Optimising Client Outcomes with Digital Design

Optimising Client Outcomes with Digital Design

As the construction industry rides the rise in digital technologies, our in-house digital design team is evolving the way we operate. Driven by tech evolution, industry push, and the desire for smarter builds, technology is propelling practices to optimise construction and achieve greater value, efficiency and lower lifecycle costs.

At RCC, we’re continually innovating to stay competitive in this highly ambitious marketplace. Here’s how digital design is changing the way we work, from inception to completion.

THE NEW TECH-SAVVY LANDSCAPE

Responding to the latest regulatory changes, we are fine-tuning our processes and training to ensure we’re digitally deft to seize future opportunities. This will enable us to stay ahead of the game, given that 57% of class 2 builders and 48% of designers are currently in a basic stage of digitalisation. The industry is set to take ten years to reach digital maturity.

Our Head of Design and Innovation, Samantha Kuiper, emphasises the importance of integrating digital design into current delivery methodologies to boost programme outcomes for the future.

“We believe in embracing technology and industry change. We’re not waiting until digitalisation is a directive – we see the opportunities in technological innovation and are taking a proactive approach to embedding digital design into our processes.”

Sam Kuiper, RCC’s General Manager – Design & Innovation

As digital design makes its macro mark on large-scale infrastructure projects, we integrate it into the company’s actions, so when regulation is a reality, RCC is ahead of the game. To complement traditional design, we embed technologies like 3D modelling, training and development.

BIM AND DIGITAL ENGINEERING

A Building Information Model (BIM) management process allows us to oversee graphic and non-graphical information from end to end on each construction project. It is the core conduit that connects multiple disciplines and different digital design principles together. In other words, BIM is the project bible; the go-to for driving efficiency, value for money, productivity and innovation. Australia’s BIM strategic framework outlines building delivery and management to create standardisation and drive the industry forward.

INTERNAL DRIVERS

Why do we employ digital design? Simply put – to stay competitive and relevant. We test and confirm existing and future designs to get more precise and predictable project information and reusable structures and insights. Investigating cross-function data generates more extensive understanding, which results in superior delivery and commercial decision making. Digital design also improves aspects of communication and visibility between our stakeholders, enabling us to overcome challenges prior to works commencing.

EXTERNAL DRIVERS

Outside RCC, digital design has a three-fold drive: growing client demand, the industry’s need for driving efficiencies and the ANZ Compliances, ISO/AS 19650 Parts 1-6.

Digital design also helps increase accuracy, boost project delivery time, detect discrepancies and work around contingencies such as rain events. With better project visibility, reliability and control, it allows for greater accuracy, integration and better client outcomes. Allowing oversight of the concept, construction and commissioning stages, digital design assists in investigating obstacles to mitigate risk and keeps projects aligned to the original scope.

OUR APPLICATION OF DIGITAL DESIGN WITH SIRIUS

The Sirius building is a Sydney icon, a stalwart of the city’s skyline. Designed to counterpoint the iconic presence of the Sydney Opera House across Circular Quay, the Sirius apartments were conceived in a period when the Brutalist idiom dominated architectural thinking and practice internationally.

JDH Capital engaged us to evolve this piece of history and harmonise the Brutalist origins with new additions and materials. Using various programs, we produced the digital components of the Sirius Project.

DURING ECI PHASE

Using digital design, we created visualisations to communicate how the project will redefine modern living. By combining the architectural, structural and services models, teams analysed the design geometry to understand the overall design, and the constructability of the proposed works.

Sirius Design ModelWe used Navisworks Manage to run an object clash detection between the consultant’s designs. The Revizto cloud platform was used to track and resolve any design issues before site installation, whilst streamlining digital coordination between our teams.

DURING DELIVERY

We used a BIM federated model to amalgamate the architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, hydraulics and fire models. This was viewed by our team members using Navisworks Freedom. We then ran clash tests and progressed issues through Revizto, where relevant team were assigned the clashes.

Point cloud scans lined into the federated model allowed us to pinpoint existing building elements and optimise the design. With the Revizto Mark Ups tool, we flew through the model in 3D. When we came across an area to review, we pinned a ‘Mark up issue,’ which we then turned into a report and distributed to teams to consolidate their models.

DURING CONSTRUCTION

With the Sirius project in the construction stage, we will implement Augmented Reality (AR) and Smart Reality capturing technologies. AR will facilitate a pre-install Q&A between the RCC team and trades to manage and mitigate on-site risk. Improved reality capturing through remote devices (Revizto) and computer vision (Build AI) will continue to optimise compliance checks through post-install and build recording.

