Parametric Design for Sustainable Construction at Heembouw

Parametric design team

With a background in architecture and a strong interest in programming, van Duijn has been working on innovation and automation at Heembouw for several years. “When I started, I noticed inefficiencies in our models. To improve quality, I began creating scripts to assist modelers,” he shares.

In 2021, van Duijn and a colleague initiated a project to automate site studies. This marked the beginning of Heembouw’s parametric design team, which has since grown to six members. The team is part of the company’s Digital Solutions and IT department, where they collaborate with IT specialists and data analysts to develop solutions that enhance workflows across the organization.

About Heembouw

Heembouw combines the strengths and expertise of a construction company and an architectural firm, specializing in projects like sustainable office spaces and residential buildings. They prioritize collaboration with clients, leveraging long-standing partnership to deliver tailored projects.

At Heembouw, parametric design is used throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial client-contact to final project delivery, ensuring sustainability, efficiency, and measurable value to their clients. By integrating technology into their daily processes, they enable seamless data sharing, better decision-making, and a culture of continuous innovation throughout the organization.

Company stats: 300+ employees | 3 offices | 221 million turnover

Interconnected microservices

Heembouw’s parametric design journey began with a focus on industrial warehouses. By automating site studies and building layouts, they created a platform that integrates design requirements, structural considerations, and customer input. The platform relies on microservices to perform individual tasks, like generating layouts and structural designs – all interconnected to streamline the design process.

As their platform proved to be successful, Heembouw wanted to make it accessible to more colleagues and stakeholders. However, developing and maintaining an accessible interface remains challenging. Not only is it time-intensive, but it also falls outside Heembouw’s core priorities. This led van Duijn to search for an alternative solution, which he found in VIKTOR.

User-friendly applications

VIKTOR is a software development platform that empowers engineers and other domain experts to easily build and share user-friendly applications with Python. It provides a standardized and user-friendly interface, which Heembouw can apply to their existing logic, and seamless integration with industry-standard tools, like AutoCAD, Revit, and Grasshopper.

“With VIKTOR, we can quickly develop and deploy applications”, adds van Duijn, enabling their teams to focus on delivering value rather than coding interfaces.

Leveraging their own platform in combination with VIKTOR, Heembouw has created a range of applications that integrate software and engineering workflows, save time, reduce errors, and enhance collaboration across teams.

Some examples of the applications they built are shown next.

Environment app

The Environment app is designed for Heembouw architects their team, simplifying the initial stages of site analysis for site studies.

Users can drop a pin or input an address to automatically download and consolidate various datasets into a single AutoCAD file, which is then ready for use in modeling environments like Revit. The app saves approximately two hours per study by standardising this process, providing significant efficiency gains for Heembouw’s 100 annual site studies.

Fit Your Warehouse

Fit Your Warehouse is tailored for clients seeking optimized designs for industrial spaces.

The app transforms Heembouw’s proprietary Excel model into a more interactive and user-friendly tool. By analyzing pallet movements and spatial requirements, it provides recommendations for the ideal warehouse size and layout. This allows Heembouw to quickly offer clients tailored advice, enhancing customer confidence and accelerating decision-making processes.

RICE Analysis

The RICE Analysis Tool empowers Heembouw teams to prioritize projects efficiently.

Using the RICE formula (Reach x Impact x Confidence / Effort), the app calculates a priority score, which is automatically sent to Monday.com for further project management. Built within VIKTOR, this app exemplifies how integrations with existing tools can improve decision-making and collaboration across teams.

Stiko Cost Calcuation

Developed for cost estimators, the Stiko app simplifies the process of calculating building foundation costs.

Users input key parameters into a VIKTOR interface, and the app connects with Heembouw’s internal platform to generate accurate cost estimates based on predefined calculation models. This app not only enhances accuracy but also ensures consistency in cost analysis workflows.

Steel app

The Steel app is a comprehensive tool designed in collaboration with WSP for architects and modelers working with steel structures.

Fully integrated with Revit, this bidirectional app enables users to log in directly from Revit and configure industrial spaces by defining parameters such as size, grid layout, roof design, and wind zones. Leveraging knowledge from both Heembouw and WSP, the app performs calculations, assigns profiles, and automatically updates Revit models. This tool combines automation and domain expertise to deliver precise and efficient design solutions.

Flora and Fauna app

The Flora and Fauna app was created by an architect and a parametric designer to address the growing need for integrating biodiversity into construction projects.

First, the team compiled an extensive database of climbing plants and designed features to accommodate birds and other animals. Next, using this app, users can easily explore biodiversity options for their projects. The tool generates comprehensive reports that standardize biodiversity considerations and facilitate stakeholder communication. These reports ensure that knowledge about biodiversity is shared effectively, contributing to Heembouw’s goal of creating better, more sustainable buildings.

Partnership

Through their partnership with VIKTOR, Heembouw is pushing the boundaries of parametric design. By combining their deep industry knowledge with the flexibility of the VIKTOR platform, they are creating tools that drive efficiency, enhance sustainability, and deliver exceptional client value.

What’s next?

Heembouw envisions a future where parametric design is integral to every project. With tools that make data accessible and actionable, they aim to empower all employees to use technology effectively. By continuously refining their solutions and integrating them with their proprietary platform, Heembouw is setting the stage for long-term success.

“Our goal is to demonstrate the measurable value of parametric design at every stage, from concept to delivery,” Ruben concludes.

Heembouw is proving that with the right approach, the future of construction is not just about building better—it’s about building smarter.

If you're interested in learning how VIKTOR can help you do the same, don't hesitate to get in touch!