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Tackling Ireland’s Housing Crisis: The Role of BIM and Scan-to-BIM Technologies

  • Writer: Mzukisi Qunta
    Mzukisi Qunta
  • Oct 22
  • 3 min read

By Mzukisi Qunta — forward-thinking insights for operations and BIM leaders

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Introduction

Ireland's housing crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with demand far surpassing supply. In 2025, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) projected that only 33,000 new homes would be delivered, falling short of the 52,000 units annually deemed necessary by the Central Bank to meet demand (Irish Post, 2025). This shortfall is exacerbated by escalating property prices and a growing homeless population. In this context, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Scan-to-BIM technologies emerge as pivotal solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate housing delivery.


Understanding BIM and Scan-to-BIM

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility. It serves as a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility, forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life cycle, from inception onward.

Scan-to-BIM involves converting point cloud data obtained from 3D laser scanning into detailed BIM models. This process is particularly beneficial for refurbishing existing structures, ensuring accuracy in renovations, and integrating new designs with minimal disruption.


Addressing the Housing Shortfall

  • Accelerating Construction Processes

    • BIM facilitates streamlined workflows, reducing the time required for design, approval, and construction phases. By enabling real-time collaboration among stakeholders, BIM minimizes errors and rework, leading to faster project delivery.

  • Enhancing Cost Efficiency

    • Through precise modeling and clash detection, BIM helps in identifying potential issues early in the design phase, thereby reducing costly changes during construction. This proactive approach contributes to significant cost savings, which is crucial in delivering affordable housing.

  • Optimizing Resource Allocation

    • BIM's data-driven insights allow for better planning and resource management. By accurately forecasting material requirements and labor needs, BIM aids in minimizing waste and ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently.


Revitalizing Existing Housing Stock with Scan-to-BIM

  • Accurate Assessment of Existing Conditions

    • Scan-to-BIM provides precise 3D models of existing structures, enabling accurate assessments of their condition. This is particularly valuable for retrofitting older housing stock, ensuring that renovations are based on reliable data.

  • Facilitating Energy Efficiency Upgrades

    • Detailed models generated through Scan-to-BIM can identify areas where energy efficiency improvements are needed. This capability supports the implementation of upgrades that reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs for residents.

  • Supporting Infill Development

    • Scan-to-BIM aids in assessing underutilized spaces within urban areas, facilitating the design and construction of additional housing units in these locations. This approach contributes to maximizing land use and increasing housing availability.


Real-World Applications in Ireland

Several projects in Ireland have successfully integrated BIM and Scan-to-BIM technologies:

  • MaRS BIM Solutions undertook a Scan-to-BIM project for a residential development, converting point cloud scan data into detailed BIM models, which streamlined the renovation process and improved accuracy (MaRS BIM, n.d.).

  • Everest Technical Services offers Scan-to-BIM services that transform legacy data and CAD drawings into intelligent, comprehensive BIM assets, enhancing the efficiency of renovation projects (Everest Technical Services, n.d.).

  • Pinnacle Infotech provides Scan-to-BIM services, executing several construction projects for international clients, showcasing the scalability and adaptability of these technologies (Pinnacle Infotech, n.d.).


Policy Recommendations and Call to Action

To leverage BIM and Scan-to-BIM technologies effectively, the following measures are recommended:

  • Government Incentives:

    • Introduce tax incentives and grants for developers and contractors who adopt BIM and Scan-to-BIM technologies, encouraging widespread implementation.

  • Training and Education:

    • Establish training programs to equip professionals with the necessary skills to utilize BIM and Scan-to-BIM tools, ensuring a competent workforce.

  • Standardization:

    • Develop and implement national standards for BIM and Scan-to-BIM processes to ensure consistency and interoperability across projects.

  • Public Awareness:

    • Launch campaigns to raise awareness among the public and private sectors about the benefits of BIM and Scan-to-BIM technologies in addressing the housing crisis.


Conclusion

The integration of BIM and Scan-to-BIM technologies offers a transformative approach to tackling Ireland's housing crisis. By enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and optimizing resource allocation, these technologies can accelerate the delivery of both new and refurbished housing. However, realizing their full potential requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including government bodies, industry professionals, and the community. Through collaborative action and strategic investment, BIM and Scan-to-BIM can play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and inclusive housing future for Ireland.


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