Case Study:
Kier, HMP Five Wells

The challenge

For this large-scale project, Kier used Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). With 49 subcontractors involved, it was clear a digital-first approach needed to be adopted. This was to collate the handover documents, O&M manuals and user guides needed to operate the new prison.

The solution

Building Information Management (BIM) was selected for this project due to its all-encompassing benefits. The use of a CDE with specific digital handover capabilities allowed for enhanced collaboration between internal teams, as well as between the internal team and construction teams, sub-contractors and suppliers. The Ministry of Justice recognises that when information requirements are specified and handover delivered correctly, estate and operational asset/building users have an enhanced experience. Additionally, facilities management (FM) can complete their job more efficiently.

During this complex project, the extensive asset information was gathered. Thanks to gliderbim®’s data verification functionality, the handover from design to construction and then to operation was seamless.

Kier used Glider’s information management services to collate and validate data from each trade contractor. As the MoJ has very explicit and complex exchange information requirements (EIR) and asset information requirements (AIR), Glider supported Kier with the communication, coaching, collection and verification of this information from their subcontractors and suppliers. Glider consultants were embedded within the Kier project team. They used the gliderbim® digital handover platform to support the data management and verification process.

As a result, trade contractors and suppliers could instantly see any anomalies with their submission. They could correct missing or incorrect data via the gliderbim® auditable RFI log process. In total more than 380,000 COBie records from 49 subcontractors were verified. These were then used to produce 17,000 handover documents and 437 O&M manuals and building user guides.

Glider also carried out an IFC enrichment piece. All data gathered from contractors through the gliderbim® RFI tool was exported through its unique export tool to create fully data-enriched IFC models – a world-first capability.

This level of digital handover will enable a soft landing for MOJ operations and facilities management teams responsible for running the prison and the ability to navigate a structured, verified document and data set, as well as quicker on-boarding for the FM team. Moreover, the client is empowered with access to ‘useful’ maintainable asset data that can be used to drive insights and decisions through the operational title of the building.

The result 

By using BIM and digital integration with the MOJ and supply chain, Kier was able to build the prison 22% faster than traditional construction and reduced on-site labour by a third, with pre-fabricated mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering (MEP) alone saving 54,000 working hours on site.

So far the project has won 16 industry awards, including Productivity in Construction Initiative of the Year, Supply Chain Excellence, Offsite Project of the Year and Digital Construction Excellence.

The future

This project sets a blueprint for best practice and a standardised approach to digital delivery for the MOJ New Prisons Programme with learnings being rolled forward into HMP Fosse Way and HMP Full Sutton, and to the pending Accelerated Houseblock Development Programme.

Further information

We have also been working with Kier on a Digital Twin Project helping the MOJ to reduce carbon emissions. To find out more about this pioneering project take a look at the MOJ case study.

You can also read more about the handover project on Kier’s website