for and collating 

necessary data 

Ecologists spend less time collecting 

data in the field 

Fewer physical meetings to discuss the 

latest version of the design 

No inputting of data into maps and pdfs 

No inputting of disparate data 

No additional processing of the data 

No paper drawings or maps. 

2. Custom applications involved project 

calculations within the AtkinsRéalis 

SpatialCDE are deployed more quickly, each 

one saving on average £160,000 per year: 

This cost saving comes from custom 

applications to answer specific 

questions taking hours to create 

instead of days 

For example, if a user wants to examine 

carbon sequestration for a project, they 

create an application, draw a shape, 

switch the land use to 'woodland' and it 

will show how much carbon 

sequestration they will gain 

Another example is understanding 

constraints in proximity. A simple app 

can 'buffer' the design feature, to tell you 

what is going to be within 500m of that 

point, which is invaluable in establishing 

stakeholder impact 

To understand its visual impact, a zone 

of theoretical visibility is easily created, 

showing the user everything that can 

'see' the new structure, based on 

topography and other structures. 

3. In one project example, a 1,000% 

potential increase in BNG is projected, 

thanks to a comprehensive identification of 

opportunity by the new methodology: 

Following a systematic search of the 

study area soft estate, four areas of 

opportunity were selected for feasibility 

study stage, with proposed habitat 

interventions to create mixed scrub 

habitat and neutral grassland 

enhancement 

Following the habitat interventions 

proposed, the selected areas combined 

would potentially achieve 1,000% 

increase in biodiversity 

This study identified these 

opportunities, but it also created a 

long list of similar opportunities along 

roads across the region. This means 

that once interventions have been 

trialled, those that are most successful 

can be replicated on similar sites 

across the region. 

CONCLUSION 

AtkinsRéalis believes it has created one of 

the most advanced geospatial systems in 

the industry with SpatialCDE, in terms of 

spatial data management and how it is 

already delivering against project vectors 

such as BNG requirements and its projected 

benefits. An exemplar of how innovation in 

BNG techniques can guarantee the 

provision of essential infrastructure but not at 

the expense of biodiversity, the system also 

demonstrates best practice in how to meet 

the new Environment Act 2021. 

AtkinsRéalis with Esri ArcGIS were winners 

of the Sustainability Project of the Year 

category at the recent Construction 

Computing Awards. 

www.esriuk.com/aec 



Gathering the evidence 

Gleeson Homes partner with 

Zutec to deliver Building 

Regulation England Part L 

Photographic Evidence 

Compliance and beyond 

In 2024 increasingly strict building 

legislation and standards are set to 

follow with digital information 

requirements, particularly the Future 

Homes and Building Standard, where 

information will be needed to support 

building design, construction, and 

management. With the evolution of the 

construction and property industry, 

there is no time like the present to get 

information, processes, and the 

technology in order to deliver better 

information and, therefore, building 

outcomes. 

This emphasis on digital data and 

information to better manage buildings 

throughout their lifecycle, from 

planning all the way through to 

operations and maintenance, is not 

necessarily a new concept. However, it 

is only recently that the focus has 

shifted across the construction and 

building management sectors to 

prioritise its importance, driven by 

regulatory compliance. 

It's something that housing developer 

Gleeson Homes takes very seriously. 

So, in line with the evolving 

sustainability regulations, late last year 

they announced a partnership with 

Zutec to digitise Gleeson's quality 

control processes. This included 

multiple forms and checklists for 

Quality 

30 



Assurance inspections, as well as Part 

L Photographic Evidence. 

This will help Gleeson maintain 

standards in quality and meet 

regulatory compliance, while bringing 

structure to process and providing 

complete data visibility plot to plot, and 

project to project, helping deliver more 

on-site efficiencies. 

Since June 2023, all housebuilders in 

the UK with new developments now 

have to provide mandatory 

photographic evidence to the SAP 

Assessor to prove that work and 

materials used in new homes comply 

with updated energy efficiency 

requirements that reduce carbon 

emissions - outlined in Part L, or 

Approved Document L, Appendix B. 

Implementing Zutec's Part L 

Photographic Evidence solution across 

82 sites earlier in the year was the first 

step in digitising Gleeson's Quality 

Control Plot Book, providing the ability 

for teams to update and submit asbuilt 

Buildings Regulations England 

Part L (BREL) reports to assessors for 

approval and faster plot completion. 

As part of its Quality Management 

Solution Suite, Zutec's Part L 

Photographic Evidence solution allows 

users to capture, store, share and 

manage geolocated photographic 

evidence and supporting documents 

required for the as-built BREL report. 

