Make a BIM uses AI to transform Building Information Modeling 

“What an amount of manual work, I wonder why this hasn’t been automated?” wondered Leo Salomaa, founder of technology startup Make a BIM, years ago when he was an architecture student. As part of his studies, he had to create data models of buildings and was amazed at the amount of work involved.

Time passed, but the question persisted. At the same time, there was a growing awareness of the energy intensity of the construction sector. In the European Union, buildings are currently responsible for 40% of total energy consumption. In addition to the production of building materials, energy is used for heating and cooling.

To decarbonise the building stock by 2050, more than 90 % of it would have to be renovated.

Information is needed to repair and optimise energy consumption. An important tool in this is the data model, which is missing for a large proportion of buildings.

– Whenever numbers are needed, they are retrieved ad hoc, just for the time and purpose, says Salomaa.

Wouldn’t it be smarter and more cost-effective for everyone, if updated data was already available and in a format that could be used for calculations?

More than two years ago, Salomaa took part in a hackathon organised by Forum Virium Helsinki together with computer scientist Ville-Matti Tanninen and mathematician Jami Valorinta.

The idea for a joint company evolved from there and Make a BIM was founded in 2023.

Time savings of up to weeks

Make a BIM has harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to model buildings. Two-dimensional models are transformed into 3D data models in the company’s application, reducing manual work.

The application developed by the company will streamline property renovation, facilitate compliance with building regulations and accelerate the achievement of carbon neutrality.

Salomaa opens his laptop at the Maria 01 growth company campus in central Helsinki and shows a video of how the modelling is done.

In practice, the application can be accessed via a web page or integrated into another application. Once the scanned architectural drawings have been exported to the application, the AI starts clicking and automating the conversion of the drawings into a data model. Layer by layer, the drawings are converted into a 3D model.

The finished 3D model is compatible with common industry applications, making it easy to reuse in architectural firms, for example.

Salomaa says that the AI and automation will save an average of 75 % in time. In smaller projects, the time savings can be as little as an hour, but in larger buildings such as shopping centres, it can take weeks.

– We continue to research, develop and optimise our model. Our aim is to make it faster and more accurate.

Accurate information for energy renovation

To optimise the energy efficiency of buildings, it is important to know what kind of improvements will bring the best results in each building. In some buildings, adjusting the ventilation system will produce results, while in others it is worth replacing windows or re-insulating.

But how to know what is the best solution for a particular building?

The data generated by Make a BIM are tailored for energy-efficient renovation projects and can be used to simulate a range of options and combinations. Their approach involves ranking and calculating the most ecological and cost-effective renovation actions and identifying areas where energy efficiency could be improved. Salomaa explains that the actual energy simulation is done by other companies, Make a BIM’s role is to provide the necessary data.

The company’s solution can also be used for lighter work, such as updating energy certificates.

– Our idea has been that our application can be used by both large and small operators.

Make a BIM believes that the data they offer can convince cities and businesses to make environmentally conscious decisions and implement sustainable actions.

A good start from the capital region

Salomaa mentions that Make a BIM is already delivering models to Heka, a major property management company owned by the City of Helsinki, as an example of a large company using the application. Heka has optimised its energy renovations using the company’s data.

Make a BIM has also been involved in European pilots and has recently entered the Unites States’ market. The decision to target the international market was taken at an early stage.

– It has been easy for us to get started in the Helsinki metropolitan area, with its many innovative people and AI training.

Salomaa says they have received the help and support they needed, but good luck has also played a role in finding good investors.

On the other hand, the founding trio has worked hard, touring the world giving presentations and participating in programming competitions.

Salomaa says that one of the company’s strengths is its ability to identify a real problem quickly and start solving it. This ability has also convinced investors.

– We have also benefited from situations where public authorities have been able to obtain funding for innovative solutions.

Competition against manual work

Salomaa says the company’s solution competes mainly with manual work. There is nothing quite like it on the market.

When he presented Make a BIM’s application to a large American software company, they were surprised. Their solution has been something completely new.

– Many large companies have tried to solve the time-consuming data issue but have turned to us in the end.

Learn more:

Make a BIM homepage