In high-end residential construction, small measurement errors can quickly translate into costly site issues. For PT Arkananta Pilar Utama, a contractor with more than 15 years of experience in residential and warehouse projects, the challenge was clear. As housing designs became more complex and revisions more frequent, traditional quantity take-off methods were no longer sufficient. By adopting Glodon Cubicost TAS and TRB, Arkananta transformed how quantities were measured, validated, and defended, setting a new benchmark for precision and confidence in residential construction estimation.

 

 

Project and Company Overview

 

The project is a two-storey private residence located in the upscale residential enclave of Pakuwon Indah, West Surabaya. With a built-up area of approximately 945 square metres, the house reflects the growing complexity of modern private residential design. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2027.

 

PT Arkananta Pilar Utama is known for its strong emphasis on quality execution and its long-standing involvement in residential and warehouse developments. Recognising that manual workflows could no longer keep pace with modern design demands, the company introduced Cubicost TAS and TRB into this project to improve quantity accuracy, efficiency, and professional credibility.

 

 

Challenges in Manual Quantity Take-Off

 

Before adopting Cubicost, Arkananta relied on Excel and AutoCAD for quantity measurement. While workable, several challenges persisted.

 

1. Multiple Residential Unit Types

Different residential unit types had to be measured and counted individually. The QS needed to manually go through each layout, identify the relevant quantities, and separate them by area, which required considerable time and attention to detail.

 

2. System-Based Classification for M&E Components

For mechanical and electrical (M&E) components such as water gate valves, the QS had to count each item by size and assign it to the correct system. For example, identifying gate valves on hot water pipes and classifying them under the hot water system.

 

3. Wide Range of Pipe Sizes, Materials, and Systems

The process became even more complex when dealing with a wide range of pipe sizes, materials, and systems. Each variation had to be recorded and summarized separately, with care taken to keep the breakdown neat and accurate.

 

4. Time-Consuming Cross-Checking

These repetitive and detail-heavy tasks made it difficult to speed up the workflow, especially when cross-checking across multiple drawings.

 

 

 

The Digital Shift: From 2D Interpretation to 3D Model-Based Precision

 

Figure 1. Two-storey private residence measured using Cubicost TAS and TRB

 

To overcome these challenges, Arkananta introduced Glodon Cubicost TAS and TRB into its workflow.

 

1. Transition from 2D Drawings to Interactive 3D Models

By converting 2D drawings into fully interactive 3D models, the team could visualise building elements more clearly. This made it easier to understand spatial relationships, detect overlaps, and identify elements that were previously overlooked or double-counted.

 

2. Faster and More Reliable Volume Checking

According to Agustinus Christian Godeberta, the project’s Quantity Surveyor, reviewing quantities became significantly faster. Instead of recalculating older projects manually, the team could simply review and validate quantities directly within the 3D model, reducing workload and minimising errors.

 

 

Streamlining the Tender-to-Construction Workflow with Cubicost

Cubicost played a central role throughout the tender, construction, and closeout phases of the project.

 

1. Model-Based Quantity Take-Off for Tender Preparation

Once Arkananta received the “for tender” drawings, they were validated and modelled in Cubicost TAS and TRB. The generated quantities formed the basis of the BoQ, ensuring consistency and clarity for commercial decision-making.

 

2. Efficient Handling of PDF Drawings and Design Revisions

Even when drawings were received in PDF format, which typically requires more modelling effort, Cubicost still accelerated the workflow. After the initial model was created, it could be reused and adjusted throughout subsequent phases, especially when design changes were introduced by the owner or interior designer.

 

3. Stronger Position During Negotiation

With model-based quantities supported by clear visual evidence, Arkananta could confidently defend its calculations during negotiations. This improved transparency strengthened the company’s professional credibility and reinforced trust with clients.

 

 

Key Cubicost Features that Made a Difference

 

Several Cubicost features stood out as critical contributors to improved accuracy and efficiency.

 

1. Reversely-Check Model for Quality Assurance

The Reversely-Check Model feature allowed the QS team to quickly identify elements that were missing or incorrectly modelled. This became an essential quality control step that helped prevent downstream issues during construction.

 

2. Auto-Identify for Faster Modelling

The Auto-Identify function in Cubicost TAS significantly reduced the time needed to convert drawing elements into 3D components, accelerating the modelling process.

 

3. Rebar 3D and Waste Reports in TRB

For structural calculations, Rebar 3D modelling and waste reports provided greater clarity in reinforcement quantities. This helped align calculated quantities more closely with actual site requirements.

 

 

Results: Measurable Improvements in Speed, Accuracy, and Clarity

 

The adoption of Cubicost delivered clear and measurable benefits.

 

1. Improved Efficiency

Tasks that previously required long hours of manual work could now be completed in roughly half the time, allowing the team to focus on analysis instead of repetitive calculations.

 

2. Higher Accuracy in Quantity and Reinforcement Calculations

Accuracy improved significantly, particularly in reinforcement quantities where precision directly affects cost planning and material usage.

 

3. Better Cross-Team Understanding

With 3D visualisation, QSs, designers, and site engineers could understand the building more intuitively. This reduced misunderstandings and improved alignment across teams.

 

 

Training, Support, and a Sustainable Digital Adoption

 

Arkananta’s transition to Cubicost was supported by Glodon from the outset.

 

1. Structured Training and Ongoing Guidance

After an intensive three-day training programme, the team received continuous technical assistance, including project guidance and a dedicated support channel.

 

2. Scalable Internal Adoption Strategy

Arkananta adopted a strategy of training one user to an advanced level before expanding usage internally. This approach helped build confidence, expertise, and sustainable adoption across the organisation.

 

From a management perspective, Cubicost was seen not just as software, but as a reliable digital team member that enhances productivity, reduces risk, and consistently delivers results.

 

 

A New Standard for Residential Construction Estimation

 

For PT Arkananta Pilar Utama, Glodon Cubicost TAS and TRB have become essential tools in improving accuracy, efficiency, and professionalism in residential construction projects. By adopting model-based quantity take-off, the company reduced errors, accelerated workflows, and strengthened its credibility when presenting cost data to clients.

 

This transformation represents more than a technological upgrade. It positions Arkananta as a forward-thinking contractor ready to meet the demands of modern construction. With Cubicost, the team now delivers projects with greater confidence, precision, and consistency, setting a new standard for residential cost estimation in Indonesia.

 

 

The Pakuwon Indah private residence project demonstrates how Glodon Cubicost TAS and TRB can elevate residential construction estimation from manual guesswork to model-driven precision. By shifting from Excel and AutoCAD-based calculations to a fully visualised 3D workflow, PT Arkananta Pilar Utama achieved higher accuracy, faster quantity verification, and stronger confidence when coordinating with designers and clients.

More importantly, Cubicost enabled Arkananta to respond efficiently to design revisions, minimise discrepancies between drawings and site conditions, and present quantities that were clear, traceable, and defensible. This transformation has positioned the company to handle increasingly complex residential projects with greater control and professionalism.

If your team is facing similar challenges in residential or low-rise construction, Glodon Cubicost TAS and TRB can help you achieve the same level of accuracy, efficiency, and confidence. Contact us today to explore how Cubicost can support your quantity take-off and cost estimation workflows.