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From SketchUp to the Construction Site

KUDO’s Unique Approach: Managing the Entire Development Process In-House

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From SketchUp to the Construction Site

Architect Berto van Leeuwen has been an enthusiastic SketchUp user since version 5 (mid-2005). For the past five years, he has been working at KUDO in Veenendaal, where he was responsible for designing various regional real estate projects. His main tool for design is SketchUp. During our visit, he shared insights into his workflow on a recent project: constructing three apartment complexes near the centre of Veenendaal.

KUDO’s approach is unique in the Netherlands. It is one of the few construction companies in the country that manages the entire development process in-house. From the initial design to the BIM model and from prefabricating concrete building elements to the actual construction, the company rightfully calls itself “The Total Builder of Central Netherlands.” KUDO primarily operates within a 30-kilometer radius around Veenendaal.

SketchUp as the Basis for the BIM Model

Architect Berto van Leeuwen
Architect Berto van Leeuwen

At KUDO, Berto mainly focuses on the BIM model, drafting everything in compliance with the BIM Basic Information Delivery Specification (ILS). He uses the SketchUp IFC Manager by Jan Brouwer (DigiBase, VolkerWessels) to classify everything in IFC as accurately as possible.
My ultimate goal is to allow installers to review the BIM model during the early stages to ensure everything fits. However, we need to take a few more steps to get there. If someone in the SketchUp Community has already achieved this, I’d love to connect with them. This would be a game changer for developing large buildings,” says Berto.

Van Leeuwen begins his work consistently using components, even for the concrete structure. This setup allows changes to propagate efficiently—for instance, if Housing Type B changes, all instances of this type are updated automatically. “Often, we deal with at least 40 apartments, and during the process, these designs change about four or five times. If your 3D components aren’t set up properly, you’ll lose valuable design time,” he explains.

SketchUp model of the 3 apartment complexes on Industrielaan in Veenendaal
SketchUp model of the three apartment complexes on Industrielaan, Veenendaal

Once the final design is ready and approved by the municipal review board, it’s handed over to the BIM modeller, who further develops it in Revit.
“I can draw very precisely in SketchUp and detail every aspect. However, due to the iterative nature of the design process, which can include up to five revisions, I cannot always guarantee absolute precision. At that point, the project is rebuilt from scratch in Revit.”

From old-fashioned
From old-fashioned…
to digital drawing board - as SketchUp was originally conceived.
to the digital drawing board – as SketchUp was originally conceived.

Most of Van Leeuwen’s work revolves around SketchUp. Occasionally, he uses AutoCAD to create base layers and process cadastral data. “I then import the AutoCAD file into SketchUp and often overlay it with a map. Other than that, it’s SketchUp all the way. Sometimes I convert an IFC into SketchUp, such as a ventilation system, so everyone can visually confirm that it fits.”

“In SketchUp, you design, while in other programs, you simply draft.”

According to Van Leeuwen, no 3D software compares to SketchUp:
“In SketchUp, you design, while in other programs, you simply draft. There’s no other software that lets you quickly orbit a building to view it from any angle. That’s incredibly valuable for me as a designer.”

Extensions to Simplify the Work

To streamline the design process, KUDO frequently uses Profile Builder in SketchUp for creating parametric components, with some components developed in-house.
“Profile Builder is incredibly helpful. For example, we work with specific concrete elements, and with just a few clicks, I can create a detailed scenario where these elements are widely applied. This saves valuable time, as they don’t need to be placed, rotated, and scaled individually.”

They also use the Classification Filter by ITCAD to convert IFC classifications into SketchUp Tags. “Combined with the SketchUp IFC Manager from DigiBase, I can quickly isolate a specific group by making only that tag visible.”

For rendering, KUDO uses the real-time rendering application Enscape.
“We chose Enscape because it works with both SketchUp and Revit. So, we can manage with a single program for this purpose,” explains Van Leeuwen. “Enscape delivers beautifully presentable images. However, for high-quality renders, we outsource. That’s a whole different skill set.”

Enscape render of the 3 apartment complexes on Industrielaan in Veenendaal
Enscape render of the three apartment complexes on Industrielaan, Veenendaal

The only thing I’m still missing is a reliable extension for creating window frames. I don’t need much—just a frame and a sash. Ideally, the windows would work as dynamic components. If someone has solved this, I’d love to know more.”1

  1. 1. Possible suggestion: Construsoft Window (ed.) ↩︎

LayOut

KUDO also frequently uses LayOut, the 2D documentation and presentation tool:
“I often use LayOut to create preliminary requests for the municipality. When we have a concept for a piece of land, I compile a booklet in LayOut with the current situation and visuals of different design options. LayOut is fantastic for this because of its direct connection with the SketchUp model and the ability to use custom templates. The recent addition of Excel integration is also a big plus. I can load my Excel file into a page and style it in LayOut. If something changes in my original SketchUp or Excel file, LayOut updates it automatically.”

LayOut page of the three apartment complexes on Industrielaan, Veenendaal
LayOut page of the three apartment complexes on Industrielaan, Veenendaal

“However, dimensioning still leaves something to be desired. For example, I always have to include the dimensions of parking spaces; otherwise, people won’t believe a car can fit. It works, but it’s often fiddly,” says Van Leeuwen critically.

The Complete BIM Model

“Once all work in SketchUp and Revit is completed, we end up with a comprehensive BIM model. For this, we use Dalux,” Van Leeuwen explains.“This model includes everything: installations, scaffolding models, structural models, window suppliers, architectural designs, and stairs—all subcontractor models are packaged into this model via IFC.”

“Dalux is also used on-site. If you need a construction drawing for the fifth floor, it’s in there—and you always have the latest version!” he emphasizes. On-site, KUDO no longer uses paper drawings. Instead, heavy-duty tablets or handheld computers ensure everyone has access to the latest files and details.

3D Printing One of the Complexes on Industrielaan
3D Printing One of the Complexes on Industrielaan

“If something still goes wrong, someone can take a photo and annotate it. For example, if the wrong door handle is installed, the supervisor takes a picture with a note. The carpenter sees this, installs the correct handle, and uploads a photo to close the case. This process is even used for handover and will play a role in compliance with the Wet Kwaliteitswaarborging (Quality Assurance Act).”

Construction and Installation In-House

At KUDO, construction relies on prefabricated elements, which are produced in-house at their concrete factory in Veenendaal. These prefab elements include everything: window cutouts, electrical wiring, and drainage systems. They are assembled with precision using lasers, inspected, and then filled with concrete. Once cured, the elements are transported to the construction site, where they are simply assembled.

KUDO builds with prefabricated elements from its own concrete factory, complete with frame cut-outs and piping, for quick on-site assembly.

At the time of writing, one residential complex, “De Verbinding” (36 apartments), has already been completed. The second complex, “De Snip” (47 apartments), is in the finishing stages, while groundwork for the third complex (“Gebouw C,” 71 apartments) is well underway.

“De Snip” in Veenendaal during the completion phase


This blog was previously published in the Dutch SketchUp Magazine in 2023. The content may have been adapted for this online version.

Text: Robert van Dee   |  Visuals: Berto van Leeuwen   |  Photos: Denis Schoen

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