CUSTOMER CASELatva ja Vaara

Finnish architecture practice benefits from collaboration with expertise and software

Key project challenges

  • Establishing time-efficient processes which free architects’ time, streamline specification and minimize errors
  • Acquiring reliable local expertise on door regulations, compliance and other legal requirements

Solution

Close collaboration and trust built over multiple years and projects ensures Latva ja Vaara have the concise, accurate information they need: on local regulations; on compatible products and their assembly; and on materials’ contract costs. A local ASSA ABLOY specification expert is always available to address challenges along the way. Collaboration saves valuable time for architectural design work. In renovation projects, ASSA ABLOY’s local experts also conduct site visits before design phase to assess existing doors. This ensures necessary updates are integrated within the overall retrofit plan alongside new doors.

As a result, “ambiguities at the construction site have decreased,” says technical designer Niko Peltonen. One key collaboration tool is Openings Studio software. Once agreed and checked for alignment with the overall design concept, hardware sets are transferred directly from this specification software to the architect's model and highlighted in door schedules, floor plans and door lists. “Support functions worked effortlessly,” adds Niko. “The ASSA ABLOY specifier quickly provided answers to questions about the door environment which arose during the project. Updates to the plan came days after our announcement of the changes.” The practice’s own knowlewdge has grown as the collaboration continues.

Project Overview

BIM partner: Latva ja Vaara Architects, Lahti, Finland (latvavaara.fi)

Type: Architect

Projects: The Latva ja Vaara practice designs with a down-to-earth, practical focus and creates buildings they “can be proud of after the project is completed,” in the words of architects and owners, Jorma Latva and Markku Vaara. Since 2007 they have operated using a BIM workflow – in cooperation with ASSA ABLOY since 2021, on projects as diverse as Jokiniemi School, daycare centres and government offices in Lappeenranta

Specification size: from 100 to 1000 doors, depending on the project

Date: 2021

Segments: Education / Government buildings

Software: Openings Studio, Autodesk Revit® & Enscape

ASSA ABLOY hardware supplied: A range of solutions including cylinders & digital access control systems; door hardware, automation systems & closers; exit & fire door closing systems