Trimble has acquired New York and London-based Sefaira, which develops cloud-based software for the design of sustainable and high-performance buildings, for an undisclosed amount.
The addition of Sefaira expands Trimble’s design-build-operate (DBO) portfolio to include tools for designing high-performing buildings early in the conceptual phase of a project.
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Using Sefaira’s solutions, architects and other building designers will have the real-time analysis capabilities that enable them to create high performing sustainable building designs at low cost, by maximising capital efficiency and minimising energy and water use.
According to the figures released by United Nations Environment Programme’s Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiatives, buildings consume more than 40% of global energy.
Sefaira analysis can be run with models created in SketchUp, Trimble’s flagship building design tool for architects and engineers, as well as with models created in Autodesk Revit.
Trimble architecture and design division general manager Chris Keating said: "Architects rely on SketchUp to understand conceptual design choices and develop constructible models.
"But today, design is no longer just about aesthetics. Architects need to consider building performance in a more intuitive way, and be able to collaborate better with the engineers who design the systems that make buildings work.
"We have been a development partner with Sefaira for years now, and we are excited to increase our commitment to this space by adding Sefaira’s tools into Trimble’s portfolio of products for building designers and engineers."
Additionally, engineers and contractors will be able to derive and analyse HVAC design scenarios from an architectural model using tools provided by Sefaira.
Sefaira CEO Mads Jensen said: "Sefaira’s tools are already being used by designers at more than 500 firms globally.
"Joining forces with Trimble will allow us to expand the reach of our tools much further, bringing performance analysis to many more architects around the world.
"This is an exciting milestone in our journey towards a future where building design is synonymous with high-performance, resulting in a built environment that is truly sustainable."
Trimble recently launched a new automatic self-levelling laser for interior construction applications such as installing suspended ceilings, drywall and raised floors.
The new Spectra Precision HV302G Horizontal / Vertical Laser can be used for a wide variety of horizontal, vertical and plumb applications. It has both a rotating beam as well as a plumb beam to make 90 degree layout a simple task.
