It’s challenging to imagine the future, but the truth is that commercial construction continuously evolves to meet people’s changing needs. So, what’s likely to change? Which commercial construction trends are new or will continue for years?
Creating Resilient Spaces
The COVID-19 pandemic might only have lasted a few years, but it has significantly impacted the construction sector. It has put a spotlight on the need for spaces to be more resilient to different health crises. This has led to a dramatic shift in how commercial spaces are renovated and built. Key aspects of this trend include:
- Enhanced Hygiene and Safety: When it comes to building product trends, incorporating materials and designs that reduce the transmission of bacteria and viruses has become popular. Now, contractors use antimicrobial coatings on high-touch surfaces and integrate touchless technologies, such as automatic doors and contactless systems, in office buildings, healthcare facilities, retail shops, and other high-traffic commercial areas.
- Flexible Spaces: There has been a significant demand for designing spaces that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate people’s changing needs, such as converting conference meeting rooms into private huddle spaces. The same goes for creating multipurpose commercial areas to serve various functions during different times of the day.
- Improved Ventilation: The COVID-19 pandemic and other recent health concerns have also highlighted the need for improved building ventilation. With adequate ventilation systems, commercial buildings can have better indoor air quality and minimise the spread of airborne pathogens.
Emphasis on Sustainability and Green Building
Driven by regulatory requirements and a growing awareness of environmental impacts, sustainability is no longer a niche consideration but a core principle of modern commercial construction practices. Now, it is common practice to utilise energy-efficient systems & sustainable materials to lower buildings’ carbon footprint.
From solar panels and LED lighting to low-VOC paints and sustainably harvested timber in buildings, green construction trends will likely dominate for years. More and more commercial buildings will try to achieve certifications such as Green Star, which recognises buildings that meet high standards of environmental performance.
Adoption of Digital Technologies
Digital transformation is another trend that revolutionises the construction industry, making processes more efficient and projects more manageable. Here are some technologies that may continue to shape the future of commercial construction:
- Building Information Modeling (BIM): With BIM, architects, engineers and contractors can create detailed 3D models to use throughout the construction process, from design to maintenance. It improves team collaboration, helps reduce human errors, and enhances project outcomes.
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): These technologies enable immersive visualisation of commercial construction projects, allowing stakeholders to experience and interact with the design before construction begins. The result? Better decision-making and higher client satisfaction.
- Internet of Things (IoT): IoT is more than a buzzword. In a few years, IoT devices are expected to dominate in providing real-time data on various aspects of construction sites, such as material usage, equipment tracking, and worker safety. The sector can use the data to optimise operations & boost efficiency.
Prefabrication and Modular Construction
Prefabrication and modular construction have become trendy due to their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reduced environmental impact. These methods involve creating building components off-site and assembling them on-site later.
With prefabrication and modular construction, contractors can do on-site and off-site work simultaneously, significantly reducing the overall construction timeline. Building components are manufactured in controlled environments, ensuring higher quality and consistency. In addition, prefabrication generates less waste than traditional construction methods, contributing to more green building practices.
Smart Construction Sites
Technology hasn’t only made building presentations more efficient. It has also made construction sites smarter, more efficient and safer! Here are key innovations that contribute to this commercial construction trend:
- Drones: Drones are used for site surveys, inspections, and monitoring. These devices provide a bird’s-eye view of the project and enable better large-scale project management.
- Robotics and Automation: Commercial construction companies utilise robotics and automation to perform repetitive and labour-intensive tasks. In turn, they have improved efficiency while addressing labour shortages.
- Cybersecurity: With the rise of digital tools, protecting sensitive construction project data from cyber threats has become a top priority. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures is not just one of the commercial construction trends; it is now essential to safeguard information & maintain project integrity.
Summing It Up
The future of commercial construction in Australia is being shaped by a combination of technological advancements, sustainability imperatives, and a renewed focus on health and safety. By staying ahead of these commercial construction trends, construction professionals can ensure they are well-equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the evolving industry. The same goes for small and growing businesses in Australia; knowing these trends in construction helps them future-proof their business and continue to provide the best service to their clients.
Want to learn more about commercial construction? Don’t hesitate to check out our blog for related topics. If your space ever needs commercial maintenance and building repair services, we’re the one-stop shop you can rely on in Australia. Simply get in touch to request a service quote or enquire about our services.