John Radcliffe Hospital Roof Survey by SIAD Studio

At SIAD Studio, we believe in the power of accurate 3D information to drive design efficiency, and our recent project at the John Radcliffe Hospital roof survey in Oxford is a prime example. This project, conducted during one of the warmest periods of the year, provided critical, high-resolution scan data to the Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) design team. Our objective was clear: to deliver precise, comprehensive spatial data to support the re-purposing of the roof space within their design software environment.

The images attached offer a closer look at the exceptional results achieved.

One image displays the control network overlaid on the point cloud data, showing the intensive coverage achieved across the survey area. Each red circle represents a strategically placed scan position, connected by green lines, illustrating the robust measurement geometry essential for a highly accurate and unified 3D model. This methodical approach ensures that all collected data aligns seamlessly, forming the foundation of a reliable survey.

Overcoming Complex Environments with 3D Scanning

The roof space of a major hospital is an inherently complex environment, densely packed with vital services. This complexity is clearly visible in the images. One image offers a cross-sectional view of the space, revealing the structural beams and the myriad of existing mechanical and electrical installations. The varied colours in this perspective-rendered point cloud help to visually distinguish different elements and depths within the clutter, providing the M&E team with an immediate, intuitive understanding of the existing infrastructure. Another image zooms in, showcasing the intricate web of ductwork, pipework, and supports that the new design must navigate and integrate with.

Traditional measurement methods in such a challenging, operational environment would be time-consuming, intrusive, and inevitably prone to gaps in data. By employing cutting-edge 3D laser scanning technology, we captured millions of data points quickly and safely. This dense point cloud accurately records every beam, duct, cable tray, and piece of equipment with millimetre accuracy.

Streamlining Design and Coordination

The true value of this high-resolution survey lies in its ability to streamline the design and coordination process from the very start. The M&E team received the data as a comprehensive 3D point cloud, which they could import directly into their preferred BIM (Building Information Modeling) software.

Instead of relying on outdated drawings or risking clashes due to incomplete measurements, the design team can now:

• Model new services with absolute certainty of the existing conditions.

• Identify potential clashes between new and old systems virtually, long before construction begins.

• Optimise routing for new ventilation, power, and data systems, saving time and material on site.

One image provides a close-up, perspective view from within the structure, highlighting the detail captured around the overhead services. This level of detail is crucial for the precise placement and installation of new components. The sheer volume and complexity of the services shown underscore why a traditional survey simply wouldn't suffice for a project of this scale and critical nature.

By investing in a 3D measured survey with SIAD Studio, the John Radcliffe Hospital project team has secured the most accurate spatial foundation possible, minimizing risk, accelerating the design cycle, and ensuring a smoother, more efficient re-purposing of this essential hospital space. It’s another powerful demonstration of how 3D laser scanning is an indispensable tool in modern construction and renovation.