Legal and General Homes Modular

LGHM recognised that off site manufacturing techniques combined with the application of modern methods of construction (MMC), could be used to streamline the design and build process and offer a solution to the lack of affordable housing stock across the nation by being able to build at a faster rate.

LGHM commissioned BIM Academy to undertake an objective review of its current processes and establish a strategy and implementation plan to achieve an integrated digital approach to apply to future construction projects.

Working closely with the LGHM team at their manufacturing facility in Yorkshire, BIM Academy studied the application of LGHM’s existing software platforms and workflows, to identify where improvements could be made to optimise the design, procurement, manufacture and assembly process.

First, a clear long term vision was established to recognise the business value of BIM and clearly communicate the approach to be adopted. This was done through an early BIM awareness workshop to establish consensus and address any inconsistencies in understanding the relevance of BIM to the business and its context in UK industry.

This was followed by a review of the organisational structure, relationships with the supply chain and the analysis of current design to manufacture processes, as well as the technical systems applied to support them.

Risks and opportunities which were identified and shaped into strategic recommendations and a BIM protocol. Technology diagrams showed interrelationships and dependencies between software which were then tested. This was supplemented with an evaluation of common data environment systems, supplier assessment, quality assurance, model auditing protocols, and a prioritised training strategy.

BIM Academy produced a BIM strategy and implementation plan, supported by the new BIM protocol, to support the digitisation of the design to manufacturing process as part of an integrated holistic approach across the whole of the business.

As a result, LGMH sought to increase production at the factory which employs around 250 staff in Leeds, with the aim of creating 3,500 new homes per year by 2024.