Now, topics like automation and modular building have gained sufficient steam in commercial construction to be defining themes. While core project goals have remained relatively unchanged (i.e. completion of a high-quality structure on-time and on-budget), the means to those ends often look different.
Here's what the future of commercial construction will hold and what key trends are driving progress:
Prefabrication and modular building
Granted, prefabrication and modular building are not exactly brand new concepts. The strategy of off-site construction dates back centuries, but was given new lift after the Great Recession when benefits like cost-effectiveness and increased efficiency were highly valued/sought-after, according to Forbes. Indeed, construction firms that use prefab and modularization processes stand to generate big project gains. According to a McGraw-Hill report, of prefab and modularization users:
● 66 percent reported faster project delivery; 35 percent said by four weeks or more.
● 65 percent reported cost reductions; 41 percent said by 6 percent or more.
● 77 percent reported reduced construction site waste; 44 percent said by 5 percent or more.
Prefabrication and modular construction generally entails building portions of the systems and structure off-site and then piecing those completed parts together on site. This approach allows components to show up on site in a completed form and quickly added to the building. Prefab and modularization are suited for any project type including office, retail, industrial, multifamily and hospitality projects.
New technology: Drones, data and 3D printing
The Information Age means nearly every aspect of life is touched in some way by technology now. For commercial construction, this has become more apparent as new solutions become more like standard practice. For instance, big data can be leveraged by construction companies, who can perform analytics to optimize resourcing and forecast project progress. In addition, newer technologies are starting to take hold, like drones and 3D printing.
According to Building Design + Construction magazine, drones are being used to supervise and assist in project sites where access and visibility is difficult, while 3D printing is building on prefab and modularization to take efficiency and innovation to the next level.
Whatever is next for commercial construction, developers will need a partner they know they can trust to make the most of these advances. Keystone Construction Company, has been on the cutting edge using these technologies to improve what we deliver. Keystone can serve as the partner our clients need to help guide projects and provide high-quality design and building services.