Introduction.
HBF have a common interest in supporting the continuing development and implementation of digital standards in the Housebuilding sector. In pursuit of this the HBF Digital Construction Group was formed, reporting into the National Technical and Sustainability Committee.
The word BIM (Building Information Modelling) has been used to cover many areas and the HBF recognise that it is not just about technology, but about a process which is applied to all aspects of construction, from the original concept through to the facilities and asset management.
We acknowledge that digital construction is delivered through various software platforms and that there are many architectural tools to support this process and the HBF remain to be impartial in the choice of platform used by industry.
The group consists solely of developers who meet to engage in the following key areas:
- Share knowledge and best practise;
- Push for innovative ways of delivery;
- Engage with relevant existing industry organisation, associations, interest groups and other forums as required for our collaboration;
- To actively collaborate with the housebuilding supply chain;
- To raise standards and quality of information produced;
- To assist the National Technical and Sustainability Committee drive and improve standards.
HBF is committed to assisting the housebuilding sector to achieve the industry recognised maturity index Level 2, as soon as is practically feasible. Level 2 will allow product to be delivered through file based collaboration and library management for models and specific supplier content.
To this end it is agreed that IFC (Industry Foundation Class) and COBie (Construction Operation Building Information Exchange) provides an open and neutral file format allowing the information to extend beyond geometric data and this structure complete with the parameters will be supported by the group.
In order to support the Governments challenging housing targets, the housebuilding sector must evaluate how to deliver faster, smarter, more efficiently and recognise that improving the digital construction process plays a pivotal role in that delivery.
The following questionnaire is to understand the position of the supply chain, supporting the housebuilding sector and help developers position themselves in the use of digital construction.
This survey is being sent on behalf of the HBF Members: Barratt Developments PLC, Bellway PLC, Bovis Homes PLC, Cala Group LTD, Countryside Properties, Croudace Homes, Galliard Homes, Jones Homes, Linden Homes LTD, Lovell Partnerships LTD, Miller Homes, NHBC, Redrow PLC, Robust Details LTD, Stewart Milne Group, Story Homes, Strata Homes and Taylor Wimpey PLC.
Survey