Using a 4D model, we will track any materials procured, as well as monitor the installation of specific elements and scenario testing methodologies to prove viability. This will help us visualise our construction sequencing, identify errors and optimise the path of our works.

INTERNAL BENEFITS OF DIGITAL ENGINEERING AND BIM

These technologies allow us to make better decisions quickly, optimise design, automate engineering and reduce the risk involved in off-site and on-site construction. These functions make us more innovative across all projects and within our team, consultant and stakeholder collaborations. They promote more efficient delivery time, proactive risk management through early recognition and minimise rework by finding coordination challenges before fabrication and installation.

Digital simulation allows more forethought and implementation to optimise health and safety. Virtual site simulation facilitates better planning and site logistics and gets all stakeholders on the same page. These technologies also encourage pinpoint accuracy in estimating the costs of supply orders and staging trades.

CLIENT BENEFITS OF DIGITAL ENGINEERING AND BIM

Outside RCC, superior client satisfaction and end-user results are crucial benefits of executing these technologies. Visualisation and simulation help clients fully comprehend their project’s design and construction process, as well as mitigate risks early. This provides an efficient way of gathering data and managing their assets, which boosts confidence and offers more certainty.

After we complete projects, BIM and digital engineering assist us in better systemising data for asset and facilities management and quality maintenance records. We ensure excellence by using ‘Next Gen’ digital technologies like Cloud tech, Augmented Reality and AI to design and build. A win: win.

BARRIERS TO GOING DIGITAL

Making digital design second nature involves ironing out a few kinks. When our supply chains are at different stages of digital aptitude, our subcontractors can’t match the digital capabilities for delivery. We bridge this gap by sourcing expertise and training our project partners.

The Digitisation of Construction Report shows cost impedes the adoption rate. 67% of builders and designers claim that the expense of buying and licensing software is a barrier. This explains the reluctance of builders and consultants to purchase the software and upskill their workers.

Like any significant shift, there’s always resistance. Age demographics and cultural norms within the construction industry contribute to slow tech adoption. At RCC, we know that in the face of new ideas, complacency and scepticism are common. That’s why we adopt patience, communication and education to work around this.

The construction industry has clear delineation between disciplines, so unified workflows linking engineers, subcontracting firms, designers, and general contractors can be challenging.

We navigate all obstacles by allaying fears to arrive at digital acceptance and adaptation. Having already transformed countless industries, the evolution of digital design in the construction sector will revolutionise project outcomes for clients.

IN-HOUSE DIGITAL LEARNING

Our tiered training in digital design training informs our actions business-wide. Our Digital Engineering 101 Fundamentals & Concepts course gives all our people an entry-level understanding of BIM and digital engineering and how we use them. Digital Engineering 102 Project BIM Use covers the basics, and Digital Engineering 103 for Project BIM Management is our advanced module. Both teach the software skills required to competently coordinate the digital aspects of a project and manage the BIM data efficiently and effectively.

“Our training is tiered to build robust understanding. The tiers tailor to the level of detail needed for each position and each person’s familiarity with the software. We also factor in the nature of the project they’re looking to support.”

– Dean James, RCC’s Digital Design Manager

 

At RCC, these training initiatives bring global digital design trends in-house. They help us shape our people, so they’re poised to further the future of digital construction.

FORDING THE DIGITAL FRONTIER

At RCC, we’re seizing the digital reins – initiating a proactive approach to an increasingly tech-led and data-driven shift. As digital design continues to evolve in the construction space, we’re developing new skills; training, educating and implementing technology functions to achieve the best results for our clients.

To stay ahead of trends and strengthen our innovation, we empower our people with cutting-edge digital design tools to ensure our end-users occupy safe, cost-effective and reliable buildings. We’re digitally designing a smarter way to build.

Share our digital design innovation in The Urban Developer.

Enhancing the end-user experience with Westmead Innovation Quarter

Westmead Innovation Quarter: Combining research with tech

We love building spaces with the end user in mind.

A prime example of this is the recently completed Westmead Innovation Quarter, where research meets technology and the brightest minds in the field are united.

Partnering with Charter Hall and Western Sydney University, we built a multidisciplinary, mixed-use research facility to allow for collaboration between three of the University’s renowned research institutes: the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, NICM Health Research Institute and the Translational Health Research Institute, who will reside in this world-class facility, alongside CSIRO and other health tenants.

With a 5 Star Green Star and Silver WELL shell and core rating, this A-Grade commercial and health space now creates a vibrant space that its tenants can now enjoy.

Learn more about our project here.

 

 

 

Breaking ground on the Northern Beaches

Sod turn for industrial and office development on Northern Beaches

Celebrations were in order as we broke ground alongside our client EG Funds, and project partners at the recent Northern Beaches Business Park launch event.

