The Application of Building Information Modelling in Irish Heritage Architecture: Refurbishment, Conservation, and Alterations

Mar 11

I. Introduction: The Digital Transformation of Heritage Conservation in Ireland

The Evolving Imperative of Heritage Preservation

The preservation of architectural heritage is a task of profound cultural, social, and economic significance. These structures are not merely physical artefacts but embody collective memory, identity, and historical continuity. In the 21st century, the stewardship of this legacy is increasingly supported by digital methodologies, which offer powerful tools for understanding, managing, and conserving these invaluable assets. This shift towards digital approaches marks a critical evolution in a field traditionally reliant on manual techniques, promising enhanced precision and more sustainable outcomes for heritage buildings.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Heritage BIM (HBIM): A Paradigm Shift

Building Information Modelling (BIM) represents a fundamental change in how information related to construction projects is created and managed throughout a building's lifecycle.1 While BIM was initially conceived and developed for new constructions, its principles are progressively being adapted for the unique demands of existing structures, particularly those of historical and cultural value. This specialized application is often referred to as Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM), which extends standard BIM practices to facilitate the detailed documentation, analysis, and management of historic buildings.2 The introduction of BIM and HBIM into heritage conservation represents a significant technological leap, offering new ways to capture, analyse, and manage information about historic structures that differ radically from traditional surveys and 2D drawings. This signifies not just the adoption of a new tool, but a potential cultural shift in how heritage professionals approach their work.

The Irish Context: Unique Heritage, Pressing Needs

Ireland possesses a rich and diverse architectural heritage, ranging from ancient monuments and vernacular dwellings to grand civic and ecclesiastical buildings. The ongoing necessity for refurbishment, conservation, and sympathetic alterations is paramount to ensure the continued viability, functionality, and relevance of this historic building stock. Like many nations, Ireland faces distinct challenges and opportunities in applying advanced digital technologies to its heritage assets. The academic discourse reflects a growing recognition of this, noting that HBIM methodologies, already demonstrating international applicability, translate well to the Irish context. Indeed, given the imperative to preserve the national built heritage, there is "abundant scope for further research and application in this arena".3 This suggests not merely an opportunity but an emerging understanding of the pressing need for such tools within the Irish heritage sector to address the complexities of maintaining and adapting these structures for contemporary use.

Introducing David Williams & Co Architects: A Contemporary Lens on BIM and Heritage

Within this evolving landscape, David Williams & Co Architects emerges as a contemporary Irish architectural practice whose work and stated policies offer a pertinent lens through which to examine the application of BIM in heritage contexts. The firm’s emphasis on "social and environmental sustainability" and the creation of "intelligent building responses" aligns closely with the core tenets of heritage conservation, which inherently values the longevity and thoughtful adaptation of existing structures.4 Firms like David Williams & Co Architects, by explicitly adopting BIM for all projects, including those involving existing and historic buildings, are at the forefront of this innovative shift in Ireland.4

Report Aims and Structure

This report aims to analyse the use of Building Information Modelling in Irish heritage architectural projects, with a specific focus on processes of refurbishment, conservation, and alterations to existing buildings. It will critically examine the benefits, challenges, and future opportunities associated with BIM/HBIM adoption in Ireland, drawing particular reference to the practices and philosophy of David Williams & Co Architects. The subsequent sections will delve into the core principles of BIM and HBIM, explore the current Irish landscape of BIM adoption in heritage, provide a detailed examination of David Williams & Co Architects' approach, and discuss the broader implications and future trajectories for this technology in safeguarding Ireland's built heritage.

II. Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Realm of Heritage Architecture

Core Principles and Functionalities of BIM

Building Information Modelling is fundamentally a process that involves the creation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places. A BIM is a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility, forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from earliest conception to demolition.1 These virtual building models are not merely three-dimensional geometric representations but are linked to a wealth of comprehensive data, including "numerical data, texts, images, and other types of information".1

A central concept within BIM is that of "smart objects" or parametric components. These are digital elements that represent physical building parts (like walls, windows, or beams) and are defined by numerical parameters (such as dimensions) and embedded with other relevant information (like materials, performance characteristics, or conservation status).1 The parametric nature of these objects means they can be easily modified and updated, a feature of particular importance for heritage buildings which often require frequent updates to their documentation due to new discoveries, ongoing interpretations, planned interventions, or unintended changes such as weathering or decay.1 While BIM was initially developed to plan and manage the entire lifecycle of new buildings 1, its application to the complexities of existing built heritage is a more recent and specialized field of development.

