Waitrose Campus, Bracknell

Waitrose Campus Bracknell, which houses the Head Office and Distribution Centre, covers a large area of approximately three million sq ft. A total of 16 separate buildings make up the complex. These are mostly offices and warehouses, but there are also two multi-storey staff car parks, a conference centre, plus a sports and leisure centre.

In early 2018, the company began an estate digitisation process, and asked Digital Inc. to undertake a full 3D measured survey of all the buildings and surrounding grounds, including landscaping and surface car parking. From this, we were to develop a BIM-ready survey model of the entire site.

Our first task was to assemble a project team with the precise mix of skills and expertise required. As this was a complex project consisting of many different strands, our team of specialists and technicians comprised of:

  • 2 terrestrial laser scanning teams
  • 1 drone/UAV team
  • 1 CCTV pipe survey specialist team
  • 1 underground utilities surveyor
  • 8 BIM technicians
  • 1 visualiser/photographer
  • 1 dedicated project manager
  • 1 dedicated quality controller

Due to the size of the area to be surveyed, drones were seen as the most efficient way to carry out much of the work. This required a great deal of preparation to comply with the company’s health and safety standards, and minimise the risk to staff working nearby. The use of drones significantly increased the amount of data to be processed, together with the 3D scanning data and CCTV data, this led to sizeable and complicated files.

Our skilled BIM technicians needed to manipulate this large quantity of data, and make sure that all modelling and families were fully optimised to prevent the file becoming unstable and unmanageable. Continuity throughout the project was also vital, and having a dedicated project manager and strong QA procedures meant we could ensure that naming conventions and family NBS standards were consistent across each individual element.

See all our geomatic services.

Waitrose Campus, Bracknell

Waitrose Head Office and Distribution Centre in Bracknell covers a large area of approximately three million sq ft. A total of 16 separate buildings make up the complex. These are mostly offices and warehouses, but there are also two multi-storey staff car parks, a conference centre, plus a sports and leisure centre.

In early 2018, the company began an estate digitisation process, and asked Digital Inc. to undertake a full 3D measured survey of all the buildings and surrounding grounds, including landscaping and surface car parking. From this, we were to develop a BIM-ready survey model of the entire site.

Our first task was to assemble a project team with the precise mix of skills and expertise required. As this was a complex project consisting of many different strands, our team of specialists and technicians comprised of:

  • 2 terrestrial laser scanning teams
  • 1 drone/UAV team
  • 1 CCTV pipe survey specialist team
  • 1 underground utilities surveyor
  • 8 BIM technicians
  • 1 visualiser/photographer
  • 1 dedicated project manager
  • 1 dedicated quality controller

From day one, we worked closely with the client. Many areas – including the main distribution centre – were in use 24 hours a day, and detailed planning was needed to gain access to these areas with as little disruption as possible.

Due to the size of the area to be surveyed, drones were seen as the most efficient way to carry out much of the work. This required a great deal of preparation to comply with the company’s health and safety standards, and minimise the risk to staff working nearby. The use of drones significantly increased the amount of data to be processed, together with the 3D scanning data and CCTV data, this led to sizeable and complicated files.

Our skilled BIM technicians needed to manipulate this large quantity of data, and make sure that all modelling and families were fully optimised to prevent the file becoming unstable and unmanageable. Continuity throughout the project was also vital, and having a dedicated project manager and strong QA procedures meant we could ensure that naming conventions and family NBS standards were consistent across each individual element.

Our technicians and specialist advisors were meticulous in interpreting and piecing together the information from different data sources to create an accurate model. Having a dedicated team meant we could keep to our strict timetable and achieve the highest level of consistency from the beginning to the end of the project. By constantly liaising with the client, we were able to keep them informed of progress at each stage, advise of any potential problems, negotiate solutions, and make sure their expectations were exceeded every step of the way.

Discover our geomatics services.

CHALLENGES OVERCOME:

  • As weather conditions needed to be ideal to launch the drones, we closely monitored the forecast to find the optimal weather windows.

  • Undulating terrain across the site, meaning that markings on the car parks and access roads could appear to be above or below the surface.

  • Size and scope – it was important that we continually discussed the specification to ensure we were focused on key areas.

Waitrose Campus Bracknell rendering from above
Waitrose Campus Bracknell store with parking
Waitrose Campus Bracknell from above with various buildings
Waitrose Campus Bracknell warehouse building
Waitrose Campus Bracknell – office building with trees
Waitrose Campus Bracknell multi-floor car park
Waitrose Campus Bracknell from above with parking lot
Waitrose Campus Bracknell parking lot
Waitrose Campus Bracknell main building with Waitrose logo
Waitrose Campus Bracknell from above
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