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Article
Publication date: 1 December 1997

Roy S. Webb, John R. Kelly and Derek S. Thomson

Proposes that facilities managers can viably utilize building services components that have been designed to be more readily reused to satisfy growing client demands for adaptable…

966

Abstract

Proposes that facilities managers can viably utilize building services components that have been designed to be more readily reused to satisfy growing client demands for adaptable buildings. In an increasingly dynamic business environment, many organizations seeking to remain competitive have focused on performing their core function in the short‐term by shedding, among other functions, responsibility for their supporting buildings to external organizations. The growth of the facilities management support industry illustrates this trend. The increasing contribution of services installations to building complexity and value means that the greatest opportunity for facilities managers to improve their efficiency in satisfying constantly changing client space use demands lies in their management of this building element. By utilizing reusable services components, facilities managers may be able to increase the adaptability of both new and existing buildings and reduce the financial impact of change. It is concluded that a new industrial sector may emerge to support services component reuse. This sector will undertake the remanufacture (reconditioning) of such component to ensure their fitness for purpose for reuse.

Details

Facilities, vol. 15 no. 12/13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 April 2017

Shazmin Shareena Ab. Azis, Ibrahim Sipan, Maimunah Sapri, Rohaya Abdul Jalil and Izran Sarrazin Mohammad

The purpose of this paper is to identify green envelope building components of residential buildings applicable under hot and humid climates and to analyze the effect of these…

2073

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify green envelope building components of residential buildings applicable under hot and humid climates and to analyze the effect of these components on building value.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors place an emphasis on green envelope components that influence building value and which are derived based on their integration into a building envelope structure that is applicable under hot and humid climates. This is performed through identification of green benefits of each green envelope component based on literature reviews and in relation to green criteria listed by the Malaysia Green Building Index (GBI). Consequently, a quantitative analysis has been conducted to determine the effect of these green envelope components on building value by means of a questionnaire distribution among 550 property valuation practitioners in Malaysia. However, in order to certify respondents’ credibility, the authors analyzed questionnaires answered by property valuation practitioners with experience in green valuation.

Findings

The findings show that there are ten green envelope components currently certified under GBI Malaysia and applicable for hot and humid climates. There are three green envelope components that can increase property values, specifically: solar photovoltaic, green living wall and green roof. However, eight of the green envelope components have no effect on building value.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the relative immaturity of the green building market in Malaysia, the authors were unable to analyze the actual percentage of increment on building value as conveyed by each green envelope component.

Originality/value

This paper aims to provide understanding of the effect of individual green envelope components on building value rather than merely the value of green buildings in general. It proves that green building envelope components do in fact contribute to an increase in green building values. As the green building market in Malaysia is still in its infancy, this study is significant in that it prepares the Malaysian green building market to attain a new level by providing valuation practitioners with awareness of green building values and new knowledge concerning the effect of individual green components on building values. Hence, it is anticipated that this study can assist property valuation practitioners in conducting valuations of green buildings in the future.

Details

Property Management, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1999

Femi Olubodun and Trevor Mole

This paper sets out to analyse and interpret factors which bear upon building components and to explore underlying relationships among the number of building components forming a…

1997

Abstract

This paper sets out to analyse and interpret factors which bear upon building components and to explore underlying relationships among the number of building components forming a construction entity. The research hypothesis was set as follows: building surveyors do not agree in assessing the strength of each of design, construction, age, changing standards and vandalism as a causative factor for defects on building components. Previous studies have established the factors pertaining to defects in the building structure. What is in dispute is the extent to which these factors are important in causing defects. The objective of the study presented in this paper is therefore to assess the impact of each of five key factors ‐ design, construction, standards, vandalism and age ‐ on 28 selected building components with the aid of questionnaire information provided by 45 local authority building surveyors involved in the day‐to‐day diagnosis of defects in public housing stock. In so doing, the tangible influence of the factors in terms of how they affect defect causation in building components for the sample is established.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 22 October 2019

Anne van Stijn and Vincent Gruis

The transition to a circular economy in the built environment is key to achieving a resource-effective society. The built environment can be made more circular by applying…

9062

Abstract

Purpose

The transition to a circular economy in the built environment is key to achieving a resource-effective society. The built environment can be made more circular by applying circular building components. The purpose of this paper is to present a design tool that can support industry in developing circular building components.