Spec'd to meet requirements of the 

Part L Building Regulations framework, 

the solution ensures users on site can 

capture the right quality photos with 

the right information. 

Using Zutec's field app photos can be 

captured and submitted to an assessor 

for sign off, speeding up the process 

and bringing building information 

together in one place to remove the 

complexity of gathering evidence and 

submitting for approval. 

Aligning its internal process and 

working with Zutec, Gleeson has now 

configured, digitised, and sequenced 

multiple forms and checklists, 

including its build stage and customer 

care forms, as part of its Quality 

Control Plot Book. Bringing everything 

together in one place ensures that all 

on and off-site teams are working to 

the same process and have structure 

to inspections by following 

consistent practice and 

workflows. By standardising 

its quality process, 

Gleeson can track 

progress, analyse 

reports, and have an 

audit trail of work 

done and inspections 

completed by who, 

and when. 

Matt Ball, Solutions 

Architect at Gleeson, 

commented: "We want to 

raise the bar in quality 

housebuilding, and believe 

innovation in this area is key. 

We partnered with Zutec for 

their Part L innovation to 

help us meet regulatory 

requirements, but quickly 

realised that we could work 

together to digitise our quality 

control process and plot book to 

give us more control and 

consistency on what was happening 

site by site and project to project. 

"Zutec's Quality Management 

solutions form the foundation of our 

digitised Quality Control Plot Book, 

which is used for inspections on site. It 

gives us complete data visibility of 

project progress and contractor 

performance via a dashboard view, 

where we can analyse information to 

help us make more informed decisions 

and implement best practice." 

Using Zutec's field app, Gleeson 

users will now be able to complete 

checklists, take photos during site 

inspections and add comments, 

meaning that issues found can be 

easily identified and resolved quickly. 

On site teams can also add status 

codes to inspections to track 

inspection progress, which can be 

marked up as draft, for review, 

complete or rejected. 

Additionally, an action register means 

items can also be assigned to users 

through notifications for faster 

resolution, and with full audibility there 

is a trail of information that can show if 

an action has been completed or not. 

With interactive reporting and 

dashboards, specific reports can be 

set up and easily exported for review 

and analysis meaning continual 

improvement of working practices. 

"By configuring and rolling out our 

quality management solutions at 

Gleeson, we have been able to support 

them in digitising their Quality Control 

Plot Book, which sets new standards in 

quality across their business. As part of 

our solution onboarding, we are 

providing super user training that 

means our tools can be easily selfadministered 

across sites. It is great to 

see user adoption and to partner with 

Gleeson on this project and be part of 

their transformation journey, as we both 

learn more about what the very best 

quality practice looks like," said James 

Cannon, Commercial Director at Zutec. 

To find out more about Zutec and 

how it can help achieve compliance 

with the Part L Photographic Evidence 

Requirement, click here: 

https://www.zutec.com/product/qualitymanagement/part-l-compliance/ 


YOUR GUIDE TO 

5 

7 

3 

1 

2 

21 

22 

23 

24 20 25 26 

27 

29 

SCOTLAND 

FIFE 1 

GlenCo Development 

Solutions 

Contact: Jack Meldrum 

Tel: 01592 223330 

Fax: 01592 223301 

jackm@glenco.org 

www.glenco.org 

ACMK 

ABERDEENSHIRE* 2 

Symetri Ltd. 

Tel: 0345 370 1500 

info@symetri.co.uk 

www.symetri.co.uk 

ABCDEGHIJKLMNOPQSTX 

Larbert 3 

30 28 

19 

15 11/16 

6 

13 

17 

9/10 

18 

12/14 

*Location guide 

not 100% accurate 

TMS CADCentre 

7 Central Park Avenue 

Central Park 

Larbert 

FK5 4RX 

Tel: 01324 550 760 

info@tms-scotland.com 

www.tms-scotland.com/autodesk 

ACELHNO 

IRELAND 

DUBLIN 5 

Paradigm Technology Ltd 

Contact: Des McGrane 

Tel: +353-1-2960155 

Fax: +353-1-2960080 

dmcgrane@paradigm.ie 

www.paradign.it 

ACMGKL 

SOUTHWEST 

NEWBURY 6 

RWTC Ltd 

Contact: Richard Willis 

Tel: 01488 689005 

Fax: 01635 32718 

richard@rwtc.co.uk 

www.rwtc.co.uk 

A M 

N.I 

BELFAST 7 

Pentagon Solutions Ltd 

Contact: Tony Dalton - Training 

Services Manager 

Tel: +44 (0) 2890 455 355 

Fax: +44 (0) 2890 456 355 

tony@pentagonsolutions.com 

www.pentagonsolutions.com 

ACDEGKL 

TRAINING COURSES OFFERED KEY: 

