The core of our service is creating a digital replica of your estate to provide condition data to be seen in 3D rather than on a spreadsheet.

Advances in modern technology have allowed digital models of almost anything imaginable. We use geometric modelling to create 3D replicas of buildings and the surrounding areas to simulate a virtual environment of real life assets.

3D Modelling, Digital Shadows and Digital Twins

The built environment has long lagged behind other areas of industry when it comes to technological advancements, this is due to a number of factors such as fragmentation within the industry, mismanagement of data and a reluctance to modernise. A new emerging trend in construction is the creation of digital twins, which is something that has existed in other sectors such as the automotive and aerospace industries for some time. Digital twins are a 3D replica of a physical asset which automatically update and evolve along side the physical asset through automatic sensors and elements connected to the internet to provide real time updates (Internet of things).

The Digital Twin Consortium provides the following definition of a digital twin

‘A digital twin is a virtual representation of real-world entities and processes, synchronised at a specified frequency and fidelity.’

The key terms here are synchronisation, frequency and fidelity

We all know that 3D models can be created by architects for visualising space or building before construction works have started, these models a purely for agreeing the design to proceed with the construction works, usually accompanied by a budget cost estimate. These models don’t change or evolve to represent something in the physical world, they are purely used as a concept design.

So we have 3D models and digital twins, but what is the difference? Well, they are the same digital model, but the differences are the key terms mentioned above. For this 3D model to be a fully functioning digital twin, it needs syncronisation with the physical asset, this sycranisation needs to be frequent and it needs to be accurate. This means an automatic bi-directional flow of data is needed to keep the virtual model updated.

Why is this useful?

Having a digital replica which behaves just as the physical asset does allows for the analysis of energy, carbon reduction techniques and “what if” scenarios for everything from boiler replacement to a new carpet. Which can be tested in the model before committing in real life, saving time and money. Defects, asbestos, fire strategy management and just about anything can be shown in one place instead of many different documents or PDF’s.

Now, this all sounds great, but there is one problem, this can be done with elements such as mechanical and electrical and the analysis of energy consumption. However, the technology does not yet exist for physical fabric building elements such as walls, doors and floors to automatically update a digital model on their condition, well, not yet anyway.

This is where digital shadows come in. Instead of a bi-directional flow of data as is needed for digital twins, there is a uni-directional flow of data. This means updates are provided through human interaction. A 3D model can be created which has a mix of digital twin data (M&E) and digital shadow data (building fabric).

So what do we provide? We create digital replicas of your buildings which, in one model, provide a 3D model for design, a digital shadow for the building fabric including the surrounding site, and a digital twin for energy and decarbonisation analysis. This model also becomes a one-stop-shop for all information about the building, such as asbestos, by identifying the location and condition, and fire risk assessments by showing the route and strategy in the model.

The school or Trust can log in to an interface which shows each building floor by floor with all the relevant data included.