Heijmans : “It’s all about reducing failure costs”

Wieger: 'At that point, we at Kolf & Molijn, start to help think about the detailing of the work. As the information was in 3D BIM, the design team of Heijmans could immediately include the optimisations and specifications of our tender team in the drawings and models. After the contract award, the details of the prefab concrete elements and the wooden facade filling elements were tailored exactly to the details of our window frames. That ensured a high degree of accuracy, seamless assembly in the implementation phase and consequently resulted in time savings.'

Eric: 'The starting point of the tendering process was: which company can provide us with the best possible support, can develop in 3D BIM, is able to distinguish between optimisations and omissions in the preliminary design plan and can share that with us transparently. Ultimately, Kolf & Molijn achieved the best score.'

Wieger: 'We were also able to identify some optimisations. In the design plan, for example, all the glass was designated as solar control glass. But that is not necessary on the north side of the building. That resulted in a significant cost saving. Another example was that the design plan was based on a certain type of aluminium profile for the window frames and a specific insulation value, while the insulation value can never be achieved with the requested profile. That results in an enormous expense if you only discover that during the construction phase.'

Wieger: 'The cooperation is extremely pleasant. The same applies to the other construction parties. This is partly due to the 'project start-up' that Heijmans organised for all the subcontractors at the start of the project, at which the project leaders, planners and foremen were also present. This was a very positive experience, because you get to know each other and can make agreements.'

Eric: 'We now also use 'competitive position upfront' for other projects. Thanks to the early selection, parties can anticipate changes, price fluctuations, optimisations, etc. during the project development stage. We are completely 'in control'. 'Ultimately, it's about reducing failure costs. We were pleased with how this worked out for the aluminium facades and window frames. If you coordinate the work well during the development and preparation phase, if all parties are transparent and communicate well with each other, you can conquer the world.'