How the power of data could accelerate residential construction

Question for TNO

Hugo Jager: "We were looking for an independent organisation with a wide range of expertise. Via-via we came into contact with TNO and asked them the question: how can we take Planalogic to the next level?

We started with an intake consultation during which we identified key themes such as environmental performance, emission-free construction and the social impact of construction (LCA method). During an expert session XL several TNO experts prepared pitches based on these themes. It soon became clear that TNO could help us calculate environmental performance. With TNO's help, we will develop a tool that makes it possible to examine the impact and feasibility of any new-build project. And not as the outcome of a lengthy design process, but right at the start."

Quote from the entrepreneur

"With TNO's help, we are going to develop a tool that will make it possible to examine the impact and manufacturability of any new construction project. And not as the outcome of a lengthy design process, but right at the start."

_{Hugo Jager, partner at Planalogic}

What does Planalogic do?

Hugo: "Planalogic is making a giant leap in harnessing the maximum potential of real estate. We generate millions of design scenarios and, based on these, we develop and evaluate comprehensive design and development strategies. These scenarios are based on a wide range of variables, ranging from energy efficiency and sustainability to social, economic and climate factors. The resulting design reflects maximum potential, resulting in a huge performance improvement. While reducing the time-to-market, the time risks are also reduced and decision-making is improved."

What makes your product so special?

Hugo: "Currently, the government defines criteria for the development of new districts and buildings containing various targets and ambitions. Whether the criteria are feasible is often not determined until work is being done on the final design. Often years have gone by and a lot of work has been done, only to produce a result that doesn’t match the criteria. Things have to be re-worked, the project takes longer and therefore costs more money.

Thanks to Planalogic, developers can determine the broad outlines of a building's construction at an early stage by for example including the choice of materials and options for heating and/or cooling. Based on Planalogic's algorithm, it can quickly be determined whether the construction could meet the criteria of the Building Code such as the minimum energy requirements and environmental performance standards. It can also determine how likely it is that the intended location will allow for a rapid realisation of construction.

This allows developers and the government to prioritise projects with high contribution and a manageable complexity. This creates a kind of Eisenhower matrix to indicate which projects should be started first.

Although many assumptions are still being made at this stage, it is crucial to know which project will be prioritised for an environmental permit. This saves a huge amount of time. With this, Planalogic hopes to hold the key to faster and more effective property development."

What's next?

Hugo: "The next step is to put Planalogic into practice. By joining forces with parties such as municipalities, housing associations and regional development agencies, we hope to run pilots soon."