Streamlining Feasibility Studies for Housing Associations with SiteSolve

Housing associations play a vital role in addressing the housing needs of communities. However, the journey from concept to construction is fraught with challenges. One critical phase in this process is the feasibility study. This stage requires meticulous planning and data analysis to ensure the project's viability. This is where SiteSolve, VU.CITY’s generative design tool, comes to the rescue by speeding up the process.

Feasibility Study: Minimising Risk, Maximising Clarity

The feasibility study is the cornerstone of any housing association's development project. It aims to minimise the margin of error in initial cost estimates, often as high as +/- 30%. Housing associations need to bring this error down to a more comfortable 5-10% before committing significant resources. SiteSolve can be used in this process by providing invaluable insights and data.

SiteSolve helps streamline the feasibility study by:

1. Generating massing options: SiteSolve enables you to enter your site, set your criteria, import your productbook and in minutes, will generate massing options that fulfil your site’s potential. This means you can evaluate multiple sites in the time it would take to do a single feasibility study on one location. By generating these potential configurations, you can find the ones which best meet your needs.
   
   
2. Data Aggregation: SiteSolve aggregates a plethora of data, including GEA, number of units and embodied carbon estimates. to understand the feasibility and impact of your scheme in seconds. The results it generates provide you with the information you need to understand the constraints of your site, which housing associations are then able to account for. You can use these results to increase buy-in. 
   
   
3. Environmental Insights: By inputting your data, SiteSolve can compare different design options and outputs, including GEA, number of units and embodied carbon estimates. This information is crucial for identifying potential risks early in the project, saving time and resources.
   
   

With SiteSolve's data-driven approach, you remove the guesswork. Housing associations can significantly reduce uncertainties and make informed decisions about project viability. This leads to more accurate cost estimates, better risk assessment, and improved planning.

Watch it in action below.

“We did a full trial [of generative design tools]… And SiteSolve sailed over the top of all of them, for usability and for use with VU.CITY.”. Dave Lee, Director at Clarion Housing Group. 

Find out how Clarion saved 9 months worth of work using SiteSolve and VU.CITY here

The bigger picture

With the power of VU.CITY and SiteSolve combined, you can get an even more accurate answer. How? With VU.CITY’s contextual and planning functionality, you can set the parameters of your site, then with SiteSolve, you can generate the massing that meets your needs. 

The result? You’ll be armed with the best massing option to assess your design in an immersive context and securely share it with the project team, clients and investors. 

Conclusion

SiteSolve revolutionises the feasibility study phase for housing associations. By providing a comprehensive platform for data collection, analysis, collaboration, and compliance, it significantly reduces project risks and accelerates the path from concept to construction. With SiteSolve, housing associations can embark on their projects with greater confidence, knowing they have a powerful tool at their disposal to navigate the complexities of development.