Once fully operational in 2024, the Molecular Sciences building will strengthen core research capabilities in chemical, environmental and biomolecular sciences, fostering an environment for carrying out world-class research and education. Following in the theme of leading innovation and research, our Molecular Sciences project team are leading the way when it comes to Digital Construction. We spoke with David Maddocks, Senior Design Manager , and Zach Hamilton, Graduate Design Manager, to talk more about the innovative measures taken both in design phase and on-site.
Digital-first future of construction
The project is currently using Revizto, a Building Information Management (BIM) collaborative tool which is quick and allows the easy manipulation of the model as it runs in a similar way to a gaming model such as Minecraft.
Based in the designated ‘BIM cave’ on site, the team use an Xbox controller to navigate the augmentation, which is projected on the walls and on screen, This software allows for the visual isolation of certain elements of the building, such as doors, windows or brickwork and allows for drawings to be dropped into the model for a relative perspective of the design. The project’s architects and consultants update the model every day, meaning that the project team receive a real-time updated model on a daily basis.
The project also utilises laser scanning for design verification. Laura Malone, the project’s Digital Engineer, uses the handheld Leica BLK2Go to detect any clashes between the design model and the tangible building thus far, with the scanning detection accurate up to 0.25mm. David mentioned there have been some interesting lessons learnt while using this technology, such as the need to be thorough and accurate undertaking the scanning process; pacing yourself correctly and ensuring the lasers do not reflect off metallic surfaces and distort the findings.
The use of Revizto has also benefited client collaboration, with the University being able to access whole visualisations of the project, as well as being able to see the model develop in real time. This along with the efficient clash detection and laser verification scanning, leads to swift resolution of any issues and overall cohesive stakeholder relations and communication. The project is also working closely with Naska.AI , a third-party digital construction consultant based in Madrid, who undertake the processing and analysing of the scanned data from the laser verification scans within 24 hours of the data being uploaded, The data is then reviewed for compliance. Again, another glimpse into the future of construction.
Utilising CarboniCa – our digital carbon measurement tool
The project team have been utilising CarboniCa, our intelligent carbon reduction tool. Since its launch in 2021, we've been able to save thousands of tonnes of carbon from being emitted. CarboniCa cleverly highlights elements of the building that will result in higher emissions and suggests lower-carbon alternatives for the client.
We spoke with Zach Hamilton, who is also the project’s Carbon Champion, about the emphasis on carbon saving at all stages of the project and how this is communicated to stakeholders. He produced a report which has been shared with the University of Birmingham, highlighting just how much carbon has been saved on the project, working in line with the University’s ambitious targets of achieving net zero carbon for scope one and two by 2035.
So far, the project has saved a significant amount of carbon by enforcing design changes:
- 151 tCO2e saved through changing the foundation solution and increasing cement replacements in the concrete.
- 68 tCO2e by replacing metal ceiling with tiles with plasterboard margins.
- 48 tCO2e saved by reducing the amount t of heavy duty rated raised access floors.
- 41 tCO2e saved through eliminating suspended ceilings where not required.
The University has also appointed a Carbon Consultant Specialist to work alongside the team in working towards the client’s carbon targets.
Ensuring occupant wellbeing in a laboratory environment
David stated, “We are always designing to meet occupant wellbeing”, and then went on to explain examples of how occupant wellbeing is considered at different stages of the project.
“We have undertaken early liaison with the University’s estates Disability Officer which has been key to ensuring that we adhere to all the University’s specific requirements and that these are integrated into the design across numerous packages, from colours, opening weights of doors and ironmongery selection.
"A full-size mock-up of a section of the laboratory furniture was installed to facilitate the setting of heights for gantries and associated controls on the fume cupboards to meet the end user requirements.
The wellbeing of the site team is of utmost importance in line with Morgan Sindall Constructions 100% Safe ethos. The Modular Sciences building is heavily serviced to facilitate its end purpose and space within corridors is therefore at a premium, so in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our team and to maximise space, M&E modules have been installed to save time and resources.”
Focus on community involvement and professional development on site
With the new build being at the centre of a large University campus, it’s only fitting that the project team contribute to the learning environment. The project have hosted students at the site’s ‘BIM cave’, including Haripreet, who is studying a MSC in civil engineering and management at the University.
Mark Phillpot has also given a presentation on BIM for the engineering department, referencing the history of the site and the previous building’s construction on the site in contrast to the modern methods being used today. Referencing the future of setting out of floor slabs with the video of the ‘robotic dog’ (terrestrial robot used for automated spray painting) which is in development, which was received well by the audience.
The project team have also been working alongside the Canal and River Trust, volunteering and litter picking in the area by the canal, adjacent to the site.
David expressed his appreciation for working in such a diverse and young team, noting the progression of Zach Hamilton and Laura Malone and how the project allows them the time to develop personally and professionally. Other team members such as Matt Rees and Mark Philpott who have come into the team from other projects have also brought initiative and energy from their previous experiences on projects at the university, all of which is greatly valued within the team.