The Transition to Heritage BIM (HBIM): Addressing Unique Complexities

The application of BIM to heritage structures, often termed Heritage BIM (HBIM), involves adapting standard BIM methodologies to meet the specific and often intricate needs of heritage conservation.2 This adaptation is crucial because built heritage is typically characterized by "complex morphology and non-homogeneous features" 1, such as irregular geometries, material degradation, and undocumented alterations, which often conflict with the standardized procedures and object libraries inherent in conventional BIM software designed for new construction. HBIM aims to address these complexities, including irregular forms, structural deformations, and the inherent uncertainties often encountered in historic fabric.2 Furthermore, HBIM seeks to integrate a diverse range of data types crucial for heritage understanding, including historical records, archaeological findings, and detailed architectural information.2

This necessary transition from BIM to HBIM underscores a fundamental challenge: BIM's origins in new construction, which prioritizes standardization and predictability, are often at odds with the unique, irregular, and uncertain nature of heritage assets. This inherent mismatch necessitates the development of specialized HBIM approaches, tools, and object libraries.1 The significant effort invested in creating these bespoke solutions highlights the substantial adaptation required to make BIM truly effective for heritage. Thus, HBIM is not simply "BIM for old buildings" but an active field of research and development focused on overcoming these fundamental incompatibilities.

Key Processes in HBIM

The typical HBIM workflow encompasses several critical stages, primarily survey and digitization, modelling, and information holding and management.2

Survey and Digitization:

The accurate recording of existing conditions is the bedrock of any heritage project. Traditionally, this involved manual measurements and triangulation techniques.1 Contemporary practice, however, increasingly relies on advanced digital survey methods. The current trend combines Digital Photogrammetry with Laser Scanning to capture high-resolution photographic data of material textures and detailed information on material degradation.1 Terrestrial Laser Scanners (TLS) are widely used to produce dense "point clouds"—sets of 3D data points—that accurately map the surface of scanned objects.1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, equipped with cameras or scanners, are also employed, particularly for surveying large or inaccessible areas of buildings and their surrounding landscapes.1 This data then forms the basis of the "scan-to-BIM" process, where the geometric data from laser scanning or photogrammetry is used to create digital models, facilitating structural assessments and future conservation planning for existing heritage structures.2

Modelling:

The data acquired during the survey phase is then processed to create an intelligent 3D model. A key aspect of HBIM is the development and use of parametric smart object libraries that are specific to heritage architecture. These libraries may contain elements representing historical architectural styles or construction techniques, sometimes created following procedural modelling rules based on shape grammars.1 An example is JHBIM, an extension designed for the Old Jeddah built heritage, which involved creating a library of Jeddah-specific smart objects.1 However, a significant challenge in this phase is that BIM software does not yet allow for fully automated procedures to model heritage buildings from survey data. The post-processing of point clouds and the creation of accurate, intelligent heritage objects can be time-consuming and often require considerable manual intervention.1

Information Holding and Management:

Perhaps the most powerful feature of BIM for heritage science is its capacity to link 3D models to a vast array of associated metadata. This can include archival photographs, historical texts and documents, condition reports, material characterization data, environmental monitoring data, and architectural specifications.1 The HBIM workflow typically involves three critical stages: data collection, data processing, and data fusion, aiming to create a comprehensive digital representation.2 Despite this potential, a notable challenge persists: a gap in BIM's current capabilities to seamlessly store, integrate, and synchronize extensive cultural and historical documentation, as well as monitored and simulated data crucial for preventive conservation.1 Often, external database content must be manually linked or copy-pasted into BIM spreadsheets, which can lead to synchronization issues and incomplete integration of the rich tapestry of information that defines a heritage asset. This "data integration hurdle" means that while the promise of a data-rich HBIM environment is immense, its practical utility is often constrained by current technological limitations in achieving true, seamless data fusion.

III. The Irish Landscape: BIM Adoption and Heritage Conservation

Current State of BIM Implementation in the Irish AEC Sector

The use of Building Information Modelling in the Irish Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector has become increasingly "pervasive" over the last decade and is now widely regarded as an essential element for improving productivity and efficiency in the market.3 This adoption has been largely "industry-led," with proactive organizations and firms driving the integration of digital workflows.3 A notable example of this industry initiative is the Construction IT Alliance (CitA), which, through its biennial BIM Gathering conference series, has played a significant role in showcasing BIM activities, fostering collaboration, and promoting the dissemination of research and best practices among industry professionals and academics.3

While not specific to heritage, the broader capability of the Irish industry in leveraging BIM is evident in projects like the Three Park Place office development in Dublin. Varming Consulting Engineers implemented BIM for this project, which was designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. The use of BIM brought immediate benefits, including enhanced visualization of the finished building through Navisworks walk-throughs, saving significant time compared to traditional 2D drawing reviews. Furthermore, the integration of the BIM model with dynamic simulation allowed for early-stage evaluation of the development's environmental impact, optimization of glazing ratios, and confirmation of LEED credits for daylighting and thermal comfort. This project also demonstrated BIM's utility in coordinating architectural, structural, and mechanical/electrical models virtually, thereby reducing on-site coordination time and requests for information (RFIs).5 Such examples illustrate a growing maturity in BIM application within the Irish construction sector, providing a foundation upon which specialized uses like HBIM can build.

