Leading in BIM and BREEAM

"You need a number of people in the organization who keep the wheels turning as BIM ambassadors. In this way, we can easily draw attention to BIM internally. We don't just talk about BIM, we also do it. For example, in the DIFFER project." These are the words of Arjan van Haperen, head of projects at Unica, one of the major installation companies in the Netherlands. He is one of the drivers of the BIM leader group. The leader group shares the internal and external BIM experience, knowledge, and pitfalls. "Unica is at a good BIM level, we are getting more and more BIM modelers with good BIM experience. The DIFFER project in Eindhoven, The Netherlands is a good example of our BIM expertise."

BREEAM Excellent
With the DIFFER project, as might be expected of a research institute that deals with the development of sustainable energy, attention is placed on sustainable design on all fronts. This sustainability is partly reflected in the application of triple insulating glass, solar panels with photovoltaic cells, and by using a saw-tooth profile in the facade with which both proper shading and daylighting is obtained. The BREEAM Excellent design certificate was granted for the design of the building, which was carried out by the Dutch architect Ector Hoogstad in collaboration with installation consultancy firm Deerns. Through the efforts of Unica and construction partner Dura Vermeer, this will be converted into a BREEAM Excellent certificate upon delivery.

Installation engineering that is visible
Unica guides the implementation of the project on the construction site, in order to place maximum focus on the project. Arjan: "We note that engineering is very important for DIFFER: we get a lot of technical questions regarding the BIM model. I think it's great that they value the installations. Installations are often seen as inconvenient and we hide them as far away as possible. The installations form an important part of the research conducted within DIFFER. Large connecting capabilities are needed and thus extensive installations. Working with a BIM model helped us a lot in the design and the consultation with the customer and building partners. "