As with any sector, keeping on top of emerging trends and innovative ideas to aid the future of the industry is an important variable that should regularly be considered and adjusted year on year. With so many changes to supply routes, technology and national politics affecting the construction industry in 2018, companies need to stay up to date with the latest and greatest trends if they want to remain competitive
This post by bathroom specialists, Jaquar, will explore the top established construction trends of last year that are continuing to gain traction and influence the construction industry in 2019.
Using sustainable materials in the construction industry
While beautiful architecture and design is likely to remain at the forefront of your client’s brief and objective, in today’s eco-conscious community, building structures with sustainability in mind is a key focus that construction companies shouldn’t overlook. Pushing forward an eco-focused design will not only help the environment, but also position them as forward-thinking, innovative companies within their industry.
With this in mind, modern buildings should incorporate recycled and reclaimed materials where possible. From repurposed bricks and timber to recycled glass, these will all help to minimise production costs and the associated carbon emissions that occur during production of new materials. Once you’ve exhausted all your means of salvaging reclaimed materials, consider using components that will stand the test of time and negate the need for money and energy to be spent on fixing these later down the line.
Building a sustainable layout
For construction companies contracted to build entire neighbourhoods, this poses a perfect opportunity for developers to use innovative, strategic thinking that lends itself to the pursuit of a more sustainable tomorrow. By building a street designed to prioritise planet-friendly modes of transport such as cycling, sustainability is encouraged to entire communities – a particularly attractive feature for the next generation of first-time buyers.
Similarly, developing residential properties that focus on self-sufficiency by means of generating their own energy is an appealing feature that many clients and prospective house buyers would be attracted to. This can include utilising green technology such as solar panels or roof gardens, or designing spaces where natural light and insulation negate the need for artificial lighting and heating – therefore reducing a reliance on electricity.
Applying drone technology
As one of the most popular construction trends in recent years, drone technology will continue to flourish and grow from strength to strength in 2019. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), otherwise known as drones, can access remote locations, collect data and capture project progress from 400ft above ground in the UK. This makes them a smart tool for surveyors and project managers alike, helping to refine their processes and streamline the construction job at hand as a result.
What’s more, with the cost of high-quality drones falling, usage is likely to increase, making them more accessible and their use within the industry more common. As such, adopting drone technology within your company earlier rather than later, will allow you to discover new opportunities for them to be integrated into your processes.
Considering modular, prefabricated construction
Due to the UK housing crisis calling for an increase in swift and cheap housing construction, modular construction has never been in greater demand than right now. From student accommodation and large office structures to practical and attractive family homes, modular construction provides clients and consumers with an efficient and more sustainable building structure than onsite alternatives.
Not only is this a far quicker build option, but due to this type of building work occurring offsite, the number of labourers needed is reduced, as well as noise pollution and excess waste.
With cranes continuing to dominate both UK and international skylines, it’s no secret that construction trends that promote planet-friendly practices are set to influence the future of construction. To ensure your construction practices are ahead of the curve in an ever-changing landscape, the key is to keep your ear to the ground at all times, continually working to adapt methods to meet future consumer demands.