Specific Initiatives and Research Trends in HBIM in Ireland

Parallel to the broader uptake of BIM, Heritage BIM is emerging as a significant and growing area of research and application in Ireland. There is a clear recognition that HBIM has "abundant scope for further research and application" in the critical task of preserving the nation's built heritage.3 Irish academic institutions are actively contributing to this field. For instance, researchers at the Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin) have been involved in developing HBIM as a virtual learning tool. This work includes the construction of interactive parametric objects representing historical architectural elements from historic data, which are then accurately mapped onto laser or image-based surveys. These architectural elements are scripted using Geometric Description Language (GDL), showcasing a sophisticated approach to creating detailed digital heritage assets.6

Further indicating the advanced nature of Irish research in this domain is the proposal of innovative frameworks such as the "Echo-based Heritage Digital Twin (EH-DT)".2 This framework seeks to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically text-to-image generation, with HBIM to assist in the digital reconstruction of 'lost' or partially destroyed heritage buildings, leveraging community-driven intangible data sources like oral histories and memories.2 Such cutting-edge research demonstrates a proactive engagement with the unique challenges of documenting and interpreting heritage where physical evidence may be scarce.

Policy Environment and Support Mechanisms (or Lack Thereof)

Despite the grassroots enthusiasm and innovation from industry and academia, the policy environment for BIM in Ireland, particularly concerning public sector projects, presents a more complex picture. There is a strongly articulated view within the research community that it is "vital that the government in Ireland adopts BIM for its public contracts as soon as practicable" to drive wider adoption and standardization.3 The BIM Innovation Capability Programme (BICP), funded by Enterprise Ireland, conducted assessments that identified certain weaknesses in the Irish construction industry's readiness for comprehensive BIM implementation, particularly in areas of policy, standardized procedures, and training.3

The continued absence of a national Centre of Excellence for BIM is seen by some observers as a potential impediment to leading the industry towards more advanced stages of BIM evolution. Without more concerted government initiatives, future BIM research and development, including that for HBIM, might remain somewhat ad hoc and uncoordinated.3 This situation creates a dichotomy: significant BIM activity and research are being driven by industry and academic initiatives, yet a perceived lack of a strong governmental mandate or centralized support structure may be slowing systemic change. While innovation flourishes in pockets, its widespread, standardized adoption, especially for the extensive portfolio of public heritage assets, could be hampered by this policy gap.

Furthermore, the structure of the Irish construction industry, which has a high percentage of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), poses a specific challenge for the widespread implementation of BIM Level 2 and beyond.3 Heritage projects, particularly smaller-scale refurbishments, conservation interventions, and alterations, are frequently undertaken by such SMEs. These firms often face greater barriers to adopting new technologies like BIM due to initial investment costs, training requirements, and the need to adapt established workflows. If BIM is perceived as too complex or expensive for these enterprises, its application in a significant portion of Irish heritage work could remain limited, highlighting that the success of BIM in Irish heritage is contingent not only on technological capability but also on its accessibility and scalability for the firms that typically undertake such work.

IV. David Williams & Co Architects: A Case Study in BIM-Enabled Heritage Practice

Firm Philosophy: Sustainability, Efficiency, and Contextual Response

David Williams & Co Architects operates with a distinct philosophy centered on "Joyful Efficiency" and "Sustainable Impact".7 "Joyful Efficiency" translates into the creation of buildings that are simple, meet user needs effectively, and are delivered with operational efficiency and meticulous attention to detail.7 The firm's commitment to "Sustainable Impact" is evident in its aim to design "long-life, low-energy, environmentally and socially sustainable buildings which will stand the test of time and last for generations".7 This approach, which seeks to positively transform communities and ecosystems, inherently aligns with the core principles of heritage conservation: the preservation and thoughtful reuse of existing building stock. The practice emphasizes designing spaces that respond to their unique needs and contexts, delivering high-quality results efficiently.7

Explicit BIM Adoption and Policy

A defining characteristic of David Williams & Co Architects is their comprehensive and explicit adoption of Building Information Modelling. David Williams has stated, "Every project is developed in BIM...".4 This clear policy extends across all their work, including projects involving existing and heritage structures. Their approach to BIM is not casual; projects are developed "...in accordance with the ISO 19650 series, with appropriate information exchange protocols in place".4 This adherence to international standards signifies a mature, systematic, and quality-assured methodology for BIM implementation.