Design/methodology/approach

The tool was developed and tested in five steps. In Step 1, the authors analysed existing circular design frameworks to identify gaps and develop requirements for the design tool (Step 2). In Step 3, the authors derived circular design parameters and options from existing frameworks. In Step 4, the authors combined and specified these to develop the “circular building components generator” (CBC-generator). In Step 5, the CBC-generator was applied in the development of an exemplary component: the circular kitchen and tested in a student workshop.

Findings

The CBC-generator is a three-tiered design tool, consisting of a technical, industrial and business model generator. These generators are “parameter based”; they consist of a parameter-option matrix and design canvasses. Different variants for circular components can be synthesised by filling the canvasses through systematically “mixing and matching” design options.

Research limitations/implications

The developed tool does not yet support establishing causal links between “parameter-options” and identification of the most circular design variant.

Practical implications

The CBC-generator provides an important step to support the building industry in developing and implementing circular building components in the built environment.

Originality/value

Whilst existing tools and frameworks are not comprehensive, nor specifically developed for designing circular building components, the CBC-generator successfully supports the integral design of circular building components. First, it provides all the design parameters which should be considered; second, it provides extensive design options per parameter; and third, it supports systematic synthesis of design options to a cohesive and comprehensive circular design.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 May 2020

Zul-Atfi Ismail

The current maintenance management method affects the efficiency of the complex, high-rise industrialised building system (IBS) building maintenance management projects in…

Abstract

Purpose

The current maintenance management method affects the efficiency of the complex, high-rise industrialised building system (IBS) building maintenance management projects in Malaysia. The usage of a conventional system (paper-based reports/unsystematic database) has various drawbacks, such as IBS component aesthetic and structural defects which occur repeatedly in the building and maintenance of conventional building, lack of integration between maintenance systems and lack of the intelligent capabilities of linking defect diagnosis operations in maintenance affecting various building elements with IBS component defect knowledge. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to focus on the development of a mechanism to improve IBS component defect knowledge transfer in IBS building maintenance projects through the integration of building information modelling (BIM).

Design/methodology/approach

Eight clients/maintenance contractors were selected based on the major problems of using a conventional system to investigate the maintenance management practices in each complex and high-rise IBS building.

Findings

The findings indicated that several computerised systems such as Building Automation System and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System are used by a client/maintenance contractor. Moreover, BIM technology awareness was found to be limited, with no implementation in IBS building maintenance till now. The results of this case study were used as a foundation for the development of a prototype system using Computerised Maintenance Management System, Expert System and BIM.

Originality/value

The development of this new system improves IBS component diagnosis knowledge integration with the BIM technology.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 39 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2002

STEPHEN FOX, LAURENCE MARSH and GRAHAM COCKERHAM

Since the early 1960s, the construction industry has been continually criticized for its low productivity and poor quality. Throughout this period, it has been widely recognized…

Abstract

Since the early 1960s, the construction industry has been continually criticized for its low productivity and poor quality. Throughout this period, it has been widely recognized that building design has a significant impact on construction performance. As a result, considerable research and industry efforts have been focused on improving information and activities in the building design process. This paper reports the findings of a study which investigated how design imperatives affect design information and design activities. First, design imperatives are defined. Then, an analysis of their determining influence on design information and design activities are provided. Next, it is explained how design imperatives, rather than information and activities, constrain productivity and quality by limiting production options. In conclusion, it is argued that design imperatives have a greater influence on productivity and quality than the industry in which design is carried out.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 9 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2012

S. Masu, H. Gichunge and O.A. K'Akumu

The aim of this paper is to use the case study of Nairobi in Kenya in order to fill the gap of knowledge on the component ratios of new building costs that has been missing from…

407

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to use the case study of Nairobi in Kenya in order to fill the gap of knowledge on the component ratios of new building costs that has been missing from international literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey methodology that considered firms of contractors registered and operating in Nairobi Kenya, the paper compares its findings rendered in terms of percentage ratios: with theoretical propositions (e.g. Wood), with past studies (e.g. Knowles) and with practice guidelines in Kenya.

