A BIM–game engine integration framework for thermal comfort visualization and sustainable building design in sub-Saharan Africa

Purpose The emergence of building information modeling and virtual reality (BIM–VR) technologies has revolutionized industrial practices. While BIM–VR integration for performance visualization has been demonstrated in other contexts, its application remains largely underexplored in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. This study aims to present a proof-of-concept framework integrating BIM and VR to enable visualization of thermal performance. Design/methodology/approach This study used an experimental research strategy centered on software interoperability. Revit was used to develop a digital model of a case building. On-site temperature data were collected and used to calibrate the model. Unreal Engine (UE) 5 was used to develop the virtual environment, into which both the Revit geometry and thermal simulation results were merged. Findings The thermal simulation, calibrated against on-site indoor and outdoor hourly temperature values, was deemed acceptable per ASHRAE Guideline 14. Annual operative temperatures for the sandcrete- and rammed earth-based models ranged from 27.74°C to 27.98°C and 27.83°C to 28.15°C, respectively. The sandcrete-based model recorded an energy use intensity value of 843.50 kWh/m2/year, while 812.75 kWh/m2/year was observed for the rammed earth model. Heat maps were generated from the simulation and merged with the Revit geometry in UE. Originality/value This study demonstrates the feasibility of a proof-of-concept BIM–VR workflow within the SSA built environment, where limited digital infrastructure and the absence of standardized regional frameworks and building energy data sets have inhibited practical adoption. As a proof-of-concept, this framework offers an initial context-specific roadmap for architectural practice and research within a tropical region, contributing toward the uptake of BIM–VR technology for sustainable construction.