AS a result of the growing demand from clients and the firm’s focus on a digital future, Northampton-based Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor specialising in turnkey solutions for industrial, build-to-rent, student accommodation and commercial projects, has launched its Centre for Innovative Construction (CIC).
It comprises a virtual reality BIM CAVE with a 125-inch screen for 3D model viewing, an interactive meeting room allowing real-time design changes on 86-inch smart screens as well as a training space that will enable 360 degree education across the business and the supply chain.
The 2,000 square foot CIC facilitates interactive experiences within design models – from clash detection and dimensional design checks to spatial awareness assessment and data asset information retrieval – whereby Winvic staff, consultants and suppliers can interact and make live design changes. Variations can be affected remotely or via the interactive design meeting room and be instantly viewed in three dimensions; the 3D headset and controller allows the BIM CAVE user to travel around a site or building. Additionally, key points of information, such as sections of the scheme’s design manual, maintenance guidance or 360 degree photos can be added to the model and retrieved with a simple click or via a QR code and QR codes within finished buildings can link to pertinent manual information or other online content. The whole CIC experience has many advantages past the design and construction phases, into end-users’ operations.
Being able to strategize with clients, end-users, consultants and suppliers through a digital approach – from as early as the PQQ and tender stages – is transformational for Winvic’s business and the companies it works with on a number of levels. Shaping accurate budgets, planning complex programmes using 4D modelling and making situational site training possible are just three benefits; essentially the CIC provides Winvic with the means to manage schemes to meticulous levels, model seemingly considerable challenges into solved problems and execute construction phases faster. Consequently, it is the project developers and building occupiers who ultimately profit from shortened timescales and reduced costs end-to-end.
Tim Reeve, Technical Director at Winvic, said: “While we have offered industry standard BIM Level 2 to clients for many years, in the last two to three we have experienced a significant uptake in the request for BIM on the projects we are involved in. As our main focus is meeting clients’ needs – from a practical delivery point of view and also commercially – it was a natural progression for Winvic to become an early adopter of the technology found in our new facility. There was also a clear opportunity to augment our staff and supply chain training, from general health and safety to specifics on projects; in being even more ambitious in our attention to developing future construction skills, Winvic’s Centre for Innovative Construction is a multi-purpose tool that will transform many people’s expertise, our business and clients’ experience of developing a project.”
For more information on Winvic, visit www.winvic.co.uk or find updates on Twitter – @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.