Using BIM for Residential Projects in Kerala-Challenges and Possibilities

The overall aim of this paper is to analyze the possibilities of applying Building Information Modelling in designing and building of houses with special reference to Kerala, India. The paper starts with a brief study to understand BIM as a tool in building detailing and construction. It is followed by a literature study to understand the benefits of using BIM in small scale residences. Literature case studies from around the world show successful examples of houses detailed out and constructed using BIM, in small scale and integrating vernacular details. Online surveys to understand the possible challenges and potentials for implementing it in design and construction of houses in Kerala are done through social media among designers and the results are discussed. The paper concludes by proposing a possible method for overcoming the challenges and encouraging the implementation of Building Information Modelling for detailing and building of houses in Kerala by integrating vernacular details in the tool. The paper also recommends popularizing the usage of BIM in Kerala through a campaigning on social media.