Cost & Time Metrics
IntroductionWhat it doesHow it is configuredHow you use it in a studySetting Currency PreferencesOrganisation LevelProject LevelSetting Construction Cost Calculation MethodSingle Default RateBuilding Type SpecificStorey Function SpecificSetting Construction Time Calculation MethodSingle Default RateBuilding Type SpecificStorey Function SpecificCost & Time Metrics - Site ViewTriggering CalculationReviewing MetricsRight Hand PanelDynamic TableConfiguring Table DataExporting Table Data
Introduction
Podium calculates build cost and build time estimates while you iterate on early design options.
It is meant for fast feasibility checks, with inputs you control (rates, rules, and methods), and outputs you can audit and export.
What it does
- Recalculates estimated build cost and build time on each design change (massing, objects placed, parameters edited)
- Uses your organisation settings, currency, unit rates, and calculation method
- Shows both totals and a traceable breakdown, so you can see what drives the number
- Exports the breakdown for review and reporting (for example, Excel)
How it is configured
- Set default currency for all feasibility outputs
- Maintain cost and time rates in Engineering Configuration (typically area based rates, plus project specific parameters)
- Select calculation method per metric (cost and time) based on your internal approach
- Define any required assumptions and rate tables once, then reuse across studies
How you use it in a study
- Place and adjust building objects on the site
- Run solve actions where relevant, then tweak inputs and geometry
- Read the summary metrics for quick comparison between options
- Drill into the line item breakdown to validate inputs and check sensitivity
- Download the detailed tables for internal sign off or to append into your existing Excel templates
Setting Currency Preferences
Organisation Level
Administrators can set the default currency for your Podium environment under Organisation Settings > Preferences > Currency. This selection will automatically apply to all new projects. Note that changing the default currency will not affect the currency settings of existing projects.
Project Level
Project Owners have the ability to change the currency for individual projects, which may be necessary if the project operates in a different region. To do this, navigate to the project via Project Settings > Preferences > Currency. Please be advised that this action only updates the currency unit displayed; it does not convert or recalculate existing values or metrics.
Setting Construction Cost Calculation Method
The build-cost calculation is always based on the simple formula: IPMS1 Area x Corresponding Cost Rate. You can select from different levels of detail for the rate calculation method, which dictates which rate from the Construction Cost Rates table is applied.
You can choose one of three levels of detail for your calculation: 'Single Default Rate,' 'Building Type Specific,' or 'Storey Function Specific.'
Single Default Rate
This is the most basic calculation method.
- The system applies a single, universal rate: "Type: Default; Name: Default Construction" to every building object in your scenario.
Building Type Specific
This method offers a more granular calculation based on the building type.
- Rates of type "Building" are used.
- The system matches the rate name to the building object type in your scenario.
- Example: For a building object identified as a "Data Centre," the method will apply the rate "Type: Building; Name: Data Centre."
Storey Function Specific
This method provides the most control by factoring in the specific function assigned to storeys within building objects.
- Specific Function: If you assign a function (e.g., "Amenity Storey") to a storey, the rate "Type: Function; Name: Amenity Storey" is used.
- No Function: If a storey does not have an assigned function, the method reverts to the default rate: "Type: Default; Name: Default Construction."
Setting Construction Time Calculation Method
The build-time calculation is always based on the simple formula: Build time rate / IPMS1 Area. You can select from different levels of detail for the rate calculation method, which dictates which rate from the Construction Time Rates table is applied.
You can choose one of three levels of detail for your calculation: 'Single Default Rate,' 'Building Type Specific,' or 'Storey Function Specific.'
Single Default Rate
This is the most basic calculation method for time estimation.
- The system applies a single, universal rate: "Type: Default; Name: Default Construction" to determine the construction time for every building object in your scenario.
Building Type Specific
This method offers a more granular calculation based on the building type.
- Rates of type "Building" are used.
- The system matches the rate name to the building object type in your scenario.
- Example: For a building object identified as a "Data Centre," the method will apply the rate "Type: Building; Name: Data Centre" from the Construction Time Rates table.
Storey Function Specific
This method provides the most control by factoring in the specific function assigned to storeys within building objects.
- Specific Function: If you assign a function (e.g., "Amenity Storey") to a storey, the rate "Type: Function; Name: Amenity Storey" is used.
- No Function: If a storey does not have an assigned function, the method reverts to the default rate: "Type: Default; Name: Default Construction."
Cost & Time Metrics - Site View
Triggering Calculation
To view the build-cost and build-time metrics for your feasibility study in the Site View, no specific action is required on your part. The necessary calculation methods are automatically triggered whenever you place or manipulate building objects within the 3D scene of your site.
Reviewing Metrics
Right Hand Panel
To review your build-cost and build-time estimates, simply select the desired element of type site, building, or building storey — either in the 3D scene or the left-hand panel. The corresponding data will populate in the 'Construction' section of the metrics within the right-hand panel.
Dynamic Table
In the 'Construction' section of the metrics (right-hand panel), clicking the dedicated icon opens a dynamic table . This table provides access to three data tabs: Cost, Time, and Area.
Key Features:
- It displays the hierarchical tree of your site's building objects, which you can expand down to the storey level.
- It provides a transparent, line-item breakdown of the construction metrics.
- Selecting an entry in the table automatically highlights the corresponding element within the 3D scene.
Configuring Table Data
Beyond the table's default state, you have the ability to customise the displayed columns. To configure the view, click the 'Configure' button located in the bottom right corner of the table. A modal will appear, allowing you to toggle specific table columns on or off.
Exporting Table Data
Should you require reviewing the metrics in an external program like Excel, you can easily download the data currently displayed in the dynamic table. Simply click the download icon located in the top right corner of the table.