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K 

L 

M 

N 

O 

P 

Q 

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S 

T 

X 

For further information about authorised CAD training or to advertise on these pages please contact: 

Josh Boulton on 01689 616 000 or email: josh.boulton@btc.co.uk

SOUTH/EAST 

HERTFORDSHIRE 9 

Computer Aided 

Business Systems Ltd 

Contact: Gillian Haynes 

Tel: 01707 258 338 

Fax: 01707 258 339 

training@cabs-cad.com 

A C D E K H 

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE 10 

Causeway 

Technologies Ltd 

Contact: Sue Farnfield 

Tel: +44 (0)1628 552134 

Sue.Farnfield@causeway.com 

www.causeway.com 

A C D E K 

BERKSHIRE 11 

Cadpoint 

Contact: Clare Keston 

Tel: 01344 751300 

Fax: 01344 779700 

sales@cadpoint.co.uk 

www.cadpoint.co.uk 

A C D E K 

ENFIELD* 12 

TRAINING 

BERKSHIRE 16 

Mass Systems Ltd 

Contact: Luke Bolt 

Tel: 01344 304 000 

Fax: 01344 304 010 

info@mass-plc.com 

www.mass-plc.com 

A E F 

HAMPSHIRE 17 

Universal CAD Ltd 

Contact: Nick Lambden 

Tel: [44] 01256 352700 

Fax: [44] 01256 352927 

sales@universalcad.co.uk 

www.universalcad.co.uk 

A C M E K H 

MILTON KEYNES 18 

Graitec - Milton Keynes 

Contact: David Huke 

Tel: 01908 410026 

david.huke@graitec.co.uk 

www.graitec.co.uk 


CAMBRIDGE 19 

THE NORTH 

MANCHESTER* 20 

Symetri Ltd. 

Tel: 0345 370 1500 




NEWCASTLE* 21 

Symetri Ltd. 

Tel: 0345 370 1500 




YORKSHIRE 22 

Graitec Bradford 

Contact: Isobel Gillon 

Tel: 01274 532919 

training@graitec.co.uk 



NORTH EAST 23 

Graitec - Durham 


Tel: 0191 374 2020 




LANCASHIRE 24 

QUADRA SOLUTIONS 

Contact: Simon Dobson 

Tel: 01254 301 888 

Fax: 01254 301 323 

training@quadrasol.co.uk 

www.quadrasol.co.uk 

A C M K 

YORKSHIRE* 25 

Symetri Ltd. 

Tel: 0345 370 1500 




SOUTH YORKSHIRE 26 

THE JUICE GROUP LTD 

Contact: Sarah Thorpe 

Tel: 0800 018 1501 

Fax: 0114 275 5888 

training@thejuice.co.uk 

www.thejuicetraining.com 

A C D E K R 

Symetri Ltd. 

Tel: 0345 370 1500 




Symetri Ltd. 

Tel: 0345 370 1500 




SOUTHHAMPTON 13 

Riverside House, Brunel Road 

Southampton, Hants. SO40 3WX 


Tel: 02380 868 947 




CONTRAL LONDON* 14 

Symetri Ltd. 

Tel: 0345 370 1500 




OXFORDSHIRE 15 

MIDLANDS 

NOTTINGHAM 27 

MicroCAD - Nottingham 


Tel: 0115 969 1114 




NORTHAMPTONSHIRE 28 

AIT Spatial Ltd 

Contact: Philip Madeley 

Tel: 01933 303034 

Fax: 01933 303001 

training@aitspatial.co.uk 

www.aitspatial.co.uk 

A C D E F G K L 

BIRMINGHAM 29 

CHESHIRE 30 

Excelat CAD Ltd 

Contact: Vaughn Markey 

Tel: 0161 926 3609 

Fax: 0870 051 1537 

Vaughn.markey@ExcelatCAD.com 

www.ExcelatCAD.com 

B N 

Man and Machine 

Contact: Robert Kenny 

Tel: 01844 263700 

Fax: 01844 216761 

training@manandmachine.co.uk 

www.manandmachine.co.uk 

A D I J M N O P Q X 

Armada Autodesk 

Training Centre 

Contact: Steven Smith 

Tel: 01527 834783 

Fax: 01527 834785 

training@armadaonline.co.uk 

www.armadaonline.co.uk 

A D E M K H

EVENT preview 

Cadventure launches its Digital Intelligence Conference 

Cadventure is launching its first Digital Intelligence Conference, in partnership with Bentley Systems, 

which will take place on Wednesday 28 February at one of the City of London's most sustainable 

towers, 8 Bishopsgate 

Collaboration is the core theme to the 

Cadventure Digital Intelligence 

conference, which will connect and 

equip the minds of decision makers with 

the best digital tools and resources 

available to help elevate the digital 

intelligence of the built environment. 