Further illuminating their BIM philosophy is the concept of "build it twice": "In BIM we build the building twice; once digitally and once on-site. This enables us to review buildability and efficiency before committing to the real-life project on site".4 This digital rehearsal is particularly valuable for heritage projects, which are often fraught with unforeseen conditions and complexities. The firm’s principal, David Williams, also has a background that includes guest-lecturing in BIM at Birmingham City University, indicating a deep level of expertise and engagement with BIM education and its theoretical underpinnings.4 As a "young company" 4, their sophisticated and comprehensive BIM adoption challenges the common assumption that advanced BIM implementation is solely the domain of large, long-established firms. Their commitment appears driven by clearly perceived business benefits such as enhanced efficiency, risk reduction, and improved quality outcomes 4, serving as an encouraging example for other Irish SMEs in the architectural field.

Application in Refurbishment, Conservation, and Alteration Projects

The firm’s portfolio includes several projects that involve engagement with existing structures, where their BIM policy would logically be applied.

A key example is the Blennerville Windmill Visitor Centre project. This initiative involves the "reuse, adaptation and extension of an existing underused building" that possesses significant local history, with the windmill itself having been restored by community efforts in the 1980s.4 The ambitious project aims to create approximately 1,400 square meters of space, encompassing a museum, retail areas, event spaces, offices, a community meeting room, co-working facilities overlooking Tralee Bay, and a new bakery and baking school.4 David Williams & Co Architects were involved in preparing a feasibility study for this centre in October 2021, which included considerations for "sustainable upgrades".9 The project was subsequently shortlisted for the Public Building of the Year Award.4 Given the firm's explicit policy of using BIM for every project and the complexity of integrating new functions into a historic site, it is highly probable that BIM was central to the design, coordination, and planning of these interventions. The "build it twice" philosophy would be particularly salient here, allowing for virtual testing of how new elements integrate with the existing historic fabric of the windmill and its associated structures, thereby mitigating risks inherent in such a sensitive adaptation.

Other projects listed in the firm's sketchbook also indicate engagement with existing and potentially heritage contexts, such as an "Interior refurbishment of an existing derelict building, Caherciveen Co. Kerry" (April 2025 update) 9, a "New mews house at the rear of an existing Victorian Protected Structure in Dublin 6" (July 2023) 9, and "An extensive refurbishment of an existing house" in Kerry (March 2022).9 The mews house project, for instance, is described as aiming for a "respectful dialogue between the past and present".9 While BIM is not explicitly mentioned for these specific sketchbook entries, the overarching policy of universal BIM adoption 4 implies its application. In such a context, BIM would serve as a critical tool to achieve this "respectful dialogue" by enabling precise 3D modelling of both the existing heritage asset (potentially derived from scan data) and the proposed new elements. This allows for detailed visualization, clash detection, and iterative assessment of the relationship between old and new in a virtual environment before any physical work commences, thereby supporting the architectural intent to sensitively integrate contemporary design with historic settings.

How BIM Facilitates Stated Goals in Heritage Contexts

The adoption of BIM by David Williams & Co Architects directly supports their stated goals, particularly within the demanding context of heritage projects:

Efficiency and Risk Reduction: BIM is instrumental in helping to "produce better coordinated information at an early stage, and significantly reduce risk of delays and additional costs".4 This proactive risk mitigation is paramount in heritage work, where unforeseen conditions discovered during construction can lead to significant budget and timeline overruns. The digital pre-construction allows many potential issues to be identified and resolved virtually.
Buildability Review: The "build it twice" approach facilitates a thorough review of how proposed alterations or new elements will integrate with the existing historic fabric. This virtual construction helps to minimize on-site issues, ensuring smoother project execution.
Collaboration and Coordination: The firm emphasizes a "collaborative approach".7 BIM supports this by providing a common data environment where the design team, client, and potentially specialist consultants and contractors can share and coordinate information effectively. This is crucial for complex heritage projects that often involve a diverse range of expertise.
Technical Design and Delivery: Their aspiration to deliver "technically resolved, efficient, and optimised buildings" 7 is substantially aided by BIM's capacity for detailed 3D modelling, clash detection, and precise documentation.
Sustainability: BIM can be employed to analyze and optimize the energy performance and environmental impact of refurbished buildings, aligning with the firm's "Sustainable Impact" value.7 Furthermore, designing for "flexibility and adaptability" to future-proof buildings 4 can be effectively modelled, planned, and communicated using BIM.

V. Unlocking Potential: Benefits of BIM for Irish Heritage Projects

The application of Building Information Modelling, and specifically Heritage BIM, offers a spectrum of significant benefits for the refurbishment, conservation, and alteration of heritage buildings in Ireland. These advantages span from initial documentation through to long-term management and decision-making.