Findings

Overall it finds that there is no significant change in percentage component ratios considered from past studies and practice guidelines in Kenya leading to the conclusion that the building industry has not undergone any significant technical change during the periods under study, i.e. 1980‐2006.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by the fact that it only manages to capture the contractors' views of the component ratios. Contractors may be inclined to hide their profits which can be a sensitive issue in the Kenyan market, which as a developing economy, may be riddled with corrupt practices such as tax evasion and imperfect business competition. However, the issues raised here can be used as base information for further studies on the topic. Additionally an analysis of variance was performed on the data to ascertain its credibility. Second, the data used to argue the paper's case is partially dated but remains useful. The trend shows that there has been no significant change in the composition of component ratios hence the data remains relevant to date.

Practical implications

The paper's findings would be useful to international readers especially now that international contractors are bidding for work in Kenya. The data would give these contractors a glimpse into the structural composition of building cost components in Nairobi.

Originality/value

The paper's original contribution concerns the component ratios of building costs that has been neglected in the existing literature. In Kenya some work had been done by Knowles, but this was restricted to office block buildings only, while this paper considers all buildings as shown in Table V.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 October 2023

Chukwuka Christian Ohueri, San Chuin Liew, Jibril Adewale Bamgbade and Wallace Imoudu Enegbuma

The efficient application of building information modeling (BIM) methodology in the sustainable building design process, known as green BIM, provides ideal leverage to…

Abstract

Purpose

The efficient application of building information modeling (BIM) methodology in the sustainable building design process, known as green BIM, provides ideal leverage to significantly enhance multidiscipline team collaboration. However, the practical execution of green BIM is characterized by issues such as duplication of work, information silos and poor cross-party coordination. Besides, there are limited studies on the specific components that are critical to driving green BIM collaborative design. This study aims to establish the critical components of green BIM collaborative design to enable the multidiscipline team to effectively use diverse software to collaboratively exchange accurate information, thus ensuring informed decision-making in the sustainable building design process.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained by using a questionnaire to survey 360 respondents comprising mainly architects and engineers (civil, mechanical and electrical) in Malaysia. Subsequently, data were analyzed via confirmatory factor analysis. Afterward, a measurement model was established and used to test the 11 hypotheses of this study.

Findings

A covariance-based structural equation model of the critical components for successful BIM-based sustainable building design collaboration was established.

Practical implications

The research findings will guide the multidisciplinary team to collaboratively exchange accurate information in green BIM practices.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first attempt in the literature to provide a pragmatic approach for practitioners to combine the established critical components of green BIM to collaboratively exchange heterogeneous sustainability criteria and efficiently design buildings with high sustainability performance, particularly in emerging countries like Malaysia.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1996

Allan Ashworth

Considers how the life expectancies of building components in a life cycle cost calculation can be determined. Makes comparisons with initial capital cost estimating, where…

4105

Abstract

Considers how the life expectancies of building components in a life cycle cost calculation can be determined. Makes comparisons with initial capital cost estimating, where forecasts or estimates of cost have been carried out for many years. By definition an estimate is unlikely to be spot‐on. Also recognizes that life expectancy is not just a mathematical calculation but also requires the use of expert judgement. Any forecast of a future event, while utilizing previously recorded performance data, will always be influenced by prevailing conditions and future expectations. The initial quality and standards of the building project are important characteristics in determining component life expectancy as is the type of project itself. Identifies a range of different sources of published information on building component life expectancies. Different techniques are also discussed that have a potential in assisting with the prediction of the lives of building components.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1998

Derek S. Thomson, John R. Kelly and Roy S. Webb

Many organisations are responding to the diminishing stability of their operating environments by developing flexible methods of performing their core function. This creates…

397

Abstract

Many organisations are responding to the diminishing stability of their operating environments by developing flexible methods of performing their core function. This creates demand for flexible supporting building space. While the architectural problems of providing such space have been solved for many years, its servicing remains problematic. This difficulty is manifested in the rising cost of services alterations necessitated when spaces are changed in use. The current inflexibility of services installation construction has prompted a study of reusable building services components. It is anticipated that this approach will increase services installation adaptability by reducing alteration costs. Focusing on the UK National Health Service, this paper presents a survey of trends in organisational function, their estate implications and the extent to which facilities managers can control or plan estate responses to frequent core function revision. Existing services component reuse practices are reviewed and component and process attributes conducive to disassembly and refurbishment are identified. It is concluded that, while reusable services components will achieve the required services installation adaptability, their technical feasibility and economic viability remain to be determined.

Details

Facilities, vol. 16 no. 12/13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

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