Close to the Rhine and in the south of Düsseldorf, the Paulshöfe is being built. From initial reviews and approvals to production of building materials, this project's entire construction planning process is digital. The BIM planning method depicts the building as a 3D model, containing all relevant construction planning data. All project participants can access and export this data at any time. This digital planning method saves time and prevents errors, but it also requires openness from all project partners.
BIM coordination makes everyday life easier for construction managers
The residential project consists of twelve apartment buildings and is in its fourth construction phase. It is being built using a serial system construction method. Residential developer Bonava opted for digital planning with the help of BIM and in cooperation with Xella Germany early on. Bonava is responsible for construction management and works closely with Xella throughout the planning and construction phases. During the approval process, Xella's BIM coordinator and the construction management team regularly review current plans and enter changes and adjustments directly into the three-dimensional BIM model. This process makes planning particularly efficient.
"To increase efficiency in planning and construction, which benefits investors, end customers, cities, and municipalities, we have focused on standardizing our system construction for years. Collaborating with partners in the BIM model greatly improves efficiency,” says Steffen Marrot, Bonava Germany’s Head of Planning and Design, who is in direct contact with Xella. Planning staff praise the transparency and clarity provided by the digital twin, which speeds up processes and reduces the need for coordination.
The digital twin prevents errors
Appointments with Xella do not require additional time from construction managers, who are already busy. Instead, they save time on approving the work planning. By visualizing the building and reviewing the 3D plans together, errors become apparent immediately. "I can search for any parameters, and the program immediately highlights what I need in color," explains Alex Gorte, BIM manager at Xella Germany. This makes it possible to achieve a virtually error-free process.
Several structured checks and a clear display of the buildings immediately highlight any issues that need clarification. "The program automatically detects incorrect wall thicknesses, distances, and other structural features - and I can pass this information on directly and have it corrected," Gorte explains. Construction managers can rely on an error-free process without having to go through every number individually. “The color markings are simple, but helpful,” Gorte explains. Gorte and the site managers click their way through walls and floors almost playfully - the 3D view is reminiscent of a computer game and adds variety to the routine.
At the same time, efficiency has increased noticeably. The entire process - from receipt of the model to production approval - has been accelerated by 60 percent.
At Bonava, digital work on the BIM model is the standard planning method in all disciplines, and it is also the basic principle of cooperation with Xella partners. For Gorte, one thing is certain: "Digital planning is not only more modern, but also faster and more precise."
Read more about the "Paulshöfe" residential construction project and BIM manager Alex Gorte:
New living spaces in Germany:
The Paulshöfe in Düsseldorf are being built with the help of digital planning tools