The leistungphasen / hoai explained

By Daniel O’Reilly – Arch X Tecture

Overview

The stages of any construction project are defined under German law, this is the referred to as the performance phases, construction phases or HOAI, (Honorarordnung für Architekten und Ingenieurs, Schedule of Services and Fees for Architects and Engineers ). The German project stages only apply to the work of the architects and engineers and are allocated a proportion of the total project fee for such services. The costs of the land and the construction work are calculated separately.

Note: This guide was written from the point of view of someone family with the Irish and UK planning processes.

LP1

Strategic Definition

Grundlagenermittlung mit Prüfung des Kostenrahmens vom Bauherren.

basic evaluation with an examination of the cost budget from the client

This stage is not about design or practical details. Rather it focuses on considering the pros and cons, realising the project risks and project budget for the range of options available to a client. A site survey may be undertaken along with appraisals before deciding on a preferred option which matches the clients requirements. Important for the client to consider all of their options and requirements as can save time, as well as produce a more coherent design in later stages. 

  • Client preparation of a brief; their needs, what works, what does not work etc 

  • Budget 

  • Timeframe

  • Potential of the site, constraints

  • Review of precedent projects, for cost per sq/m, feedback, design

  • Define whether specialist expertise is needed; ie fire, conservation, quantity surveyor, disability

LP2

Preparation & Brief

Vorplanung mit Kostenschätzung.

preliminary planning with a cost estimate

First ideas, sketches and basic layouts are produced to get a sense of clients ideas and personal preferences. A rough cost estimation is produced. 

  • Detailed site survey
  • Initial ideas
  • Cost estimation

LP3

Conceptual Design

Entwurfsplanung inklusive Kostenberechnung.

design planning including cost calculation.

In this phase the layout of the floor plans is decided on, exactly what is needed in each part of the building and some rough designs for facades, details such as windows. The aim is a more precise cost calculation. 

  • Refine design
  • Discuss requirements further for cost estimation

LP4

Planning Permission

Genehmigungsplanung.

After the initial design is produced, the technical process can start. This phase focus on providing enough information to obtain planning permission. Paperwork along with more detailed drawings are produced. The input of external consultants such as surveyors, engineers, fire officers etc may be sought. An application to the planning office is made. 

  • More detailed drawings 
  • External consultants
  • Application to planning office

LP5

Technical Design

Ausführungsplanung

Planning permission is awarded and detailed drawings in preparation for tender are produced. Architects work at multiple scales here designing everything from the overall layout, to site drawings, to technical details for components i.e. roofs, windows etc. 

  • Permit awarded
  • Technical drawings

LP6

Technical Design in Preparation for Project Tender

Vorbereitung der Vergabe, einschließlich Ermitteln der Mengen und Aufstellen von verpreisten Leistungsverzeichnissen.

preparation for award of contract, including determination of quantities and preparation of priced bills of quantities.

At this stage all specifications and tender drawings for the project are completed. A written description along with a list of materials is developed for the construction companies. They will then get estimates from needed craftsmen and precise cost estimates are produced.

LP7

Technical Design & Tender Awarded

Mitwirkung bei der Vergabe inklusive Kostenanschlag.

participation in the award of contracts including a cost estimate.

The construction company with the lowest cost estimate is selected. Further drawings are produced and negotiations and clarifications between architects and craftsmen occur. At the end of this phase everything is ready for construction. 

  • Tender awarded 
  • Everything prepared in advance of construction

LP8

Construction

Objektüberwachung — Bauüberwachung und Dokumentation.

site supervision — Construction supervision and documentation.

During this phase the architect supervises the construction of the building, to what was specified under planning regulations and what is specified under German law. This is one of the most important phases of the project and it can take the largest part of an architect’s fees. 

  • Supervision 
  • Compliance

LP9

Handover

Objektbetreuung inklusive Gewährleistungsverfolgung.

property management including warranty tracking.

This is a documentation phase, where documents are prepared for both the clients and the planning authorities to make sure what has been built corresponds to what was planned. A snag list is prepared by the architects of defects, issues and construction not up to standard which must be rectified by the contractor. Until the project is finished this phase and a handover is completed a warranty applies. 

  • Snag list 
  • Documenting the project

Other Terms

Baurecht – Planning Permission

Bestand – Existing structures / built fabric of the site

  • Can range in scale from a singular wall, existing fixings or an overall building, to district. 

Entscheidungsvorlage – Decision Memo

  • Outlines advantages, disadvantages and costs involved in various options for details in the building plans, so that the client can make an informed decision

Erschließung – Access 

  • When used in connection with a whole building, the word may refer to the roads, public transport, or the supply of infrastructure services (electricity, gas, water etc.)
  • In a single building the word may refer to the points at which the building can be entered
  • Within a building the term is also used for the features designed to enable movement within the building, such as lifts and stairs and corridors

Gebäudetechnik – Building Infrastructure

  • heating, ventilation, air conditioning, room cooling, sanitary facilities/plumbing, electrical fittings and building automation

Haustechnik – Building Infrastructure

  • heating systems, sanitary facilities/plumbing and air conditioning.

RLT Raumlufttechnische Anlagen – Air Circulation Systems

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