Text: Lieke van Zuilekom

The new building has a multipurpose function, wher the building offers space for logistics, manufacturing, workshop, offices, engineering, showroom and presentation rooms. The building will have a circular look, with several round details such as canopies. The facades have a natural appearance through the use of wood. The roof is partially covered with sedum vegetation, in order to give the complete building a natural appearance. A courtyard surrounded by glass walls is located in the center of the building, which provides sufficient daylight in the offices.

Focus on sustainability and environment

The building was designed with great attention to sustainability and the environment. The BREEAM Excellent design certificate was used as a starting point. Nieuwenhuis Bouwbedrijf is responsible for the complete design and engineering process, including the realization of the new building. MEP consultant VanPanhuis Installatietechniek, part of the TOP Installatiegroep, is responsible for the design of the electrical and mechanical installations in the building, including a VRF system with underfloor heating and cooling, ventilation, energy efficient lighting, an air source heat pump, water supply and drainage systems. "The MEP designs have been made based on architectural drawings, which were still drafted in 2D", says draftsmen Dennet Schouten. "It took me about half a day to convert this drawing to an intelligent 3D building model. A good time investment, because this project is ideal for BIM."

The choice for three-dimensional design was made due to the particular shape of the building, says Schouten. "With 3D design, we can identify and eliminate all possible bottlenecks with respect to MEP installations in the preliminary phase of the project. This way the installer and contractor are not being confronted with possible clashes and unforeseen additional costs during the construction process."

Pilot phase

VanPanhuis Installatietechniek got acquainted with BIM design about two years ago, says Schouten. "Since the company is still in the pilot phase, not all projects are developed in BIM. For this project, however, we had no doubts. The particular shape of the building was a great opportunity for me to delve further in the possibilities of our software." The company has been working since the switch to BIM with the application DDS-CAD, developed by Data Design System (DDS). "We chose this software because it is very fast to use. Plus you do not have to search for all functions. Cutting and pasting of installations and aligning certain objects for example is much easier and faster than with AutoCAD, which I worked with in the past."

Schouten says that the move to DDS-CAD initially took some time to getting used to. "But once you have figured out how the software works, you cannot only gain huge time savings but also significant quality improvements. When changes are made to the model, for example to installations, pipes and ducts, you can directly extract from the model what impact these changes have on the design. A great advantage with respect to AutoCAD."
He praises the cooperation with DDS and particularly their helpdesk. "Especially in the initial phase, the guys of the helpdesk helped me tremendously to get familiarized with the software program. The lines are short, no question is too ridiculous. I experience it as very pleasant knowing that we have a competent partner on our side."

Complete designs in BIM

VanPanhuis Installatietechniek has embraced BIM. However, this does not apply to the rest of the construction industry. Schouten expects that it can still take some years before the majority of the construction companies is ready for this step. In this project, the installer was the only one that designed in 3D. "Construction companies are still very fixated on paper", explains Schouten. "A missed opportunity, because there are much better alternatives. However, due to the economic situation in which the construction industry still is in the Netherlands, the transition to BIM is too costly for most companies. Not only in money but also in time. The move to BIM requires a considerable investment. That should not be underestimated. You should not just buy the software, draftsmen and engineers should also be trained for working in a BIM environment. Fortunately, this investment has proven to be definitely worth it."

The mechanics of VanPanhuis Installatietechniek all have recently acquired an iPad, which allows them to view 3D models at the construction site. "A good development. The mechanics will have even a better view of what parts should be placed wher. There are no ambiguities at the construction site anymore.”

Project information:
Client: G.J. Nieuwenhuis Holding bv (Niverplast)
Architect: Iso-construct bv
Building management and execution: Bouwbedrijf Nieuwenhuis bv
Contractor: IBZ bv
MEP Consultant: VanPanhuis Installatietechniek BV