We were joined by Northern Beaches Mayor, Michael Reagan, and EG’s Chairman, Dr Michael Easson AM, to mark the start of an exciting project that will see the delivery of a leading industrial and office development.

The site at 4-10 Inman Road, Cromer, represents one of the largest employment renewal opportunities in the Northern Beaches, with the potential to bring up to 600 jobs and diversified employment opportunities.

“For EG, the Northern Beaches Business Park is about building in good so people see the site as an enhancement to the Northern Beaches, an opportunity to diversify local employment and be part of a working community that’s integrated, and not gated, to the broader community.”

Dr Michael Easson AM, EG Chairman

The development also includes extensive environmentally sustainable design commitments such as the recycling of demolution materials to achieve zero off site waste and the capacity to generate up to 2 mega watts of solar power – the equivalent of 400 homes for one year.

Read EG Funds’ full article here.

 

 

Opera Residences

Sydney’s Iconic Opera Residences

Redefining luxury with Opera Residences

Partnering with Macrolink and Landream Australia, we’re proud to have delivered the Opera Residences.

Nestled in the heart of Sydney, with spectacular views of our iconic Opera House, Harbour Bridge and The Royal Botanic Garden, this residential project has created a new age of high-end living, whilst enhancing Sydney’s global identity.

The project involved the delivery of luxury residences with a commanding hold over Sydney Harbour’s globally recognised icons and monuments. We also managed the construction of 104 high end apartments across 19 levels, ground level retail, restaurants, 18m x 7m swimming pool and gymnasium within East Circular Quay Public domain thoroughfare.

Learn more about our project here.

Meet Jack – He Loves His Job

In celebration of being awarded the 10th Best Place to Work in Australia by Great Place to Work, RCC has interviewed 10 employees who love their job. We’re honoured to have such passionate employees who jumped at the opportunity to share what they do, and why they love it.

Meet Jack Reggers. Jack joined RCC in his final years of his engineering degree. Starting in a Graduate role that allowed him to study and gain practical experience in the industry, Jack is now a Site Engineer on our Opera Residences project, delivering one of Sydney’s most exclusive future residential developments.

“I love my job and I love what I do, but I think 90% of that is because I come to work with brilliant people every day.”

“At RCC, you actually feel like someone. From the Project Manager right through to the cadets, you can feel that everyone truly values each other and the company we work for.”

With a family of more than 700 employees, we are committed to ensuring our teams feel familiar and well connected. On a site with over 100 individuals, Jack says the RCC team’s culture and mateship creates an environment which keeps them on track; delivering high quality projects whilst genuinely enjoying the process along the way.

“We have meetings with our clients, subcontractors, consultants and architects and everybody sits in the same room to listen and collaborate. Everyone is talking and working together to get the job done.”

“It’s one collaborative project team pushing in the right direction.”

Jack loves his job for its challenges, and for the colleagues he says have become his family. Nominated the 10th Best Place to Work in our category in Australia, we’re thrilled to employ passionate people that genuinely enjoy what they do and provide them with a supportive environment and positive company culture to thrive in.

More About the 10th Best Place to Work

The Great Place to Work assessment is a feedback-based study obtained from a confidential survey of our 700+ employees. It involves an independent audit across areas like hiring and integration, health and wellness, as well as workplace culture.

2018 was the first year RCC entered the assessment and we were thrilled to be awarded 17th Best Place to Work. Within a year, we rolled out a number of new initiatives to better the experiences of our people. To be recognised as the 10th Best Place to Work this year is a credit to our continued commitment to ensuring that everyone at RCC genuinely looks forward to coming to work each day.

More About the RCC Family

If Jack’s story has left you wanting to hear more about what its like to be part of the RCC family then watch this space – we are planning another 9 employee interviews over the next 9 months.

In the meantime, check out this video to hear from other members of our team.

 

More About the Opera Residences

This project includes the construction of 104 high end apartments over 19 levels, three levels of retail space and 6 levels of basement parking within the busy Bennelong Point precinct. Public domain works involve a stairway from Circular Quay to Macquarie Street and a general upgrade to the Circular Quay Public Domain.

 

 

 

6 MBA Awards for Excellence in Construction

RCC is proud to announce we took home 6 awards at this year’s Master Builder Association Excellence in Construction Awards

  • The Epicentre, Baulkham Hills – Tertiary Buildings $30m – $50m
  • Bellevue Hill Public School – Public Schools Open Price Category
  • Airtrunk Sydney Data Centre – Phase 1, Huntingwood – Communications Buildings Open Price Category
  • Northside Clinic, St Leonards – Health Buildings $20m – $60m
  • Leichhardt Green – Residential & Mixed-Use Development Buildings up to $200m
  • NSW Best Use of Concrete – on the Bellevue Hill Public School project

For us, success is about completing a project that RCC, our clients, subcontractors and consultants can all be proud of. Congratulations to everyone who played a part in the design and delivery of these award-winning projects.

