Technology, Sustainability, and Modular design: the Latest Trends in Construction
Developing new trends is a constant in the construction industry. Recent changes in the industry have been driven by technology, sustainability, and modular design. The trends below are significant for the future of construction, as they can improve efficiency, lower costs, and help create more sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings.
Technology
The construction industry is undergoing numerous changes as a result of technology. Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been one of the most significant changes. Building information modeling (BIM) is a digital tool for creating detailed 3D models of buildings. In addition to improving efficiency, reducing waste, and reducing costs, it can be used to visualize the entire construction process, from design to maintenance.
Drones
Site assessments and inspections are also done using drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles. High-resolution aerial imagery from drones can be used to make precise terrain maps and spot potential dangers. They can also be used to track the development of construction projects and spot potential improvement areas.
Virtual Reality
The use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in building is also growing. As a result, designers and builders may picture the finished product and find any problems before building starts by using VR to create immersive 3D worlds. Building contractors, for instance, can use augmented reality (AR) to overlay digital images on the actual world to locate pipes and electrical wiring.
3D Printing
3D printing is another new innovation in the building industry. Although though it is still in its infancy, 3D printing has the potential to completely transform the construction sector by making it possible for contractors to quickly and affordably construct intricate structures. A business in China by the name of WinSun has previously built complete apartment buildings using 3D printing.
Sustainability
As architects and builders explore for ways to lessen the impact buildings have on the environment, sustainability has gained significant attention in the construction sector. Cross-laminated timber (CLT), rammed earth, and hempcrete are examples of sustainable building materials that are gaining popularity.
CLT
By stacking wood panels in different directions and bonding them together, CLT is an engineered wood product. Because it is renewable, recyclable, and has a less carbon footprint than conventional building materials like steel and concrete, it is a sustainable alternative to them.
Rammed Earth
When constructing with rammed earth, solid walls are created by compressing soil, gravel, and other organic elements. It is an inexpensive, strong, and environmentally friendly building material with great thermal mass characteristics, making it perfect for passive solar design.
Hempcrete
A bio composite called hempcrete is created by combining the inner, woody centre of the hemp plant with a binder based on lime. It is strong, lightweight, and has great shielding capabilities. Additionally, hempcrete is carbon negative, which means that during manufacturing, it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits.
Green Building Certifications
Building research establishment environmental assessment methods and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design are becoming more popular.
To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.
Video Source: BIM Africa
These certifications evaluate a building's performance in terms of sustainability based on a number of factors, such as energy efficiency, water efficiency, and interior air quality.
Modular Design
Building components in a factory offsite and assembling them onsite is the novel construction method known as modular design. This method has many advantages, including faster building, better quality control, and less waste. A variety of architectural styles, from cheap homes to healthcare facilities, are growing using modular construction.