Enhanced Accuracy in Documentation and Analysis

One of the most immediate and impactful benefits of HBIM is the heightened accuracy it brings to the documentation of existing heritage structures. The combination of advanced surveying techniques like laser scanning and digital photogrammetry with BIM software allows for the creation of highly precise and detailed 3D models.1 These models can capture complex geometries, subtle surface details, and deformations with a level of accuracy previously unattainable through traditional methods. This forms an exceptionally reliable as-built record, which is crucial for understanding the existing state of a structure before any intervention is planned. HBIM has proven its value in representing existing heritage buildings by leveraging data collected through these advanced survey techniques, providing a solid foundation for all subsequent analysis and design work.2

Improved Collaboration and Data Management

Heritage projects are inherently multidisciplinary, often involving architects, structural engineers, conservation specialists, archaeologists, historians, and clients. Effective communication and data sharing among these diverse stakeholders are critical. BIM facilitates this by allowing for the consolidation of all project information into a single, integrated model or a federated set of models within a common data environment.1 This interoperability ensures that all professionals involved in a complex, multi-layered conservation process can access, use, and contribute to a consistent and up-to-date information pool.1 This significantly reduces the common problems of data loss, misinterpretation, and information silos that can plague projects relying on disparate 2D drawings and separate documents.1 The emphasis placed by firms like David Williams & Co Architects on "Collaboration and Coordination" 7 is directly supported and enhanced by BIM's capacity to act as a central information hub. This "single source of truth" is not merely a technical advantage; it can foster a more integrated and transparent collaborative culture, improving trust and leading to more cohesive decision-making among diverse teams.

Streamlined Project Management and Informed Decision-Making

The comprehensive data embedded within an HBIM model supports more effective project management and better-informed decision-making throughout the conservation process. Studies and applications of HBIM have demonstrated its utility in improving management performance and guiding decisions related to conservation interventions.1 The ability to link 3D geometric models to a rich array of metadata—such as archival information, material analyses, condition reports, and historical significance statements—provides a holistic understanding of the heritage asset.1 This comprehensive information base allows for more nuanced assessments and strategic planning. David Williams' assertion that BIM enables his firm to review "buildability and efficiency before committing to the real-life project on site" 4 perfectly exemplifies this benefit, allowing potential problems to be identified and resolved in the digital realm, saving time and resources. Furthermore, the integration of environmental parameters into an HBIM model can support sophisticated risk assessments, helping to forecast potential future degradation and inform preventive conservation strategies.1 This analytical capability can shift conservation practices from being primarily reactive to proactive, as BIM allows for the simulation of environmental impacts and the monitoring of conditions, enabling professionals to anticipate and mitigate degradation before significant damage occurs, thereby extending the lifespan of historic structures.

Facilitating Conservation and Restoration Efforts

HBIM has proven to be an invaluable tool for the direct support of conservation and restoration efforts.2 Accurate 3D models serve as precise templates for repair work, the replication of missing elements, or the careful dismantling and reconstruction of historic fabric. BIM can also be used for the hypothetical reconstruction of ruined or severely damaged buildings, allowing for different restoration scenarios to be explored and visualized based on available evidence.1 Stratigraphic depictions, showing different phases of construction or alteration, can also be effectively represented within an HBIM model, aiding in the historical analysis and interpretation of a structure.

Automation Potential and Efficiency Gains

While full automation in HBIM is still an area of active research, there are promising developments that point towards increased efficiency. Research has yielded tools and plug-ins, such as the GreenSpider plug-in, designed to aid in automating the process of creating "smart objects" from point cloud data.1 Even without full automation, BIM offers efficiency gains in other areas. For example, the ability to automatically extract accurate quantities of materials or components (such as windows, doors, or decorative elements) directly from the model can save considerable time in compiling schedules and cost estimates.5 This aligns with the pursuit of "Joyful Efficiency" and the delivery of "efficient and optimised buildings" articulated by David Williams & Co Architects 4, as BIM streamlines many of the documentation and coordination tasks inherent in complex architectural projects.

VI. Navigating Complexities: Challenges in Implementing BIM for Heritage in Ireland

Despite the significant potential benefits, the implementation of BIM for heritage projects in Ireland, as elsewhere, is not without its challenges. These hurdles span technical, organisational, cultural, and economic domains, and some are particularly pertinent to the Irish context.

