Since 2021, DASBE’s Virtual Reality (VR) team has been at the forefront of developing immersive training solutions that transform how learners engage with complex concepts. The latest suite of VR and mixed reality tools represents DASBE’s most advanced and interactive work to date, bridging the gap between digital innovation and practical education. Through pilot programmes at industry workshops and partner universities, DASBE has gathered valuable feedback that directly informed the ongoing design and refinement of these tools. The result is a collection of dynamic learning experiences that make technical education more accessible, engaging, and effective.

VR Defects in Traditional Buildings

This immersive experience places users inside a digitally recreated, aged cottage where they can identify and analyse structural defects in a safe, controlled environment. By replacing time consuming and potentially hazardous site visits, the simulation provides an efficient, cost effective alternative for hands on learning. Interactive features, including a dynamic quiz and an explorable wall diagram to enhance engagement while reinforcing key learning outcomes.

Heat Pump & Photovoltaic (PV) System Explorer

Set within a virtual version of the TUS Thurles Campus, this experience allows users to interact with a heat pump and photovoltaic panel, examining their components, functions, and installation requirements. The application supports deeper understanding of renewable technologies and sustainable energy systems through immersive, self paced exploration.

Building Fabric Design Tool

Blending real and virtual environments, this mixed reality tool helps users optimise the thermal performance of various wall types. By overlaying 3D models onto the physical world, learners can experiment with different materials, instantly view U-value calculations, and better understand how design decisions influence energy efficiency.

Mixed Reality Heat Pump Viewer

The Mixed Reality Heat Pump Viewer is a prototype developed to explore the capabilities of the latest Meta Quest 3 headset, harnessing features such as passthrough, spatial anchoring, and hand-tracking.
Building upon an existing 3D heat-pump model from a previous project, this tool adapts it for real-world visualisation, allowing users to view and interact with the system at full scale within their own physical environment. This prototype demonstrates how emerging mixed-reality technologies can enhance technical education through immersive, context aware learning.

Integrating VR into Learning Programmes

DASBE’s VR solutions are now embedded across several partner programmes, including the Certificate in Energy Renovation of Traditional Buildings and the Certificate in 3D Content & Assets for Virtual Reality.

DASBE’s VR specialist, Stephen Bolger has led the ongoing development and testing of these prototypes, ensuring that each new tool enhances both teaching and assessment in forward looking, technology driven learning environments.