The ever-growing digital transformation in construction is here. From design to maintenance to compliance, digital assets are no longer optional – they are becoming mandatory.

Since 2016, UK central government clients have required collaborative digital information management on centrally-procured projects – originally described as ‘BIM Level 2’. Today these requirements are set out through the UK BIM Framework and BS EN ISO 19650 standards.

At Consort, we’ve recently launched our BIM library to include over 70 essential product models across our hardware range, ensuring that architects, specifiers, and contractors have easy access to the compliant digital resources and assets they need to design, plan, and deliver projects with confidence.

But why does this matter and why is BIM now such a necessity in architectural hardware?

The Growing Demand for Digital Assets

Only less than a decade ago, construction specifications were heavily paper-based. Only product brochures/portfolios and CAD line drawings were the main resources available. Today, the industry is rapidly evolving to a fully digital workflow, where design, compliance, maintenance, and lifecycle management are connected through platforms such as Revit and NBS, and soon to be digital product passports.

This evolution isn’t driven by convenience alone. BIM is integral to meeting:

• UK Government mandates on digital construction and the “Golden Thread” of building information.

• Fire Safety regulations, which increasingly require accurate, up-to-date, verifiable data.

• Sustainability reporting, where product EPDs and lifecycle data must be accessible at design stage.

In summary, if products can’t be modelled or conceptualised digitally, they risk being left out of project specifications.

What BIM Means for Hardware

Door hardware may seem like a minor component in the grand scheme of a building, but it plays a critical role in performance, safety, and compliance. Doorsets, for example, are only as strong as the hardware that secures them. Within BIM, even a single component such as a door closer carries parametric data that can be used to identify potential clashes with ceiling details or door frames – helping design teams ensure both functionality and compliance early in the coordination process.

Accessing hardware as BIM objects ensures:

• Accuracy in design – products are modelled at the correct LOD (Level of Detail) so they integrate accurately into project drawings.
• Faster specification – architects and contractors can drag-and-drop products/objects into designs, saving hours of manual work (with links directly to important documentation)
• Compliance assurance – product certifications, fire ratings, testing evidence, and sustainability data are embedded into the model.
• Reduced errors on site – accurate digital models reduce the risk of incorrect products being installed.

Our Approach: More Than Just Files

At Consort, our investment and development in BIM is not about following a trend, it’s about supporting the people who specify, design, and install our products every day.

Our first expansion marks only the first phase of our digital rollout, which includes:

• Over 70 BIM Objects across our hardware range, including our full Premium Lever Handle collection, most of our European mortise items and more.
• All objects are designed to a compliant LOD 200, balancing detail with usability in large project models.
• Each file is crafted with accuracy, compliance data and sustainability information to support the Golden Thread.
• Our models are available via NBS and will be soon available directly from our website for even easier access.

We will continue to grow and invest in our digital library and expansion, ensuring every major Consort product has a corresponding BIM object available. We expect to roll out our next phase of digital assets in Q1 of 2026.

Looking Ahead: Digital Construction in 2026 and Beyond.

Tragic events such as Grenfell Tower have highlighted and changed the need for greater transparency and accountability in the specification of building products. At the same time, new legislations like Martyn’s Law is reshaping how public spaces are designed and secured, placing a integral focus on resilience, traceability and responsibility.

The result is a new era of modern standards that acknowledges every component, no matter how small, must be backed by verifiable data and performance credentials. Consort, is committed to leading change in our sector and will continually invest in digital assets that give architects and contractors the confidence to specify hardware that meets not only today’s standards, but tomorrow’s too.

Conclusion: Why This Matters for Specifiers

We’ve arrived in an era where compliance, traceability and efficiency are critical. BIM objects have evolved into a necessity for anyone involved in the design and construction process.

To support this, Consort acknowledges the expanding requirement – whether you are working on a high-rise, a healthcare facility, or a commercial development, our digital files give you the tools to design with confidence and assurance.

You can view and download our BIM objects now on NBS Source or directly via email at [email protected].

Keep up-to-date with us on our socials and website as we further announce the next phases of our digital roll-out in the coming months.