Dutch digital director applauds Birmingham’s ‘market leading’ construction accommodation
Hemel Hempstead, 27 April 2017 - A director from one of Europe’s largest construction firms has applauded the ‘market leading’ approach to construction happening at Birmingham City University’s City South Campus.
Royal BAM Group’s Menno de Jonge, Director of Digital Construction for the €7 billion giant, was shown around the 12,000 sq metre scheme which is using building information modelling (BIM), virtual reality, and eco-accommodation.
BAM Plant – BAM’s specialist plant business – has used the project to pioneer a turnkey eco accommodation solution which provides a home for the 175-strong workforce and is one of only two of its type in the UK.
The set-up has the lowest carbon footprint and heating costs on the market, while still being very competitive on price.
Managing Director Jason Reed says:
‘We have created a premium product at a basic price.’
The success had led to Royal BAM Group looking into the possibilities and BAM Plant is considering further expansion and customisation.
Mr Reed added:
‘We are moving away from the idea of site cabins to a more advanced form of accommodation. When you combine this with the digitalisation of construction, this is an exciting and better quality environment in which to develop the next generation of young managers.’
Menno de Jonge said:
‘It is important to share this kind of information across the whole of the Group. It may represent an important new business opportunity. I am very impressed by the maturity of the digital approach and the enthusiasm of the team for this.’
Digital measures in use by BAM Construction at Birmingham City University include Autodesk’s BIM 360 suite - Glue, Field, Point layout, plus spherical panoramic imagery and virtual reality. Even during team meetings, by using VR kit the team is able to ‘walk through’ the digital model of the works which is updated before their eyes as construction progresses. This speeds up and enhances problem solving. The digitalisation will enable BAM to present Birmingham City University with an asset that helps it run and manage the building as or more efficiently than any other in the UK.
Further information: Mark Sattery, Press and Media Manager, BAM Construct UK Ltd, 01442 238415.