Primary BIM dataset for refurbishing flood risk vulnerable housing in the UK

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify primary housing information data set to make an informed decision for key stakeholders to determine the most cost effective refurbishment solution among various alternatives in a building information modelling (BIM) system. Design/methodology/approach: A building simulation approach in conjunction with a hypothetical case study using BIM software (Autodesk Revit) was adopted to identify primary housing information data set and to examine how housing information data set is processed within a BIM system. Findings: Housing information data set such as physical dimensions, energy performance, associated costs, risk level, weather data and other relevant data should be prepared at the outset of a project to determine the most cost effective refurbishment solution. Furthermore, BIM can enable both clients and construction professionals to make informed decisions about diverse climate risk resistant options by providing reliable cost estimations of them at the early design stage. Research limitations/implications: Actual housing information for the BIM simulation is limited, and as a result, hypothetical housing information based on the UK Government data were used instead. Practical implications: This research will provide essential housing information data set to utilize BIM effectively and efficiently for refurbishing climate risk vulnerable housing. Originality/value: This research explores possibility to utilize BIM for climate risk mitigation in the housing sector, and reveals primary housing information data set for BIM to develop a climate resistant housing refurbishment solution.