Together with their conference partner, 

Bentley Systems, Cadventure will share 

critical knowledge and expertise vital for 

project and process success, plus discuss 

the challenges, experiences and solutions 

that are impacting on the digital future of 

construction industry. 

The Chairperson steering the content and 

conversations for the day will be Ian 

Gordon, Data and Advanced Analytics 

Lead at Arup and former Head of Data for 

Houses of Parliament Restoration & 

Renewal. In his own words: "I get excited 

about realising meaningful change using 

data and digital technologies such as 

cloud, ontologies, digital twins, data 

models interoperability, open data 

standards and automation. I even 

sometimes remember that people are 

involved!". Ian will open the conference with 

his insights on what the future holds for 

data in the next 12 months, setting the 

scene for the rest of the day on the 

transformative power of data. 

Following Ian will be Cadventure 

Managing Director, Elaine Lewis who will 

introduce the conference's Collaboration 

theme. "We have curated the content to 

inspire and improve collaboration as an 

enabler for growth. Our keynote 

presentations, case studies and panel 

discussions will each take aspects of this 

theme to illustrate how people, process 

and technology work together," said Elaine. 

Some of these presentations and panels 

will look at high profile projects such as 

National Highways and HS2, with talks from 

Bentley Systems, Balfour Beaty, AECOM, 

Siemens, Arup and Atkins. 

Elaine continued: "In 2024 Cadventure 

celebrates its 35th anniversary, and a key 

partner that has been instrumental in our 

longevity is Bentley Systems - for which 

2024 is also a landmark year as it 

celebrates its 40th anniversary. The 

Cadventure Digital Intelligence Conference 

is an opportunity for us to thank everyone 

who has supported Cadventure for the past 

35 years and reward them with new 

knowledge and new thinking. 

"We also wish to share this knowledge 

and thinking with the wider industry and 

generate a new type of collaboration, one 

which powers project success and 

stimulate new ideas, particularly through 

the use of Bentley Systems' technology and 

ingenuity. Over the past 12 months many 

people have told us that they miss being 

together for the sharing of best practice, 

therefore networking will be a big part of the 

conference experience." 

This live, one-day conference will share a 

series of presentations and panel 

discussions focusing on full lifecycle 

information management, digital twin 

development, how to turn data into 

knowledge, sustainable smart cities and 

the next generation of digital construction 

professionals. As well as featured case 

studies on major national and international 

infrastructure projects. 

The UK is one of the largest markets for 

Bentley technology but what has been 

missing is an active forum for users to 

meet, learn and share. Two of the best 

examples of this worldwide are in Denmark 

and Sweden. Cadventure has invited the 

Chairs of these well-established User 

Forums to discuss what works for their 

users and how this success can be 

replicated in the UK. 

This conference will connect Bentley users 

and technology game-changers to gain 

never before seen or heard insight and 

guidance, designed to increase 

performance and productivity. 

The venue has been carefully chosen for 

two reasons, 8 Bishopsgate is the new 

London home for Bentley Systems, which 

has taken residence on the 43rd floor, and 

during the conference guests will have the 

opportunity to witness some of the Bentley 

ProjectWise, SYNCHRO and iTwin Capture 

technologies in action. This 50-storey tower 

on the corner of Bishopsgate and 

Leadenhall Street is the first tower to 

achieve BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A 

rating in London. During construction, zero 

waste went to landfill, with 5,000 tonnes of 

C02 being saved. Now complete, 100% of 

the building's electricity comes from 

renewable sources. 

Elaine added: "8 Bishopsgate has, what 

some would argue, are the best views in 

the capital. The Lookout is 8 Bishopsgate's 

50th floor viewing gallery with uninterrupted 

views of London's iconic landmarks, 

impressive skyscrapers and historic 

architecture. For the Digital Intelligence 

Conference, we have secured private 

viewing access to The Lookout during our 

networking drinks reception." 

To find out more and to register for the 

Cadventure Digital Intelligence conference 

www.cadventure.co.uk/cadventure-digitalintelligence-conference-2024/ 

34 


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