Surveybase delivered a detailed 3D BIM (Revit) model alongside 2D topographical and utility surveys for Ibex House, providing the project team with a reliable digital record of the existing building to support its sensitive redevelopment into a new hotel.
Introduction
Ibex House is an eleven-storey, Grade II listed Art Deco former office building in the City of London. Occupying approximately 0.75 acres (3,000m²), the building provided around 191,144 sq ft (17,757.9m²) of largely vacant commercial and office space and is a significant example of the area’s historic architecture.
The building is now being transformed into a 382-room hotel by Dominus. As part of the redevelopment, the existing internal spaces are being stripped out floor by floor, creating a need for detailed information on the building as it stood before the next stages of transformation.
Survey
Surveybase were appointed to provide a comprehensive surveying package, including a 3D BIM survey, 2D topographical survey and utility survey.
Using a combination of advanced surveying technologies, we captured the building’s internal and external geometry and surrounding site, creating a detailed digital record of the existing conditions. This provided the project team with dependable information to support design, coordination and the wider redevelopment.
A Leica RTC360 laser scanner was used to capture the building’s internal and external geometry for the 3D BIM survey. A total station was used to accurately record the surrounding site as part of the topographical survey, while GPR equipment was used to locate and map underground utilities and services.
The completed deliverables included a comprehensive 3D BIM model, produced to LOD4 for the façades and LOD3 for the internal areas, alongside a 2D topographical and utility plan.
Jordan King, Managing Director, Surveybase:
“A Grade II listed building of this scale and complexity requires careful planning, close collaboration and a high level of detail throughout. Bringing together our surveying and BIM expertise allowed us to create a reliable digital record of the existing building, supporting the wider team as it moves through such a significant transformation. We’re really proud of the work our team has delivered and to have played a part in the next chapter of this historic building.”
Elliott Group Commented:
“The 3D BIM model provides us with a valuable digital record of Ibex House that will continue to support the project as it progresses. Having detailed and accurate information on the existing building gives the project team a strong foundation for the next stages of the redevelopment.”
Challenges
The scale of the building and the project’s tight programme presented several challenges. As the building was stripped out floor by floor, individual areas became available for surveying at different stages.
To deliver the model within the tight project programme, our survey teams worked progressively through the building as areas became accessible. This required careful planning and close coordination, with the BIM model continually updated as each area was surveyed, allowing information to be developed alongside the strip-out programme and delivered promptly to the project team.
The Result
The completed survey package provides the project team with a detailed digital record of Ibex House, combining 3D BIM, topographical and utility information in support of the building’s transformation from historic office space into a new 382-room hotel.
The project demonstrates Surveybase’s ability to combine advanced surveying technology, detailed BIM modelling and coordinated delivery to support complex commercial refurbishments and the sensitive redevelopment of historic buildings.
We combine almost 30 years of business with the latest surveying technology to deliver accurate, efficient, and professional results across the UK. Whether you’re planning a residential development or a large-scale commercial project, our expert team is here to help. To get started, visit our Quote Portal for a fast, tailored quote, or email: quote@surveybase.co.uk.