Technical Challenges

Complex Morphology and Non-Standard Geometries: A fundamental technical challenge arises from the very nature of heritage buildings. Their often irregular shapes, non-standardized components, and non-homogeneous features directly conflict with BIM software's inherent preference for standardized procedures and libraries of regular objects.1 Modelling these unique and often deteriorated geometries accurately and intelligently can be exceptionally difficult and time-consuming. This "curse of uniqueness" means that applying BIM to heritage is rarely a straightforward process; it demands bespoke solutions, extensive manual input, and sophisticated interpretation, which can undermine some of the efficiencies seen when BIM is used for new constructions.
Lack of Full Automation: The process of converting raw survey data (such as point clouds) into intelligent HBIM models is still far from fully automated. Point cloud post-processing, segmentation, and the creation of parametric heritage object libraries remain largely manual and can be very time-consuming endeavors.1 The conversion of scanned volumetric objects into semantically rich "smart" components often requires a high level of IT proficiency and specialized skills, which may not be readily available.1
Data Uncertainty and Interpretation: Existing buildings, particularly ancient ones, frequently present problems of data uncertainty. Hidden structural elements, unknown material properties, and undocumented previous alterations are common. Handling this incomplete or ambiguous data requires significant expert interpretation throughout the modelling process.1
Representing Condition and Intangibles: Effectively representing the nuanced physical condition of heritage materials—such as decay, erosion, patina, or subtle deformations—within a BIM environment is a significant challenge. These aspects are often best understood through qualitative assessment and professional interpretation, which can be difficult to translate into quantifiable BIM parameters.1 There is a risk that the drive for geometric accuracy and parametric definition might lead to a "digital homogenization," where the subtle imperfections and material characteristics that contribute to a heritage building's authenticity are oversimplified or lost in its digital representation. Similarly, integrating intangible heritage data, such as oral histories, cultural significance, or traditional craftsmanship techniques, into HBIM workflows often requires manual interpretation by experts, which can introduce subjectivity and variability into the digital record.2
Information Holding Gaps: A persistent gap exists in the ability of current BIM platforms to seamlessly store, manage, and synchronize the diverse and often extensive cultural and historical documentation associated with heritage assets. This includes archival records, conservation reports, and monitored data crucial for preventive conservation strategies. Often, this information resides in external databases or documents, and linking it effectively to the BIM model without synchronization issues remains a challenge.1

Organisational, Cultural, and Economic Challenges

Cost: The adoption of BIM involves significant upfront and ongoing costs. These include investment in software licenses, high-performance hardware, specialized training for staff, and the time required to develop new workflows and object libraries. Such costs can be a considerable barrier, particularly for smaller architectural practices, conservation trusts, charitable organizations, and SMEs, which form a large part of the heritage sector in Ireland.1
Technical Expertise and Skill Gaps: Effective HBIM implementation requires professionals who possess not only specialized BIM software skills but also a deep understanding of heritage conservation principles, historical building techniques, and material science. The BIM Innovation Capability Programme (BICP) in Ireland identified weaknesses in training provision 3, suggesting a potential skills gap that needs to be addressed to support wider HBIM adoption.
Resistance to New Workflows: Transitioning from well-established traditional 2D drawing-based methods to fully integrated BIM-based workflows represents a significant cultural shift for many organizations and individuals. This requires a change in mindset, adaptation of established practices, and overcoming potential resistance to new ways of working. Issues such as client-consultant trust in new digital processes can also present cultural challenges to adoption.3

The Irish Context: Specific Hurdles

Lack of Government Mandate and Centralized Support: As previously discussed, the absence of a strong government mandate for BIM use in public sector projects, including heritage projects, and the lack of a national Centre of Excellence can slow down widespread adoption, standardization, and the development of cohesive national strategies for digital heritage.3
SME Preparedness: The Irish construction industry is characterized by a high percentage of SMEs. These firms often face greater challenges in terms of resources and capacity to invest in and implement BIM, which could limit its application in a significant portion of Irish heritage work typically undertaken by such enterprises.3
Legal Issues: The introduction of BIM brings with it new legal considerations related to data ownership, intellectual property, liability for model accuracy, and contractual arrangements. It has been noted that these persistent and emerging legal issues arising from BIM introduction have not yet received sufficient research attention within the Irish context.3

VII. The Horizon: Future Opportunities for BIM in Irish Heritage

Despite the existing challenges, the future of BIM in Irish heritage projects is rich with opportunities, driven by technological advancements, evolving standards, and a growing recognition of the value of digital approaches in conservation.

