108 | Futuristic builds today Helix Global is a pioneer in building information modelling (BIM), 3D modelling and digital technology. Helix Global BUILDING T T Kelly Deeks A pioneer in building information modelling (BIM), Helix Global is bringing this technology to the residential sector to provide insights that can improve construction efficiencies and result in a high quality product, reduced costs, and a more satisfied customer. Reegan Lawton of Helix Global has been working with BIM technology for the more than 20 years and his expertise in construction modelling has expedited construction on many iconic projects throughout New Zealand, Australia, North America, and Asia. Now back home in Christchurch, Reegan and the Helix Global team is equipped with unrivalled expertise and the latest 3D modelling technology and provides a range of commercial, residential, and industrial construction services. “Our innovative systems and highly skilled teams coupled with technology empower our clients to make better decisions at every stage of the building process, whatever their project entails.” Seeing a need in the residential construction market for high quality solutions which reflected home owners’ unique needs and lifestyles, Helix Global started ITI Lifestyle Spaces to deliver design and off-site construction of luxury tiny homes and transportable pods. With more than 2600sqm of enclosed factory space in Christchurch, a qualified design team and LBP builders focusing on innovation, detail, and functionality, ITI handles design, development, and construction of the ITI range from in-house. Starting with tiny spaces, ITI has recently built its first fully off-site manufactured 189sqm home. Designed and built in the factory then taken apart and containerised for shipment to the Horowhenua, this home is a huge milestone in Helix Global’s journey towards super-efficient residential construction. “3D modelling and digital technology allows us to skip the pre-build step in the factory because we’ve already done it virtually, and simply ship the components to site and construct the entire home including site works within a matter of days or weeks.” BIM technology combined with the efficiencies of building off-site gives Helix Global and ITI a huge advantage in sustainability and waste management. A comprehensive BIM model can reduce the quantity of materials needed, while the visualisation of the final product through augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) improves builders’ understanding of what is being built before nails are hammered in or timber is sawn, so re-work due to misunderstandings is minimised. Helix Global also uses the same technology to capture compliance of builds, working in partnership with local and national building consent authorities. Ample storage at the ITI facility means part-used materials can be saved, stored, re-used, or recycled. “87% of the waste coming out of our factory is recycled, and we are using one skip bin every six weeks at the factory, compared to one skip bin filled every two weeks per site on site. Sustainability is a by-product of what we’re doing.” Helix Global is a big believer in investing in the future and this has led Reegan on to the board of He Toki trades training centre as industry expert. He Toki is an iwi-led partnership which includes Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Ara Institute of Canterbury, Otago Polytechnic, and Southern Institute of Technology supporting more than 1100 Māori in tertiary trades training. Helix Global employs He Toki graduates and supports them in their trade apprenticeships with the aim of uplifting them and helping them to give back to their wider whānau. “If we can show these apprentices the full spectrum of our experience, from local residential construction, to design, to our off-shore projects around the world, we can broaden their horizons and their appetite for their future.” After 20 years of trying to push BIM technology into commercial construction programmes, Reegan can now see an opportunity to immerse our rangitahi in technology while they’re learning, and get them to bring it into the industry with them. “Coupled with our experience at Helix Global and our relationships with industry and iwi, He Toki is the vehicle to make sure this happens. I’d like to think that building in the future looks exactly like what we’re trying to grow at the moment.” Nulook Canterbury proudly supports Helix Global www.nulookcanterbury.co.nz The Little Cracker is the ultimate compact solid fuel heater, designed specifically for motorhomes, caravans, boats, garages, back country huts and tiny homes or anywhere Contact us today. 027 474 3322 | sales@littlecracker.co.nz | www.littlecracker.co.nz Proudly Supporting Helix Global Residential Servicing & Repairs New Home Builds & Renovations Heat Pump Installation & Servicing 021 081 66573 admin@ktelectrical.co.nz www.ktelectrical.co.nz ASSEMBLE Kitchen & Interior. Proudly Supporting Helix Global 027 210 9246 assemble.kitchen
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