The construction industry is rapidly evolving with new technologies, and virtual construction is at the forefront of this transformation. Particularly in multi-family construction projects, virtual construction tools are making significant impacts by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing collaboration. Below are five ways virtual construction can elevate multi-family construction projects.
For an introduction to the ways technology can inform and empower design and construction decisions, first read our blog, Technology that Empowers Construction.
Enhancing Collaboration Through Building Information Modeling
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a cornerstone of virtual construction, and its impact on multi-family projects is undeniable. BIM allows architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to collaborate on a single platform, enabling real-time updates and coordination. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone is on the same page, reducing the chances of costly miscommunications and rework. For multi-family projects, where multiple units and complex systems must work in harmony, this level of coordination is invaluable.
Streamlined Design and Planning
Virtual construction tools like 3D modeling and simulation allow developers to visualize every aspect of a building before construction begins. For multi-family projects, this means creating detailed layouts of each unit, common areas, and amenities. The ability to walk through a virtual model ensures that design flaws are caught early, and adjustments can be made before ground is broken. This proactive approach saves time and money by preventing delays and costly changes during construction.
Virtual construction modeling allows disciplines to identify routing obstructions that create unwanted finish changes. By viewing BIM models, such as this one, before construction, can prevent mishaps prior to installation.
OpenSpace is another virtual construction tool that is one of the fastest and easiest ways to document, visually understand, and act on the job site. It works by strapping a 360-degree camera on a hard hat and walking the job site as usual. This will capture and keep a visual record of the job site and serve as a central source of information for the project’s lifecycle. Within OpenSpace the user can easily communicate the scope of work, document any changes, and manage the client’s expectations. It allows the user to stay on top of progress from anywhere and minimizes the risk by spotting discrepancies before they become a problem.
This is an example of OpenSpace Video Split View. The actual project is on the left and what it will look like on the right. This visually shows the team and client the reality of the project and its future outcome, allowing them to see and make changes before stages of the project are built.
Improved Cost Estimation and Budget Management
Accurate cost estimation is crucial in multi-family construction, where budgets can be tight, and unexpected expenses can derail a project. Virtual construction enables precise quantity take-offs, material estimates, and labor projections, all of which contribute to more accurate and reliable cost estimates. By integrating cost data into virtual models, project managers can better track expenses and stay within budget, reducing financial risk and ensuring the project remains profitable.
Risk Mitigation and Safety Enhancements
Construction sites, particularly large-scale multi-family projects, are prone to risks and safety hazards. Virtual construction allows project teams to identify potential safety issues before construction begins by simulating construction sequences and site conditions. This proactive approach to safety reduces the likelihood of accidents on-site, protects workers, and can lower insurance costs. Additionally, virtual reality (VR) training modules can prepare workers for site-specific hazards, enhancing overall safety compliance.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in multi-family construction as construction managers aim to meet green building standards and reduce the environmental impact of their projects. Virtual construction allows for the integration of energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials early in the design process. By simulating energy usage, developers can optimize building performance, reduce operational costs, and increase the appeal of their properties to environmentally conscious tenants.
Heating and cooling a multi-family development is one of the highest recurring operational costs affecting ROI. While energy-efficient equipment can help offset the rising cost of energy production, additional savings can be captured through the strategic placement of said equipment. Energy consumption simulations allow designers to identify which areas of the development produce the greatest temperature volatility otherwise not recognizable during the traditional design process. Recognizing these volatile areas can then inform layout decisions that strategically place equipment to minimize the time and distance conditioned air must travel, ultimately reducing consumption costs and prolonging equipment lifespan.
Transforming Construction
Virtual construction is transforming the way multi-family construction projects are designed, managed, and executed. By enhancing collaboration, streamlining planning, improving cost management, mitigating risks, and fostering sustainability, virtual construction tools provide a competitive edge for developers looking to succeed in today’s market. Embracing these technologies will not only make your construction projects more efficient but also ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
