The company baukult ZT GmbH in Vienna stands for gentle redensification and innovative architecture with a special focus on urban timber construction and the renovation of historic buildings. A precise and reliable data basis is crucial, especially when working with existing buildings - for example when revitalizing Wilhelminian-style buildings or preparing real estate appraisals. Old buildings are rarely rectangular, and the discrepancy between official plans and the built reality regularly presents planners with challenges.

Reliable data basis for planning and expert reports

To meet these requirements, baukult relies on the software solution rmDATA 3DWorx (Reality3D). The aim was to establish a digital working method that not only depicts the high level of detail of the survey, but also allows the data obtained to be used directly in the familiar planning environment - in Autodesk Revit. The combination of laser scanning and point cloud analysis provides the ideal basis for this. A partner company, a civil engineer for surveying, supplies the point cloud, which is then processed in rmDATA 3DWorx and integrated directly into the planning via the Revit plugin.

Point cloud evaluation with rmDATA 3DWorx and Revit plugin

"The plugin was our solution of choice because we can continue working in Revit immediately. We are immediately in our familiar medium," says Günter Lagler, Partner at baukult, describing the seamless transition between surveying and planning. The point cloud serves as a control instance and also enables a precise comparison of reality and planning documents. "Thanks to 3DWorx, we can work perfectly with the point cloud and build on reliable data. I am delighted that we can connect directly to the workflow with the unthinned point cloud. We can derive geometries with the Revit plugin without any loss of performance," says the expert.

Building inspections and building book

The strength of the point cloud solution is particularly evident in everyday project work. The digital as-built survey makes it possible to analyze wall courses from the basement to the top floor, document chimney drafts or evaluate façade surfaces for lift extensions. The thickness of firewalls or the ceiling sag can also be reliably recorded. The ability to generate initial plan views without drawing a single line saves valuable time and ensures high planning quality. At the same time, the photo documentation is usefully supplemented - an important aspect with regard to the mandatory building book that must be created for all buildings in Vienna by 2027.

Optimized workflows

Working with rmDATA 3DWorx has fundamentally changed the workflow at baukult. The software provides clean and accurate planning data that comes closest to reality. Official plans, which often do not match the actual condition, can now be replaced by reliable data. This is an important basis for as-built corrections and utility value appraisals.

Further workflows for 3D submission models or 2D submission plans support the architectural office in every project. For example, site plans, floor plans per storey, sections, etc. are now generated at the proverbial "push of a button".

Interested in a precise planning basis?

If you, like baukult, would like to rely on digital precision and efficient workflows for refurbishment and construction in existing buildings, rmDATA 3DWorx is a powerful solution for planning existing buildings. Contact us, we will be happy to advise you without obligation.