VHB is helping developers of a potential residential development in Puerto Rico maximize value and enhance the long-term value of a new community with a technology-enabled approach to conceptual planning. The VHB team leveraged model-based design (MBD) to develop innovative, interactive 3D design plans for the site’s challenging terrain, which was marked by significant elevation changes. Utilizing MBD as a standard method of project delivery for VHB’s clients is rapidly advancing and reshaping how we deliver resilient projects and meet our clients’ needs.
An integrated team of VHB real estate and technology professionals helped VRM Companies conduct a conceptual yield analysis and provide an order-of-magnitude earthwork quantity estimate for approximately 289 acres of property, comprising three challenging parcels located in Puerto Rico. The team utilized SiteOps™ by Bentley Systems to provide a detailed analysis of the significant grade changes, yield plans, amenity areas, vehicular entry gates, and phasing for all three development areas.
“We were familiar with VHB’s MBD capabilities from another VRM project in Florida that VHB designed and were eager to apply the technology early in the process to verify residential density and earthwork estimates,” said Diego Rodriguez, Managing Partner, VRM Companies “VHB exceeded our expectations. MBD allowed us to visualize the landscape and site layout in new ways, evaluate multiple design scenarios quickly, and make informed decisions that minimized costly surprises. We plan to integrate it into future projects, regardless of terrain complexity. The cost-savings are considerable, from reducing wasted materials to shortening project timelines.”
VHB laid out the lots in areas that were constructable while balancing cut-and-fill to keep development costs as low as possible and shorten project timelines. Each plot is designated for single-family homes with access to an on-site amenity center, totaling 590 lots across the three parcels.
“This project in Puerto Rico embodies our commitment to innovative design and collaboration,” said Joe Kolb, VHB Regional Real Estate Services Director. “Our technology-enabled approach enhanced collaboration and really pushed the boundaries of what we can accomplish on land development projects in complex terrains.”
Learn more about MBD at VHB, listen to our Podcast Episode on Modeling Change.