Technological Advancements

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in HBIM: AI presents a transformative potential for HBIM. AI-driven approaches are being explored to enhance HBIM by incorporating intangible data, thereby addressing some of the current limitations in reconstructing lost or poorly documented heritage.2 A notable Irish-linked initiative is the "Echo-based Heritage Digital Twin (EH-DT)" framework. This proposes using AI text-to-image generation tools to create visual representations of 'lost' heritage buildings based on community-driven intangible data sources such as oral histories and collective memories.2 This approach could be particularly relevant for Ireland, which has a significant number of ruined or partially lost archaeological and architectural sites where physical records are incomplete. By merging AI's generative capabilities with community validation, the EH-DT framework offers a novel pathway to digitally "reclaim" aspects of lost heritage in a manner that is both technologically innovative and culturally sensitive. However, it is acknowledged that current AI text-to-image applications often focus on conceptual design and may have limited semantic accuracy and historical authenticity for detailed heritage models, carrying a risk of inaccuracies from speculative outputs. Moreover, the current EH-DT framework primarily produces 2D visual representations, with future work needed to extend these into 3D environments.2 Beyond reconstruction, AI also holds potential for assisting in the automated interpretation of complex scan data or identifying patterns of decay and material change from images or sensor data.
Digital Twins for Heritage Assets: The evolution from static BIM models to dynamic Digital Twins represents a significant leap towards the ongoing, intelligent management of heritage assets. A Digital Twin is a dynamic virtual representation of a physical asset, updated with real-time or near real-time data from sensors and other information sources.2 The EH-DT framework, for example, is envisioned as laying a foundation for future integration with HBIM models or full digital twin systems, potentially evolving into "Echo-based Operational Digital Twins" that reflect the functional and environmental dynamics of historic buildings.2 Research into the application of Digital Twins for the built environment is an emerging area in Ireland.3 For Ireland's valued heritage buildings, Digital Twins offer the prospect of achieving truly "long-life" structures—a goal articulated by firms like David Williams & Co 7—through adaptive, predictive, and proactive care. This moves far beyond periodic surveys to a model of continuous digital oversight and informed lifecycle management, though it requires significant investment in sensor technology, data analytics infrastructure, and robust data management protocols.
Improved Automation: Continued research is anticipated to further automate the often laborious process of converting point cloud data into intelligent 3D smart models and parametric objects.1 Advances in machine learning and geometric processing could significantly reduce the manual effort currently required, making HBIM creation more efficient.
Enhanced Data Integration Tools: There is a pressing need for, and thus an opportunity in, the development of new tools and platforms capable of more effectively storing, sharing, and visually unifying 3D models with all relevant metadata. This includes historical information, condition assessments, environmental monitoring data, and risk forecasts, ensuring that the HBIM model becomes a truly comprehensive and interconnected knowledge base.1

Standardisation, Interoperability, and Knowledge Sharing

Common Vocabularies and Libraries: The development of common, standardized vocabularies of semantic objects, particularly for elements relevant to preventive conservation and historical building typologies, is a key future opportunity.1 This would improve interoperability and consistency across projects. There is also scope for the creation of new, publicly accessible libraries of parametric objects representing historical architectural styles, including those specific to Irish vernacular architecture. Research will also be needed to understand the limitations and appropriate application of such standardized library approaches to unique heritage contexts.1
Expanding Ontologies: Ontological frameworks, such as the Architectural Heritage Terminology (AHT) ontology mentioned in the context of the EH-DT framework, can be expanded to cover a broader range of architectural styles, historical periods, and conservation terminologies, thereby facilitating more structured and semantically rich HBIM data.2

Policy, Education, and Capacity Building in Ireland

Governmental Role: The potential for government mandates for BIM use on public heritage projects could act as a significant driver for wider adoption, standardization, and investment in HBIM capabilities across the Irish AEC sector.3
Upskilling the Workforce: A concerted effort is needed to upskill the existing workforce and educate the next generation of heritage professionals in HBIM. This involves integrating HBIM comprehensively into architectural, engineering, surveying, and conservation curricula at third-level institutions. The work undertaken at TU Dublin in developing HBIM learning tools is an early example of this.6
Collaborative Research: Fostering collaborative research projects between academic institutions and industry partners is crucial for addressing specific Irish heritage challenges. This could include developing cost-effective survey and modelling methods suitable for SMEs, techniques for modelling complex stone ruins prevalent in the Irish landscape, or methodologies for better integrating intangible heritage data.

The Role of Pioneering Firms and Community Engagement

Industry Leadership: Pioneering firms like David Williams & Co Architects, with their proactive adoption of comprehensive BIM policies and their application to projects involving existing structures 4, can act as important catalysts. By sharing best practices, demonstrating the tangible value of BIM, and contributing to industry discourse, such firms can encourage wider adoption and innovation.
Community Engagement: Future HBIM projects can benefit significantly from deeper community engagement, not only in validating reconstructions of lost heritage as envisioned in the EH-DT framework 2 but also in contributing local knowledge, historical photographs, and oral histories that can enrich HBIM models of existing structures. This participatory approach can foster a greater sense of public ownership and connection to heritage conservation efforts.

VIII. Conclusion and Strategic Recommendations

Recap of BIM's Transformative Potential for Heritage Conservation in Ireland

Building Information Modelling, particularly in its specialized form as Heritage BIM, offers a transformative, albeit not yet fully realized, potential to revolutionize how Ireland's invaluable built heritage is documented, analyzed, conserved, refurbished, and altered. The journey from traditional, often manual, methods of recording and managing heritage information to the adoption of sophisticated digital workflows represents a paradigm shift. This transition promises enhanced accuracy, improved collaboration among diverse stakeholders, more informed decision-making processes, and ultimately, more effective and sustainable stewardship of Ireland's architectural legacy.

