Using BIM at 66 Queen Square, Bristol
We used BIM to great effect at 66 Queen Square a five-storey office development in the heart of Bristol's city centre. Our brief was to design and construct a stylish, functional office space that integrates seamlessly with the existing listed Georgian terrace.
From the start, we saw the potential for 66 Queen Square. The whole project team met to agree BIM strategies, ambitions and software applications. As a result, we were able to coordinate design, fabrication and supply chain data into a single model.
Moving beyond the design phase, a BIM information station was placed on site giving the whole project team access to the BIM data. Employees were issued with iPads equipped with BIM 360 Field. These iPads were used for carrying out inspections, health and safety reporting and other data capture requirements.
All works were constructed virtually in the model before a spade went in the ground on site. This approach enabled us to work more efficiently.
In fact, the project only generated 3.02sqm of construction waste per 100sqm of internal floor area, an amount well below the target profile for the build. Reducing waste production on site also led to lower costs and less carbon as fewer vehicles were required for waste removal.
Offsite manufacturing
Offsite manufacturing techniques – flying factories - were employed at 66 Queen Square, minimising disruption to occupants of adjacent offices, colleges and residential buildings.
Structural steel was cut offsite as part of the fabrication process. This eliminated the need for on-site core drilling – a process that creates noise, dust and vibrations. Not only did this reduce disruption to our neighbours it also ensured that the holes were cut to a much greater degree of accuracy in a safer factory environment.
We were able to complete a complex build in a challenging setting while reducing the impact on the environment and local community. We could achieve these results in large part because of the collaborative, data-rich environment created through BIM.