The research project “BIM‑Fachmodell Holzbauproduktion” set out to create the first machine‑readable industry standard for information models in multi‑storey timber construction. The core deliverable was the Fachmodell Holzbau, a specialized BIM model that captures the essential elements of timber buildings—walls, roofs, floors, structural members, connections, and detailing—using a consistent set of attributes and levels of detail (LOD). Each element is defined with a hierarchical attribute structure, allowing for precise specification of material, geometry, and performance characteristics. For example, wall modules are identified by codes such as AW_EG_001_01 for an exterior wall, while roof modules use DA_001_01. The model also incorporates detailed annotations for markings and labeling, ensuring that every component can be uniquely referenced throughout the project lifecycle.

A key technical achievement was the alignment of the Fachmodell Holzbau with the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) open data exchange format. By mapping the timber‑specific attributes to IFC properties, the model becomes interoperable with a wide range of BIM software. A survey conducted during the project revealed that a majority of timber‑construction firms already use IFC, indicating a ready market for the proposed standard. The integration with IFC also facilitates loss‑free data exchange between stakeholders, reducing the need for repetitive data entry and minimizing errors that arise from manual re‑typing of information.

The project addressed several challenges inherent in standardising timber construction data. One major issue is the definition of attribute “Ausprägungen” (realisations), which must accommodate an ever‑growing catalogue of materials and construction techniques. The team developed a flexible schema that allows new material types to be added without disrupting existing definitions, thereby preserving the lean and adaptable nature of the standard. Another challenge was ensuring that the standard remains holistic yet modular. The Fachmodell Holzbau is designed to be a building block that can be combined with future models for architecture, structural analysis, and mechanical systems. This incremental approach means that the standard can be adopted progressively, with each new module inheriting the benefits of the established data structure and terminology.

The anticipated benefits of the industry standard are significant. By standardising attribute names and values, all participants in a project will use the same terminology, eliminating ambiguity. The standard also replaces the need for a bespoke BIM‑Abwicklungsplan (BAP) for every new contract; instead, a single, reusable BAP can be applied across projects, saving time and reducing administrative overhead. The project’s findings suggest that the adoption of a unified information model could increase overall productivity in the timber‑construction sector, particularly in the digital exchange of data between design, fabrication, and construction teams.

Collaboration was central to the project’s success. The research team worked closely with representatives from timber‑construction companies, ensuring that the model reflected real‑world requirements and constraints. Continuous dialogue with industry partners helped refine the attribute sets and validate the model against existing workflows. While the report does not specify the exact funding source, it indicates that the project was supported by a German research funding body, enabling the development of the Fachmodell Holzbau over a multi‑year timeframe. The project’s outcomes have already been disseminated through social‑media channels and LinkedIn posts by the institute’s official account, signalling an early effort to promote the standard within the broader construction community.