5 successful BIM projects in architecture

Discover the added value of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the world of architecture with these blog posts about 5 successful projects. From renovations to new construction, BIM makes communication more efficient, saves time, and provides a reliable basis for decisions. Learn more about BIM in practice through examples, including an accurate BIM model for garden design and a thoughtful design with realistic simulation of a detached building.

From renovations to new construction: the added value of BIM

When we talk about architecture, communication and collaboration are two important core values. Fortunately, innovations do not stand still, and over the years several tools have seen the light of day to simplify the collaboration between client and architect. One of these is Building Information Modeling (BIM).

Having all components presented in detail in an intelligent 3D model as a shared source of knowledge and a reliable basis for decision making; it is a utopia that is increasingly becoming a reality thanks to BIM. Not only does a BIM model mean a financial benefit thanks to time savings, the more efficient communication also makes your practice flourish.

So to speak, the pinnacle of architectural technology, and this has not escaped several architects. In this blog post, we lead you through 5 successful architectural projects, where the BIM model added significant value.

1.) Villa Emilia: An accurate BIM model for garden design

Basic BIM model villa in De Haan

At 150 meters from the beach in De Haan is Villa Emilia, a Norman villa anno 1930 in the charming neighborhood ‘De Concessie’. Belle Epoque reigns supreme in this gem, but to complete the picture and give B&B visitors an even more exclusive experience, the garden will be taken care of.

This required an IFC BIM model with 2D DWG and PDF drawings. The project focused on the exterior shell of the prestigious property, with the interior not being modeled. With a detailed layout and surroundings of the villa, the characteristics of the facade and the indication of paved and unpaved areas, this model provided an accurate basis for the landscaper to get the design off the ground.

The model was developed in the Lambert-72/TAW coordinate system and can be loaded into Vectorworks as an IFC file to complete further project phases.

Is there future interest in measuring the interior as well? Then this 3D model can easily be expanded.

2.) A challenging search for balance at semi-open development in Poelkapelle

Basic BIM model semi-open building in Poelkapelle

Partially demolishing homes, renovating them and spatially redesigning them is one of the architect’s common tasks. One of the greatest difficulties with a conventional design method is the inability to illustrate every facet of the project.

For the builder, architectural drawings are often complicated and overwhelming, while BIM provides the perfect platform to understand the complete picture, both in remodeling and new construction projects.

A BIM model in Archicad with PDF drawings was requested for a semi-open building in Poelkapelle. The model was worked out in a local coordinate system and showed a challenging search for the balance in working out the visible structural elements. Indeed, the demolition process in the house and its annexes had partially started, with certain floors and ceilings already broken out.

Thanks to the model, the architect gets an accurate view of the current state of affairs and is presented with all the parameters of the property to work on spatially. The BIM model is more than a powerful visualization, they promote the predictability of constructions and are an important link is the preventive management of errors and risks in the design phase.

3.) Thoughtful design with realistic simulation: detached property in Opwijk

Basic BIM model free-standing property in Opwijk

BIM is the ideal tool to offer a well-thought-out design in the design process, not only aesthetically, equally in terms of material selection and construction phasing. Thanks to the graphic simulation, the project is presented in a realistic scenario; thus, an effective visualization tool, including 2D drawings and 3D models.

PDF drawings were requested for a detached property in Opwijk, generated through a Revit BIM model. The drawings allowed the architect to immediately start working on creative interior concepts of the property and present them to the client.

The 3D model focused on the entire interior and exterior envelope and addition of the building, including the actual layout of the interior and roof trusses in the attic. In addition, the stairwell and basement were modeled metrically correct to map the changing clear heights and floor packages.

The architect can later work with the IFC file in Vectorworks to create construction drawings.

4.) BIM as a powerful visualization tool with predictive value in the design phase

Basic BIM model semi-detached property with barn in Bruges

The era when construction documents were prepared via 2D drawings is fortunately a thing of the past. The complex and time-consuming method of 2D drawing left too much to the imagination and it sometimes took years for the design team to see the wood for the trees. BIM does away with that.

A Revit BIM model with 2D DWG and PDF drawings was requested for a semi-detached building with barn in Bruges, West Flanders. The requesting architect works with Autocad and Sketchup, the IFC files are easily imported into Sketchup and a method to export Revit models to .skp format is also provided.

Choosing a 3D model offers the advantage that the architect can very quickly and easily extract additional cuts and information from the model at a later time. Consequently, further measurements are not necessary here and redrawing based on the point cloud is also unnecessary.

5.) Archicad BIM model with Sketchup 3D visualization: a comprehensive mapping of a row house in Avelgem

Detail BIM model row house in Avelgem

Mapping a house is a first step, but this can be equally extended according to a variety of requirements. For example, for a row house in Avelgem, an Archicad BIM model with 2D DWG and PDF drawings was requested. In order to also clearly map the plot boundaries, an official report with boundary survey of the property and its immediate surroundings is drawn up, with extra attention to the plot boundaries to the rear and with the neighbors.

In addition, a Sketchup 3D model was also provided, in which all elements from the Archicad model are visible and editable. The model was worked out in the Lambert-72/TAW coordinate system, as it included the legal boundary survey option.

Thanks to the 3D model and accompanying drawings, the architect has a clear picture of the attached particles of the elongated site. Likewise, extensive cuts with gabarites of the neighbors clearly show what lies on the other side of the common wall. Thanks to the combination of cross-sections and gabarites, the architect has a complete picture of the structure.

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