Summary of Key Benefits and Persistent Challenges

The analysis presented in this report highlights significant advantages associated with BIM/HBIM adoption. These include unparalleled accuracy in documenting complex heritage structures, streamlined data management and collaboration for multidisciplinary teams, robust support for informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle, and potential efficiencies in project execution. However, the path to widespread and effective implementation is paved with persistent challenges. These include the technical complexities of modelling unique and often irregular heritage forms, the substantial costs associated with software, hardware, and training, the need for specialized skills and a cultural shift away from traditional practices, difficulties in fully integrating diverse data types (especially qualitative and intangible heritage information), and, within the Irish context, a perceived lag in supportive governmental policy and standardization efforts. Despite these hurdles, the proactive engagement with BIM by firms such as David Williams & Co Architects demonstrates the practical application and tangible benefits that can be achieved, serving as an important precedent for the broader industry.

Strategic Recommendations for Stakeholders

To unlock the full potential of BIM/HBIM for Irish heritage, a coordinated, "whole ecosystem" approach is essential, involving concerted action from government, industry bodies, academic institutions, and practitioners. Isolated efforts will likely prove insufficient to achieve the systemic change required for widespread and effective implementation. The following strategic recommendations are proposed:

Government and Policy Bodies (e.g., Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Office of Public Works; National Monuments Service):

Develop a National BIM for Heritage Strategy: Formulate and implement a clear national strategy or roadmap for the adoption of BIM in public sector heritage projects. This could include phased mandates, clear information requirements, and pilot programs to build capacity and demonstrate value.
Invest in Centralized Support: Consider establishing or funding a national Centre of Excellence for Digital Heritage or bolstering existing initiatives (like CitA) to coordinate research, develop national standards and protocols for HBIM, provide training resources, and act as a central advisory body.
Support for SMEs and Heritage Organisations: Develop targeted funding schemes, grants, or incentives to assist SMEs, local authorities, and non-profit heritage organizations in accessing BIM/HBIM technologies, training, and consultancy services.

Industry Bodies (e.g., Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), Engineers Ireland, Construction Industry Federation (CIF), Construction IT Alliance (CitA)):

Develop Ireland-Specific HBIM Resources: Lead the development of Ireland-specific HBIM guidelines, best-practice protocols, and open-access libraries of parametric objects relevant to Irish historical architectural styles, particularly vernacular traditions.
Promote Knowledge Sharing and Best Practices: Actively promote knowledge sharing through conferences, workshops, case study publications (highlighting successes like those of David Williams & Co Architects), and peer-to-peer learning networks.
Offer Targeted Training: Develop and deliver accessible and affordable continuous professional development (CPD) programs focused on HBIM skills, tailored to the needs of architects, engineers, surveyors, conservators, and project managers working in the heritage sector.

Educational and Research Institutions:

Integrate HBIM into Curricula: Ensure that HBIM principles, tools, and workflows are comprehensively integrated into relevant undergraduate and postgraduate programs in architecture, engineering, construction management, archaeology, and conservation.
Conduct Targeted Collaborative Research: Pursue interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects, involving industry partners, focused on addressing specific Irish heritage challenges. This could include developing cost-effective survey and modelling techniques for typical Irish ruins (e.g., tower houses, monastic sites), methods for integrating intangible heritage, and tools for assessing the environmental performance of retrofitted historic buildings.
Advance Emerging Technologies: Actively explore, research, and develop applications for emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and Digital Twins within the Irish heritage context, critically evaluating their benefits and limitations.

Practitioners (Architects, Engineers, Conservators, Surveyors, Archaeologists):

Explore and Adopt BIM/HBIM: Proactively explore the potential of BIM/HBIM tools and workflows for their projects, starting with pilot applications if necessary to build experience and demonstrate value.
Invest in Upskilling: Commit to ongoing learning and investment in training to develop and maintain the necessary digital skills.
Advocate and Collaborate: Advocate for improved standards, support mechanisms, and clearer procurement routes for BIM-enabled heritage projects. Collaborate with peers, share experiences, and contribute to building a robust community of HBIM practice in Ireland.

Concluding Vision for the Future

Strategic investment in, and widespread adoption of, Building Information Modelling and Heritage BIM, underpinned by a collaborative and concerted effort from all stakeholders, holds the key to ensuring the robust, sensitive, and sustainable future of Ireland's invaluable architectural heritage. The journey towards comprehensive digital stewardship will undoubtedly involve overcoming technical hurdles and fostering cultural change. However, the potential rewards—more accurately understood, better-managed, and more resilient heritage assets—are immense. Beyond mere technical efficiency, the continued development and thoughtful application of BIM, particularly as it evolves to embrace AI and Digital Twin technologies and to integrate intangible cultural values, can foster a deeper public understanding and appreciation of the full spectrum of significance embodied in these historic places, safeguarding them for generations to come.

David Williams