Maturing 3D Drainage Design: Enhancing Coordination and Efficiency
27 March 2025
Our 3D drainage modelling has evolved into a refined, mature, and indispensable tool
Three years on from our article ‘A New Dimension for Drainage Design’, our innovative 3D drainage modelling has evolved into a refined, mature, and indispensable tool that is transforming the way we deliver projects.
From Learning to Leading
Our journey began with Clive Booth Student Village for Oxford Brookes University. This complex, multi-building development challenged us to explore 3D drainage capabilities, test methodologies, and determine best practices. The site featured a variety of sustainable drainage elements, including a pond, bioretention features, two attenuation tanks, and permeable paving.
Seeing everything in 3D allowed us to move components vertically as well as horizontally, offering a much clearer understanding than traditional 2D plans. This approach not only enhanced coordination but also improved the visualisation of how each element worked together.
The Coordination and Efficiency Advantage
The most significant value 3D drainage modelling brings is the unprecedented level of coordination between disciplines. It streamlines workflows, enhances collaboration, and ensures potential clashes are identified and resolved efficiently.
A prime example is our ongoing project at Farm Lane, Fulham, a new-build residential block with tight level constraints. 3D modelling enabled precise vertical alignment of drainage runs with the foundation and ground slab layout. By generating detailed sections at critical pinch points, we ensured insulation depths were maintained while accommodating drainage infrastructure.
Our 3D capability enables the automatic generation of schedules, providing contractors and the supply chain with precise data. We can now check elements throughout the project with greater detail, taking sections of every drainage run if needed and pinpointing exact pipe positioning. While we still produce 2D outputs for construction drawings, the 3D model is the primary coordination tool.
Expanding Integration with MEP Services
We are already collaborating with MEP practices that have embraced 3D modelling on projects such as the new multi-storey car park design for Musgrove Hospital to assist with coordinating underground services with drainage.
The site contained numerous existing underground services that needed to be avoided and sharing this information in 3D simplified coordination, improved design accuracy and reduced the risk of late design changes.
The Future
The shift to 3D benefits the entire design team and ultimately delivers better outcomes for clients. Our advice: invest in the time and training for your team. The results speak for themselves.
