Construction Design in BIM, Project Coordination and On-site Assistance
Collegiate Student Housing, Milan
Collegiate is an international company offering high-end student housing across the UK and Europe. Looking to expand into the Italian market, in 2021 it identified a 14,000 sqm site on Via Frigia in Milan to build a new residence just minutes from Greco Pirelli and the Bicocca University.
DVA was appointed by Impresa Percassi to develop the construction design using BIM methodology, to coordinate the project on-site, and to deliver the final as-built model.
The courtyard-style building is divided into two blocks with a landscaped, sunken open-air courtyard at its center. The main block, consisting of five floors plus a penthouse, is dedicated to private rental accommodation, while the smaller block is reserved for regulated-rate housing. In addition to comfortable, fully-equipped rooms, residents will benefit from a wide range of amenities, including a spa and wellness area with an indoor pool, sauna and treatment rooms, a gym and fitness area, a cinema, lounges, and social common areas.
To properly manage the project’s complexity, Impresa Percassi needed to further detail the executive design, resulting in the production of several additional drawings during the construction phase. Moreover, due to specific market conditions, the procurement of certain materials proved challenging. This required constant updates to the model to keep track of changes in materials, construction techniques, or suppliers.
This was made possible through the use of BIM methodology and a dynamic, dedicated project team that closely followed the development, supported the contractor in decision-making, coordinated all project disciplines, and updated the model daily with each design choice and change — ensuring a fully accurate as-built model upon project completion.
The use of digital project models also made it possible to identify clashes between disciplines in advance, detecting potential issues before work began on-site. This prevented delays in material procurement, project standstills or schedule slippage, inefficient storage logistics, and the need to propose design changes. As a result, the project achieved real reductions in construction time and costs, maximized on-site efficiency, improved site safety, enhanced the overall quality of the building, and ensured better future asset management by enabling long-term monitoring of materials subject to maintenance.
14.000
GFA
[m²]
37.5
FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK
[M €]
695
NEW APARTMENTS
20
TOTAL MONTHS OF CONSTRUCTION
“The tight schedule and various complexities made this a challenging assignment, but also an incredibly formative one. Close collaboration with the construction site was key to delivering an integrated construction design that considered the contractor’s needs and the technical input from suppliers.”
“The dynamic nature of the historical period during the construction phase, marked by sudden market fluctuations, required highly efficient coordination to ensure adequate and functional support for the progress of the works. It was an activity full of dedication — and a carry-on filled with even more experience.”
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