By providing advanced software, construction-focused hardware, and analytics capabilities, these advancements are eliminating the difficulties of compiling and sharing project information. Such improvements could not come at a better time, since construction projects are becoming increasingly complex and expensive, putting businesses under greater pressure to improve cost, timeline, and efficiency.

At the recent Annual Autodesk Conference in Sydney, Hansen Yuncken CEO Peter Salveson, shared his insights on construction advancements and what Hansen Yuncken is doing to push the boundaries of innovation. 

What is the single biggest barrier you are seeing in the construction market currently?

Lots of smart new tools and applications, providing great potential and efficiency in pockets, however the real efficiency comes with true integration into repeatable business processes. I strongly believe that companies who invest here will improve certainty of outcome and improve the bottom line.  I think the current biggest challenge is upskilling clients so that design consultants have the correct scope to enable contractors to use models productively.

Do you think Australia should mandate BIM/Digital Engineering for public sector projects?  

In my opinion, Public Administration must take an asset lifecycle approach. Particularly with government departments who are funded to manage their entire portfolio of built assets. In practice, government should manage the provision of new assets (CAPEX) separately to Operational and maintenance costs (OPEX).  The real opportunity in mandating a BIM or VDC workflow would be to force a more efficient process in the asset lifecycle including design, construction, asset management and eventual disposal of built assets. 

How is your business addressing the issue of digitisation of the industry?

Each aspect of our business is connected by data. Our staff are now mobile in the field, utilising Autodesk BIM 360 Field and solving all the issues arising with safety and quality performance in the field. Staff are using iPads to interact with models in 360 Glue to resolve issues on the spot. Most importantly, the knowledge gathered as part of these digital site processes is being rolled out across all other business functions.  Our project monthly reviews and state reports are all automated using intelligence dashboards, and as CEO, I now report to the board using a largely automated and interactive reporting dashboard which allows me to focus on solutions, rather than reporting the problem.

Prefabrication is something that can address issues of productivity on the construction site, what needs to be done to address supply chain management and the skills of the supply chain in relation to digitisation?

With the industry undoubtedly heading in that direction, we need to embrace the journey and seek the opportunities to innovate or risk being left behind. This involves different procurement models and improved tolerances in surveying and construction process on site.  I don’t think we can expect the supply chain to upskill in isolation.  I think the answer lies in companies partnering to align processes and achieve streamlined and repeatable process. This is the approach we have taken at HY.

Design and construction of the $125 million project commenced in January 2016. Developed by St John of God in Joint Venture with Generation Healthcare, the new hospital provides 164 new beds, six operating theatres, two endoscopy theatres, a cardiac/vascular catheter laboratory, six birthing suites and approximately 350 basement carparks. The project also includes the first Intensive Care Unit for the region and a dedicated cardiac unit.

Strong and enduring relationships have driven each aspect of the project delivery including community investment, user consultation, client engagement and construction innovations.

Working to a tight build schedule, this project presented many unique challenges. Aided by BIM processes and VDC applications, the project team utilised prefabrication to streamline the installation process.  Approximately half the bedroom ensuite pods for the project were prefabricated and assembled off site in a quality controlled factory environment. Each pod was progressively craned into position complete with fixtures, fittings and services. The prefabrication process accelerated the final design along with the samples approval process, to ensure the pods were available on site as required.

The delighted client has now taken possession of the building for operational testing and training. The new St John of God Hospital will open to the public in early 2018.

To read more about our Healthcare portfolio CLICK HERE

Celebrating the official opening late November, the $100 million-dollar project is a contemporary commercial development forming part of the broader Parliament Square Redevelopment. The 15,000m2 NLA, Green Star rated project includes 11 office levels and a single level basement. It delivers premium grade commercial office services, features extraordinary Y-shaped columns in the main entry foyer, as well as Hobart's first contemporary curtain wall façade.

During construction, the Project Team overcame many unforeseen challenges with a professional and forward-thinking approach. A drive for collaboration across multiple project stakeholders quickly resolved design solutions to accommodate a roof level plantroom relocation, introduction of two additional office levels and a three-level glass atrium link to Parliament House.

Despite the far-reaching design and construction implications of these changes, the highly detailed and intensive nature of the integrated fit out along with resource constraints in the buoyant local construction industry, the changes were successfully incorporated and have resulted in greatly improved development outcomes. 

Completion of the Salamanca Building is just the beginning for Hobart’s revitalization. Over the next few years the Parliament Square Redevelopment will become a prime destination for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy. 

View our portfolio of Commercial projects CLICK HERE