About Holzbau Ehrlich

How Holzbau Ehrlich uses rmDATA 3DWorx to implement renovation projects faster, more accurately, and more efficiently, opening up new areas of business

When it comes to renovating, converting, and adding stories to old buildings, traditional timber construction quickly reaches its limits—especially when there are no plans available or roof structures are severely deformed. Jens Ehrlich, owner of Holzbau Ehrlich in Brandenburg, therefore started looking early on for a digital solution that would enable him to record existing structures efficiently and accurately. The requirements were clear: “We were looking for software that would allow us to evaluate point clouds from the laser scanner quickly and easily.”

Intuitive workflow with rmDATA 3DWorx

Holzbau Ehrlich has been relying on rmDATA 3DWorx for several years now—and has found a solution that integrates seamlessly into its everyday work. The combination of laser scanning and intuitive software allows the company to take quick and accurate measurements, regardless of the geometry of the building. “Our renovation and extension projects now run like clockwork: we scan on site and evaluate the point cloud quickly and professionally with rmDATA 3DWorx. I'm still amazed at how intuitive the program's processes are!”

Tapping into new business areas

With rmDATA 3DWorx, the carpentry business has not only optimized its internal processes, but also expanded its service portfolio. This is particularly evident in a current project:

A client wanted to have a roof structure installed on a 20-year-old shell of an apartment building, which was actually an “investment ruin.” During the on-site appointment, it became apparent that there were no existing plans for the property. Since the architect saw no way of measuring the entire property, we were commissioned to create floor plans and sections as a basis for further architectural services. “For me, it was the perfect practice project for a 3D derivation of the point cloud of the shell using 3DWorx,” says Jens Ehrlich, because, as he explains, there were clear contours and no distracting factors such as furniture, doors, etc. 
After scanning the object, registering and reducing the point cloud with Cyclone Register from Leica, the master carpenter was able to create the 3D model in 3DWorx within 10 working hours! “I didn't expect this speed during my practice phase,” he says enthusiastically.  

The potential of the BIM workflow

In this case, he says he learned to appreciate the potential of the BIM workflow in 3DWorx. Special features such as wall detection using the “Wall, 2-levels” or “Wall opening, axis-oriented” functions are just two examples of how easy it is to derive geometries in 3DWorx. “The analysis function is perfect for checking the derived geometries,” he concludes.

After creating the IFC file, I derived the required idealized sections and floor plans from it in another CAD program. I then sold the IFC file to the client as a basis for further planning work.

His conclusion: For creating idealized plans, deriving elements from the point cloud using the BIM workflow in 3DWorx is a real alternative to 2D drawing in the software! Jens Ehrlich concludes: “The workflow for BIM derivation in 3DWorx has completely convinced me!”

How Holzbau Ehrlich uses rmDATA 3DWorx to implement renovation projects faster, more accurately, and more efficiently, opening up new areas of business

When it comes to renovating, converting, and adding stories to old buildings, traditional timber construction quickly reaches its limits—especially when there are no plans available or roof structures are severely deformed. Jens Ehrlich, owner of Holzbau Ehrlich in Brandenburg, therefore started looking early on for a digital solution that would enable him to record existing structures efficiently and accurately. The requirements were clear: “We were looking for software that would allow us to evaluate point clouds from the laser scanner quickly and easily.”