Calgary, AB and Chicago, IL - DIRTT brings virtual reality (VR) to a new level for the construction industry, with the ICE® VR Experience, which combines DIRTT’s interior 3D design and specification software with Oculus Rift gaming goggles and Polhemus motion tracking sensors.

Together, the technologies convince the users’ mind into believing they’re actually inside the virtual environment. Users can physically explore inside a virtual world, examining surroundings as if they were real. With skillfully placed physical props, the line between true life and virtual reality is further blurred: users can walk into a hospital patient room, for example, and physically sit on a bed – though all they see is the virtual version.

For construction, this means decision-makers can actually walk through and explore their space during the design and planning process. Users can fully experience the feel for their space, especially in terms of say the difference between a 10’ or 15’ office space.

“ICE VR demonstrates how we’re always working to achieve the next level of what’s possible,” says Barrie Loberg, chief technology officer and co-founder of DIRTT and ICE software. “With our game-inspired 3D world of ICE, linking to Oculus Rift and Polhemus was a natural next step for us.”

The ICE VR Experience is currently available at DIRTT’s global headquarters in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and the team is actively working toward making it available in its US locations once Oculus is released to the public.

About DIRTT

DIRTT Environmental Solutions is a manufactured construction company that uses its proprietary 3D software, ICE®, to design, manufacture and install fully customized prefab interiors. Customers exist in the corporate, government, education and healthcare sectors, and benefit from DIRTT’s precise design and costing, rapid lead times with the highest levels of customization and flexibility, and faster, cleaner construction.

DIRTT has offices, manufacturing facilities and Green Learning Centers across North America, the Middle East, Europe and Asia, in addition to a network of more than 100 sales distribution partners globally. For more information please visit dirtt.net.