A Partnership Based on Precision
The new building for the Klinik Arlesheim near Basel, Switzerland, made precision not only a goal, but a fundamental requirement. As the first hospital structure in Europe to be built using solid wood construction methods, the project demanded exceptional precision.
Based on the “Holz100” solid wood system, the building was constructed using wooden anchors to connect the timber elements, thus eliminating the need for glue or chemical additives. Crucial structural elements such as the foundation and elevator shafts were made from locally sourced recycled concrete and complimented by the integration of geothermal energy and solar power, resulting in reduced heating and cooling costs.
Every aspect of the project, from careful planning to accurate construction and precise installation, demonstrated the importance of meticulous execution – a level of precision successfully delivered through the partnership between Hilti and its customer alltech Installationen AG.
Precise digital planning
Working with a sustainable mandate in mind, alltech Installationen AG, which specializes in building services engineering, was able to significantly reduce the ecological footprint of the installations. Hilti Switzerland supported its customer’s efforts by providing detailed digital plans accessible to all parties throughout the entire construction process.
The plans for prefabrication, including material lists and exact dimensions, were generated from a digital 3D model. The alltech team was able to use these plans to complete the modules and deliver them to the construction site ready for installation. “The entire process, from cutting the individual parts to assembly on the construction site, was considerably easier and more efficient,” says Sönmez Dagasan.
Thanks to precise digital advance planning, fewer fastening points and individual parts were required, which reduced material costs by about half and resulted in around 50 percent fewer CO2 emissions.
Klinik Arlesheim, near Basel
Precise digital planning
Thanks to precise digital planning, fewer fastening points and individual installation elements were required, which cut material costs and CO2 emissions by around 50 percent. Detailed prefabrication plans, including material lists and exact dimensions, were generated from a 3D model. These plans were used to build the installation modules off-site and deliver them to the construction site ready for installation, making the entire process easier and more efficient.
Accurate installation
Installing the fastening modules was a challenge due to the numerous pipe supports, ventilation ducts and cable trays that had to be installed in a small space. In addition, the wooden construction elements only allowed for a shallow drilling depth. It was thus essential for the team to mark the fastening points and drilling locations precisely and transfer them to the construction site using a Hilti PLT 300 digital layout tool. With this BIM-to-field solution, the process was executed five times faster.
Less safety-related risks
In this demanding project, careful planning and accurate implementation were essential at every step. Virtual planning also minimized the risks of injury by reducing the need for lifting platforms and scaffolding and thus ensuring everything was in its place. For Hilti, a strong partnership also means providing its customers with the best possible support in terms of safety.
Precise on-site installation
Due to the numerous support systems that had to be installed in a small space, mounting the fastening modules presented a challenge.
It was essential for the team to mark the fastening points precisely so as not to damage the pipes integrated into the wooden construction elements. Using digital plans and the Hilti PLT 300 layout tool, the team accurately transferred drilling locations to the site.
alltech CEO Mauro Fusco gives the Hilti Switzerland team a positive review: “As a fleet management customer, we have been working with Hilti for some time. For us, the company is a strong partner that provides us with the best possible support in terms of quality and safety, also in demanding projects like this.”
