Measured Building Survey and 3D Revit As-Built Model for Historic Commercial Property in Cambridge
BES was commissioned to carry out a comprehensive measured building survey and deliver a 3D Revit As-built model for a historic commercial property located in the heart of Cambridge. The client required high-precision documentation of both the internal structure and the external facades, with the objective of supporting planning submissions and future retrofit works.
This project exemplifies BES’s expertise in surveying heritage architecture using modern technology while overcoming access and accuracy challenges.
The building in question is a prominent commercial structure within Cambridge’s conservation area. With historical and architectural significance, any intervention required highly accurate baseline information to comply with local planning regulations.
BES was tasked with performing a measured building survey of the interior and the external facades and delivering a high-quality 3D Revit As-built model. The model and accompanying 2D drawings would be instrumental for the architectural design team to develop retrofit proposals and submit planning documentation with confidence.
The scope included both internal scanning of the building’s core spaces and detailed capture of the external facades, which featured ornate stonework and historic detailing typical of Cambridge's architectural fabric.
Given the importance of precision in representing decorative and structural façadeelements, the external model was developed to LOD 350, while the internal areas were captured to LOD 300. BES provided the full survey output including 3Dmodel and extracted 2D plans, elevations, and sections in both PDF and DWG formats.
One of the main challenges on this project was the building’s height and complex façadedetailing, which could not be adequately captured using standard tripod heights or handheld methods. Furthermore, the site had restricted access around key elevations, limiting the ability to set up scan stations in ideal positions.
To overcome this, BES employed a specialized telescopic tripod system that allowed the team to elevate the scanner beyond standard reach and position it with precision,even in tight or uneven external spaces.
This approach enabled full visibility of intricate architectural features, including cornices, mouldings, and parapets, without compromising safety or requiring intrusive access equipment like scaffolding.
The BES team deployed a terrestrial laser scanner combined with the extended reach of the telescopic tripod, enabling a full 360-degree scan of the facades and complete internal coverage. Point cloud data was processed, aligned, and cleaned to ensure the highest level of geometric accuracy.
From this,our specialists developed a highly detailed 3D Revit As-built model reflecting both the structural and decorative aspects of the building. The team also extracted comprehensive 2D measured building survey drawings—including floorplans, elevations, and cross-sections—to meet the needs of planners,architects, and retrofit consultants.
3D RevitAs-Built Model Outcome
The final measured building survey pack included:
A 3D RevitAs-built model at LOD 300/350
2D floorplans, elevations, and sections
Deliverables in PDF and DWG formats
The accuracy and clarity of the model allowed the design team to assess the building's current state in detail and proceed with informed planning for internal modifications and external improvements.
The value of this measured building survey and Revit As-built model was immediately apparent. The client used the output as part of their planning permission submission, ensuring alignment with conservation guidelines and accurate visual representation for heritage review.
Moreover,the 3D Revit model served as the foundational reference for retrofit planning,helping engineers and architects to preemptively detect potential issues related to structural integration, service routing, and spatial reconfiguration.
With our model, the client could move forward with confidence, knowing they had an exact digital twin of the building to support every phase of the project.
This project highlights the critical role of a measured building survey and a precise 3DRevit As-built model in heritage and commercial projects. BES delivered atailored solution by combining advanced laser scanning technology, expert modelling, and strategic problem-solving.
If you are planning a retrofit or need accurate documentation for planning in sensitive environments like Cambridge, BES offers the experience and precision needed to deliver reliable results.