 

We believe our ability to win this number of awards, across several social infrastructure sectors is the result of our consistent commitment to a collaborative approach. Our teams partner with clients, consultants and suppliers to design and deliver quality facilities with the end user in mind; we’re proud to be delivering residences, workplaces, community, education and health facilities for our local communities.

 

Want to know more about our 2018 award winning projects?

The Epicentre, Baulkham Hills

Client:   Hills Christian Centre Limited
Award:  Tertiary Buildings $30m – $50m

Bellevue Hill Public School

Client:   NSW Department of Education
Award:  Public Schools Open Price Category &
Best Use of Concrete

Airtrunk Sydney Data Centre – Phase 1, Huntingwood

Client:   Sydney Air Trunk Land Trust
Award:  Communications Buildings Open Price Category

Northside Clinic, St Leonards

Client:   Ramsay Health care
Award:  Health Buildings $20m – $60m

Leichhardt Green

Client:   Greenland Holding Group
Award:  Residential & Mixed-Use Development Buildings   up to $200m

 

 

 

M by Montefiore Sod Turning

Ground has been broken on site at the M by Montefiore project. RCC is celebrating the commencement of this luxury retirement living development with Montefiore, edm and RLB as well as dignitaries and community members.

M by Montefiore, situated in the Sydney suburb of Randwick, will offer 79 high end independent living units which residents will occupy from the first quarter of 2020.

“M by Montefiore will make a luxurious contribution to Sydney’s retirement living offering and to RCC’s portfolio. We’re proud to deliver, what will no doubt become, a benchmark facility for the high-end retirement living sector”

Martin Patience – RCC Joint GM Aged Care and Retirement Living

Designed by leading architecture firm Jackson Teece, the 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments offer stunning interiors and abundant space for private entertaining. The secure, private complex combines 5-star inclusions such as a pool, fitness centre, private cinema, concierge and club lounge, with the peace of mind that comes from having Montefiore’s leading health support available at all times.

“Not only will this retirement development of 79 apartments allow us to meet strong demand in the community for high-end independent living, the ongoing proceeds from M will ensure that Montefiore can continue to subsidise aged care for those who need our financial support. The building will also address the ever-increasing number of people in the community living with dementia, by funding the creation of a new specialised facility in the future.”

David Freeman AM – Montefiore President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

News Flash:  Ground Breaking marks kick-off for M by Montefiore construction

 

 

Soil Turned on Park Sydney

The first soil has been turned on one of Sydney’s largest urban renewal projects, Park Sydney, marking the beginning of another journey with Greenland Australia!

Having previously partnered with Greenland Australia to successfully deliver the Leichhardt Green and Lucent (North Sydney) residential projects, RCC is thrilled to work with Greenland again on the Park Sydney project in Erskineville. This will no doubt be a significant landmark for Sydney’s inner West and we look forward to transforming this former industrial site into a vibrant residential community.

“Richards Crookes Constructions was the obvious choice… They’ve delivered an impressive portfolio of projects, including several of our own… We’ve been really impressed with their high level of detail and commitment to meeting construction deadlines on budget.”

Sherwood Luo – Managing Director
Greenland Australia

 

 

This 6.9-hectare masterplanned residential community will eventually feature 9 blocks ranging from 2 to 8 storeys over 5 stages. The development will provide homes for more than 3000 Sydneysiders and feature a 7,446m² public park and major retail amenity, including a supermarket, and specialty shops.

Stage 1 includes the delivery of approximately 330 apartments across 2 buildings, a fresh food precinct, eat street, medical centre and a childcare centre. Stage 1 completion is expected in 2020.

 

“…we pride ourselves on repeat work from our clients. We look forward to building on our long and productive working relationship with Greenland Australia.”

Jamie Crookes – Managing Director
Richard Crookes Constructions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breakfast Point Aerial

Building Breakfast Point

RCC and the Rose Property Group joined forces more than 13 years ago to develop a former gasworks site into a thriving Sydney suburb.

RCC is proud of our strong residential experience and the thousands of homes we have provided for Australians to live and create memories in. Today, we are celebrating our collaborative partnership and the friendship we have developed in the making of the Breakfast Point community with a short video.

Hear from the RCC project team and our client, Rose Property Group about the special magic in all 20 stages and 1300 apartments!