ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø

Earlier this year ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø announced all the firms who made it on to the shortlists for our prestigious annual .

Now we are shining the spotlight on each category in turn and publishing a selection of the images that impressed the judges.

Today’s shortlist is for Digital Excellence Award.

ALICE Technologies and Implenia, WindWorks Infrastructure wind farm project   

ALICE Technologies partnered with Implenia to optimize the redevelopment of Europe’s largest quarry, Jelsa, into a production facility for floating offshore wind farm foundations.

ALICE, an AI-powered construction optioneering software, helped explore various scenarios for site layout and logistics. The technology enabled Implenia to quantify the impact of different scenarios on build time and transportation methods.

Through optimisation with ALICE, Implenia boosted foundation output levels by over 40% and made the planning process ten times faster than traditional methods.  

Bellway Homes, MiTek UK & Ireland, Zehnder, Digital technology and collaboration let Bellway and partners get ahead of the Future Homes Standard

Bellway Homes collaborated with industry experts to raise sustainable construction standards at Barton Quarter’s Plot 256. Using MiTek’s 3D PAMIR software, the team integrated multiple designs, avoiding on-site clashes and improving efficiency.

The project incorporated technologies such as air-source heat pumps, triple-glazed windows and increased cavity widths, elevating the EPC rating from B to A.

The digital collaboration enabled faster design iterations and easier visualisation of complex systems. Plot 256 serves as a blueprint for future housebuilding standards. 

Drees & Sommer UK, University of Liverpool digital twin for tracking & optimising live operational building performance

Drees & Sommer UK implemented a performance digital twin for the University of Liverpool for tracking and optimising live operational building performance.

Using real-time data capture and IES physics engine simulation, this innovative project aims to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

The solution provides a real-time digital replica of a building’s physical and functional characteristics, enabling streamlined operations, enhanced energy efficiency, and predictive maintenance. The project demonstrated a 23% energy reduction and £34,000 operational cost savings in the first nine months.  

Gleeds, Digital PMO transformation for the University of Nottingham estates and facilities department

Gleeds’ digital service Orchestrate transforms portfolio management. Working with the University of Nottingham’s estates and facilities department, Orchestrate has enhanced data management and portfolio delivery, continuously adapting to the university’s requirements.

Implemented in April 2023, the university has employed Orchestrate to provide comprehensive management capabilities. This initial phase has delivered anticipated time-saving benefits of around £126,000.

The system provides them real-time visibility and streamlining processes, bringing time and cost efficiency and setting new standards in strategic investment planning for higher education. 

Kier, Ministry of Justice, Glider and Future Decisions, MoJ Digital Twin Pathfinder at HMP Five Wells

Kier, the Ministry of Justice, Glider and Future Decisions have created a digital twin of a houseblock at HMP Five Wells, a new category C men’s prison.

This virtual 3D mirror image connects real-time building management system data with static BIM data to improve efficiency and sustainability. Initial findings show potential energy savings of 20%-37%.

The project demonstrates digital excellence by illustrating a path to net zero, leading digital twin adoption, translating learnings to other projects, and exploring how optimised environments improve occupant wellbeing.  

McLaren Construction, Creation of an integrated Digital Information Management function

McLaren has created an in-house digital information management function, integrating 17 roles to standardise processes, improve efficiency and ensure compliance. The initiative has led to cost savings, better data management and improved sustainability tracking.

Key achievements include ISO19650 accreditation, ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø a Safer Future stage 1 certification, and enhanced ESG scoring.

The company has successfully rolled out digital tools across projects, resulting in more efficient decision-making, better supply chain management, and improved sustainability reporting. This transformation positions McLaren as a leader in digital construction practices. 

PRP, ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø safety risk app

PRP has created a custom web application developed to drive quality, consistency and efficiency of fire safety inspections.

The benefits introduced by the application are significant and include reducing the time taken to complete inspections and issue reports from several days to just 24-36 hours, a reduction in the costs associated with manual data recording and report generation, and improved data consistency and accuracy.

The app also has the potential to be used by third parties across the industry, benefiting both clients and other construction professionals. 

Reds10, Imjin Barracks single living accommodation (SLA): SMART SLA for the Army

Reds10 has delivered a cutting-edge single living accommodation (SLA) building at Imjin Barracks for the British Army.

This smart building, constructed using modern methods of construction, achieved over 95% on the Smart Readiness Indicator.

It features advanced sustainability elements and a cognitive building management system that processes 21,000 data points. The project improves occupant experience while optimising energy use and maintenance.

The smart technology is replicable and adaptable, setting a new standard for future military accommodations and demonstrating Reds10’s innovative approach to digital construction. 

RLB Digital, RLB & Moda, Digital social value platform

RLB Digital, RLB and Moda, have developed a Social Value Digital Platform. This innovative solution measures, predicts, and reports social value across construction projects. Using Microsoft Power Platform and Power BI, it provides comprehensive data management and customizable reporting aligned with various social value frameworks.

The platform offers significant time and cost savings, improved decision-making, and enhanced stakeholder engagement.

It’s designed to be scalable and adaptable across the construction industry, supporting sustainability goals and promoting responsible development practices. 

Skanska, Production control tool

Skanska has developed an innovative Site Diary application to revolutionize daily operations on construction sites. This self-developed solution addresses industry complexities by enabling real-time monitoring of site production and productivity metrics.

The app allows easy logging of progress, labour numbers, delays, and other crucial data. Implementation involved close collaboration with site staff and leadership teams. Benefits include significant time and cost savings, improved forecasting, and enhanced collaboration.

The application is scalable and has potential for industry-wide adoption, demonstrating Skanska’s commitment to digital innovation in construction.