Each year, the commercial construction industry is heavily influenced by the year preceding it. The pandemic in 2020 and 2021 has therefore given rise to smarter technologies, a declining workforce, and the need for new construction materials.
These are all rising trends one should look out for in 2022. So, to stay ahead and prepare for the year ahead, take a look at this guide which deals with some of the most notable rising 2022 trends.
6 Commercial Constructions Trends to Look Out For In 2022
BIM
Building Information Modelling is a process that is becoming more and more utilized in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.
It is a highly collaborative design-build process whereby architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders can all work on a project together. This helps to optimize the entire construction process from start to finish.
BIM enables contractors to identify any errors or issues in advance and come up with the best solutions for them through a 3D building model. As a result, it helps to contribute to consistent project success, which is why we are seeing a rapid rise in its use.
Prefabrication
Prefabrication has been growing more and more popular in recent years, and this trend will keep progressing in 2022 and beyond. This process is particularly beneficial for the construction industry as it saves both time and money.
So what exactly is prefabrication? It is the process of manufacturing a building or certain components of a building at an off-site location, such as a factory or workshop. As a result, prefabrication is also known as off-site construction or off-site manufacturing.
The prefabricated components are then transported to the construction site where the workers can assemble or install them in the building.
This process helps to save a lot of time when it comes to construction projects. Workers no longer need to spend time making each and every component on-site. Rather, they can order them and receive the necessary building components efficiently. This also helps to reduce waste on-site.
Some other benefits of prefab construction include:
- Advanced design tools and technologies
- Safer working environment
- Strict quality control and consistent builds
- Environmentally conscious as it results in less waste
- Time-saving
- Reduced labor costs
New Construction Materials
An important construction trend to look out for in 2022 is the use of new construction materials. More and more construction companies are looking for sustainable materials that minimize costs and maximize profit.
This is also largely due to availability issues of materials due to the pandemic. Many contractors during this period have had to adapt and look for alternatives.
Some of the new sustainable construction materials on the rise include:
- Engineered Cementitious Composite or ECC. This is bendable concrete.
- Engineered timber
- Recycled materials
- Modularization
- Self-healing concrete
The Rise of 3D Printing
3D printing may be the saving grace of the commercial construction industry. While we haven’t quite started printing homes on a larger scale just yet, there are a lot of opportunities here.
Until we get to this point though, 3D printing still has a lot to offer the commercial construction industry in 2022. These advantages include saving contractors both time and money. Plus, it’s extremely sustainable as it reduces waste significantly.
So, look out for this trend when it comes to printing materials, building components, and even parts for construction equipment.
Green Building Attitudes
As the years roll on so does our concern for the environment. Therefore, it’s no surprise that one of the rising commercial construction trends relates to green buildings. This also includes an increased presence of plant life and vegetation in our cities.
More and more buyers are looking for rooftop gardens or small outdoor spaces within office buildings. In addition, solar power is becoming more popular to reduce energy costs for commercial spaces.
At Chad Fisher Construction, we have all the knowledge to create the perfect environmentally-friendly space. One example is our work on the Bay Baby Produce warehouse, where we mounted a 99-kilowatt solar system.
Another trend related to green buildings is the design of horizontal multi-storey buildings. Instead of building multi-storey buildings vertically, the industry has moved towards horizontal buildings. This method ensures buildings are far more resistant to high-powered storms.
New Worksite Safety Habits
This is an obvious trend to follow two years of navigating a pandemic. 2022 will see far stricter regulations in terms of mask-wearing, sanitizing, and general safety protocols.
Further, contractors are making use of technology to ensure the safety of their workers. For example, it is now common practice on most construction sites to use drones. This helps contractors inspect areas that are difficult to access without needing to send in workers. In addition, wearable technology is available to track workers’ health statuses on site.
Conclusion
There are many new and exciting trends on the rise for 2022. Many of these methods are trending due to their ability to save time and money for all parties involved.
At Chad Fisher Construction, we pride ourselves on keeping up with the latest trends and technology in commercial construction. Get in touch with us today to discuss your project requirements.