Ardeo - Construction

Ardeo Core software was applied beyond healthcare in the development of CostPlan.ai, a construction software solution.

This development, funded by an Innovate UK grant under the BIM-GAIcost initiative, aims to address the widespread issue of cost overruns affecting 69% of projects and the 15% rise in UK construction costs.

By leveraging machine learning (ML) and large language models (LLMs), we have developed a Generative AI-enabled BIM platform to enhance construction cost planning. The platform accelerates initial cost planning and improves accuracy for contractors and clients.

This initiative is the result of an academic-industry collaboration involving Leeds Beckett University, Birmingham City University, and London South Bank University (LSBU), alongside SME partners Property Box, Milan Consulting, and Ardeo.

For BIM-GAIcost see blog on leedsbeckett.ac.uk

The web app is available at costplan.ai

Features

Cost Plan Generation using an ML model integrated with a Generative AI chatbot, dynamically incorporating additional data for precise construction cost estimates.
AI-powered assistance throughout the project lifecycle, from initial setup to final reporting.
Automated Cost Prediction and Scope Reports for streamlined project management.
Reports compliant with the NRM1 data reporting standard for industry consistency and accuracy.

System Architecture Overview

The BIM-GAIcost platform is built on a scalable, serverless AWS architecture to ensure high availability, performance, and security. The key components include:

Frontend & Content Delivery
> Amazon CloudFront: Distributes web app assets globally with low-latency delivery.
> Amazon S3: Stores static assets, including UI resources and user-uploaded files.
Backend Services
> AWS Lambda: Handles backend logic, including cost estimation, AI processing, and chatbot responses.
> Amazon API Gateway: Serves as the entry point for all API requests, managing routing and security.
> AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store: Securely stores configuration parameters and secrets for the application.
Data Storage & Management
> Amazon DynamoDB: Stores user projects, datasets, and cost estimation outputs with fast, scalable access.
AI Chatbot Integration
> AWS Lambda: Also hosts and serves the AI chatbot, dynamically integrating project data and responding to user queries.