The Challenge

A leading UAE real estate developer had completed a high-rise residential complex two towers over a shared podium, spanning 1.13 million SqFt. However, the project lacked a unified BIM framework. With no Common Data Environment (CDE) or BIM standards, multiple contractors worked in silos, resulting in fragmented models, inconsistent data, and missing asset information.

As handover approached, the client urgently needed a federated, asset-enriched as-built BIM model for facility management with just 8 weeks to deliver.

Client’s Initial Hurdles

• 100+ unstructured Revit models from different subcontractors.
• Missing asset data critical for facility management.
• No standard coordinates or unified file history.
• Redline drawings scattered in inconsistent formats.
• A hard handover deadline that couldn’t be missed.

Why This Was Critical

Why was the as-built model urgent at this stage?

The client needed to meet strict handover deadlines and transfer accurate asset data to their FM team to begin post-construction operations without delays.

What risks did the fragmented models pose?

Inconsistent and unverified models meant the FM team would have no dependable digital source of truth—leading to higher maintenance costs and potential operational risks.

Couldn’t 2D drawings suffice for FM?

Not anymore. The FM strategy relied on an asset-tagged 3D model that could be integrated with digital systems for proactive maintenance, lifecycle monitoring, and operational efficiency.

Why not rebuild from scratch?

Time. Rebuilding would exceed the 8-week deadline and inflate costs. The only practical solution was to organize, audit, and reconstruct using the available models.

How did poor BIM planning impact the outcome?

The absence of BIM standards and a CDE during construction meant double the effort during handover. Every file had to be audited, corrected, and aligned manually costing time, effort, and coordination.

Gaps in Existing Information

• No single source of truth for spatial or asset data.
• Asset IDs and metadata were missing from models.
• Model files weren’t geolocated or organized by consistent origin points.
• Redline drawings were incomplete or outdated.
• Model revisions lacked version control.

‍Why Specific Requirements Mattered

The success of modern facility management hinges on access to structured, location-accurate, asset-rich BIM data. Without it, even the most sophisticated FM tools would be flying blind leading to inefficient maintenance, higher costs, and increased downtime.

The Desapex Solution

Desapex assembled an expert task force 8 dedicated professionals, each responsible for a specific trade. Our integrated approach included:

• Data Audit & Cleanup: Reviewed over 100 Revit models, identified the most accurate versions, and realigned coordinates to a shared origin.
• Model Federation: Created a single, clean, and coordinated BIM model using Revit, AutoCAD, and Navisworks.
• Asset Data Mapping: Incorporated accurate metadata into the model for HVAC, plumbing, fire safety, electrical systems, and more.
• Handover-Ready Reports: Delivered a comprehensive audit report and asset schedule aligned with the FM team's specifications.

Project Timeline & Milestones

• Week 1–2: Model audit, version tracking, and coordination alignment.
• Week 3–6: As-built model development for ASMEPF disciplines.
• Week 7: Quality assurance, federated model creation.
• Week 8: Final delivery of asset-enriched model and documentation.

Software & Technology Used

• Autodesk Revit
• AutoCAD
• PDF viewer
• Autodesk Navisworks

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The Real Business Value Delivered

On-Time Handover: Met the tight 8-week deadline without compromising quality.

FM-Ready Model: Delivered an asset-enriched BIM model for immediate use by the facility management team.

Clean, Federated Data: Consolidated over 100 fragmented models into one coordinated BIM file.

Accurate Asset Mapping: Tagged all critical systems with metadata for easier maintenance and tracking.

Reduced Rework: Removed outdated and duplicate files, minimizing confusion and delays.

Operational Cost Savings: Enabled better planning and reduced long-term maintenance costs.

What This Means for Future Projects

This project became a turning point in how the client now approaches BIM.

Until now, BIM was viewed as a construction aid not a lifecycle enabler. But Harbour Gate revealed a painful truth: the cost of ignoring BIM standards during construction doesn’t disappear it just shows up later, at handover, in the form of chaos and delays.

The client saw firsthand how fragmented files, missing asset data, and poor model discipline created a massive bottleneck. It took Desapex’s intervention to course-correct and build a federated model that could support the building’s future.

But now, they’re doing things differently.

In their new projects, BIM Execution Plans (BEPs) are in place from day one. A Common Data Environment ensures version control. Asset data is tracked during construction not added retroactively.

What started as a rescue mission became a strategic reset.