Paul Thompson, Head of Specification & Openings Studio for ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, discusses how architects are under greater pressure than ever to ensure specifications meet fire safety certifications, and how Building Information Modelling (BIM) holds the key to ensuring compliance. 

Since its introduction in 2022, the Building Safety Act has overhauled existing regulations, with an aim to create lasting change and make clear how buildings should be constructed, maintained and made safe.

This has placed architects – especially those assuming design responsibility or the role of Principal Designer – with the responsibility of ensuring that the products specified in their designs meet these requirements.

When specifying doorsets in particular, there are a range of standards that must be adhered to, as part of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (Fire Safety Order).

Many architects are turning to technology to help, with BIM providing the tools needed for more efficient planning, design and building processes, as well as providing the essential ‘golden thread’ approach outlined by Dame Judith Hackett in her report, ‘Building a safer future’.

So, what are the latest innovations in BIM, and how are they assisting architects when it comes to specifying compliant fire doors within a building?

Adoption of BIM

BIM is a tool that reduces waste and risk of error and facilitates the sharing of detailed information throughout the design, construction, and operational phases of a project, which ultimately results in safer and more efficient buildings.

The latest NBS Digital Construction Report[1] found a solid 70% of construction professionals use BIM, however adoption among architecture and landscape practices was higher, at 77%. However, it was noted that respondents are all at different stages of their BIM journey, and when new standards are introduced, it can take time to read and learn how to apply them.

When it comes to doorsets and ironmongery in particular, using BIM-enabled tools can truly unlock its potential. Having intelligent, data rich environments in which to collaborate throughout the design, manufacture, installation and aftersales activities provides architects with a powerful tool to ensure that every component specified in their designs is compliant with current fire door and emergency escape standards.

Openings Studio

ASSA ABLOY’S Openings Studio™ provides a direct interface with the building design model and can be used to extract, develop and update all relevant door design information within the model, including configurations, hardware and performance criteria against each individual door.

Utilising this digital collaboration tool enables the specifier to work closely with the manufacturer in real time to develop the design intent through to a compliant specification.

The application provides visual representations of not only the bespoke product but also indicative imagery of product in-situ within the 3D model. Each asset carries all relevant technical and design data, and as this is a live working environment it captures and logs progressive design changes throughout design and construction

ASSA ABLOY’s manufacturing facilities can seamlessly use this data to provide product specific cost information but most importantly manufacture and supply the door solution in accordance with the latest design intent.

An extension to Openings Studio, through a mobile app, directly accesses this data to capture production quality inspections and assist during the door installation process, ensuring full validity of the finished product prior to project completion.

Ultimately, BIM is not just a technological advancement; it is a critical component of an architect’s professional responsibility. By using the tool, an architect can:

Mitigate risks

Ensuring that all specified products are compliant with current standards significantly reduces the risk of safety failures and legal repercussions. BIM and Openings Studio provides the necessary tools to verify product certifications and compliance, allowing architects to mitigate potential risks associated with non-compliant materials. This risk mitigation is crucial for protecting both the safety of building occupants and also the reputation of the architect.

Enhance design integrity

Architects can maintain the integrity of their designs without compromising on safety, knowing that the materials and components they choose are certified and suitable for their applications.

Tools like Openings Studio™ enable architects to seamlessly integrate compliance into their design process, ensuring aesthetic and functional goals are achieved alongside safety requirements.

Increase efficiency

Access to real-time data and a centralised information repository streamlines the design process, allowing architects to focus on creativity and innovation while maintaining compliance.

BIM can reduce the time and effort required for data retrieval and verification, freeing up architects to concentrate on the core aspects of design. This increased efficiency translates to faster project completion times and reduced costs, benefiting both architects and their clients.

For architects, the role of BIM provides confidence and assurance that their designs will adhere to the highest safety standards. By embracing BIM and the capabilities offered by ASSA ABLOY’s Openings Studio™, architects can prevent future tragedies, ensuring that their buildings are safe, compliant, and resilient.

Through this proactive approach, architects can contribute to a safer built environment, reinforcing their commitment to public safety and professional excellence.

For more information on ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, please visit https://bit.ly/3gGLU3R.

[1] https://www.thenbs.com/digital-construction-report-2023/_download/