McLaren's Digital Construction Strategy: Design Compliance to De-risk Construction
We spoke with McLaren Construction Group's Head of Digital Construction, Thomas Flannery, on how McLaren use Solibri for design compliance in their digital construction strategy, to de-risk their construction projects in early design phases.
Introduction
McLaren Construction Group is a leading UK-based construction and property development company established in 2001.
Competing with industry giants like Skanska, Multiplex, and SRM, McLaren has been able to disrupt the industry and grow into a billion-pound enterprise through its innovative approach, commitment to sustainability, and agile processes. McLaren Construction Group have a wide portfolio of construction projects, ranging from Commercial and Residential construction and refurbishment to Education, Healthcare and more complex Data Center builds.
The Challenge
Upon joining McLaren in November 2022, Thomas Flannery took the lead in implementing a new digital construction strategy. Identifying delays to “spades in the ground” from cross platform data compatibility and design compliance, Thomas set out to streamline and fix the spanner in the works that was delaying growth.
“We want to get spades in the ground, get the foundations and the piling teams out on-site because, as I’m often told, if they spend too long in the office they “miss the smell of concrete.” The quicker we can get to that point, the better. And that's what clients want as well. They want reassurance that it can be done on budget and on time.”
In early design phases external consultants were using varying design methodologies across different construction projects. This was resulting in both design and data inconsistencies, as well as incomparable data post build.
With the ever growing need to streamline design coordination, Thomas sought for the head of the snake, and paid focus to design compliance.
“…projects within the same region and sector would have totally different approaches to digital construction. Organisationally, this was prohibitive as it limited our ability to draw effective comparisons, and limited business wide interrogation of the portfolio”
The Solution
The standardisation of file types was the first step initiatives to smoothen the construction process. Knowing the robust and quality nature of IFC files mandated how McLarens Digital Construction team could create greater data consistencies and usages across their supply chain and amongst an array of projects.
With IFC set as the baseline of McLarens digital construction strategy, Thomas was left with the decision on what to build around it. With Dalux a favoured tool in the field, Solibri was chosen to deliver design compliance further up the line.
“Alongside Solibri offering over and above what other clash detection platforms can actually do, part of that decision making was that Solibri is based around IFC files.”
Solibri was implemented for usage in early stage design checks, but not only for clash detection or 3D model viewing. With Solibri, McLaren were able to conduct both regulatory and design compliance reducing the risk of clashes further on in the construction lifecycle and costly rework scenarios.
“The more automated design compliance checks you can run, the greater our confidence level, allowing us to move to site more swiftly.”
Implementation
- Strategic Selection
McLaren selected Solibri for its superior capabilities in design compliance checking and usage of IFC files. Solibri’s advanced model checking capabilities ensuring designs were fit and McLaren understood the risk.
- Development of Compliance Framework
Collaborating with onboarding consultancy Evolve, McLaren developed tailored compliance templates and classifications within Solibri. These frameworks were designed to address specific regulatory requirements and industry standards, ensuring thorough and accurate compliance checks.
- Training and Adoption
The Digital Construction teams across McLaren's regions received extensive training on using Solibri for compliance checking. This ensured that all stakeholders could effectively utilize the software’s features to perform detailed design reviews.
- Integration with Existing Systems
With the IFC first ethos the cornerstone of McLaren’s digital construction strategy, Solibri was a compatible fit for project interoperability.
“McLaren found the perfect match in Solibri, which really fits with our progressive mindset. When we interrogate design models, we're doing more than just looking for clashes; we're tapping into the extensive Solibri ruleset library to ensure design compliance. This is a big plus that we can promote to our teams and clients..”
Results
- Rigorous Design Compliance
Solibri’s advanced rule sets enabled McLaren to conduct meticulous design compliance checks. For example, Fire Stopping rulesets, checking mechanical and electrical services, and other critical elements, were reviewed for adherence to building regulations in early design stages. This early approach significantly reduced the risk of non-compliance and ensured all designs were construction ready.
- Consistency Across Projects
By mandating the use of Solibri for design compliance checks, McLaren achieved a consistent approach across all projects. This standardization minimized variations in compliance practices and improved overall project quality.
“All the project coordination is handled through Solibri and within IFC files. By focusing on this file format throughout the project, we ensure higher quality when it's time to mobilise on site and integrate with Dalux.”
- Enhanced Data Accuracy
Solibri’s precise model checking capabilities ensured high-quality, reliable data throughout the project lifecycle. This accuracy was particularly valued by clients in sectors like commercial development and data centers, who require dependable asset information models.
- Efficiency and Cost Savings
The implementation of Solibri streamlined the design compliance process, reducing the time and effort required for manual checks. This efficiency translated into cost savings by minimizing rework and mitigating the risk of costly compliance issues.
- Data collection for templating usage
With the continued usage of Solibri and a greater adoption across projects, McLaren continue to use and produce templates that stay in their library, ready to use.
- Utilizing Solibri at a Tender Stage
McLaren has started utilizing Solibri to enhance their bids for larger, high-risk projects. Clients recognize the superior quality check capabilities of Solibri and feel confident knowing that IFC is the primary file format for design coordination. This ensures that they will receive a high-quality, asset information model upon project handover.
"We aim to implement Solibri as early as possible, either at tender stage or upon commencement of project delivery. We make it clear to our project teams that moving forward, IFC is our file format for coordination, and we'll be looking to maximise the use of Solibri in our processes."
- Solibri as a starting point After winning a new project, Solibri becomes McLarens first point of call. This means getting Solibri configured specific to the project requirements, authoring the project information particulars, and establishing IFC amongst the project team as the main file format for coordination going forward.
Conclusion
McLaren's consistent digital construction approach enables data-driven enhancements in communication, transparency, reducing project risks, and aiding informed decision-making.
