Introducing Woonconcept: a digital tool for smarter, greener building

Now ready for further roll out, in 2024, BMN developed Woonconcept: a ground-breaking digital tool that allows contractors to design houses and select all the necessary building materials in one seamless platform.

Addressing industry challenges
With increasing regulatory complexity and mounting pressure to build homes more efficiently, many smaller contractors are struggling to keep up. Woonconcept was designed to relieve this burden by offering a complete 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) solution. Contractors can configure homes with their client – selecting architectural style, bricks, solar panels, roof tiles, and even interior elements like bathrooms and kitchens – and receive support with the permit application, calculations and construction drawings. By simplifying project planning and execution, Woonconcept enables smaller contractors to build more homes more efficiently, and to gain a better competitive position in the market.

Seamless integration of sustainable choices
Gerhard Hospers, ESG/Greenworks Manager, explains: “One of Woonconcept’s key innovations is its integration of Greenworks materials, making it easier for contractors to adopt sustainable products. The majority of building components within the tool are Greenworks-certified, and where sustainable alternatives are not yet available, BMN actively collaborates with suppliers to develop them. This ensures a growing portfolio of environmentally friendly options – particularly beneficial for small- and medium-sized contractors, who often lack the resources and expertise to integrate sustainable materials and prefab building concepts into their projects.”

BMN is not only supporting sustainable construction but also reinforcing the Dutch government’s initiative to increase the use of bio-based building materials. In line with this, Woonconcept will make a fully bio-based variant available.

Early success and market adoption
Although Woonconcept is still in its early stages, market interest has been strong. A 2024 survey of contractors building 5-25 homes annually revealed high enthusiasm for the tool. As a result, 15 contractors have been selected to actively begin using the platform. Full implementation is expected in 2025, with a projected six-month lead time from tool usage to home construction.

The added value is clear: Woonconcept ensures that smaller contractors have access to the same advanced technology and sustainable options as larger firms, bridging a gap in the building industry. This provides a solution to the shortage of professional builders and reduces preparation and construction time.

Key partner in sustainable construction
BMN is positioning itself as more than just a building materials supplier – it is becoming a key partner in sustainable construction. Although the building work will always be done by the contractors themselves, BMN’s involvement starts right from the beginning of a project. By developing digital tools like Woonconcept, BMN is not only simplifying complex building processes but also driving measurable change in sustainability practices.

Read more about our progress in the 2024 BME Sustainability Report.