Sustainability dominates everything
The fact that the availability of resources is limited forces their careful and economic use. Therefore, sustainability is the guideline for every consideration about the construction industry. As a result, there is a trend towards the use of rapidly renewable organic materials, which contribute to a healthy climate in rooms and can also have interesting characteristics, for example, to facilitate the processing of the building material. Popcorn is one of these promising sustainable products. One third of its granulate is currently added to chipboards, thereby significantly reducing the weight of partition walls, for example. But also old acquaintances such as flax or hemp are helping to shape modern trends in the construction industry. As reinforcements in concrete, of all things, the flexible fibres can hold their own against steel and iron if they are properly prepared, as they are e.g. not affected by corrosion and are therefore more durable. In addition to sheep wool and reed for thermal insulation, seaweed has recently been attracting more attention again. The plant grows on the seabed and seems to have a natural fire protection because of its high salt content.
Digital trends save time and money in the construction industry
The digital trends in the construction industry make it much easier for everyone involved in a building project. Before it even starts, drones probe the terrain. During the construction work, they document the workflow, allow weak points to be recognised more quickly and locate affected areas that are difficult to be identified in the event of damage. In a cloud, all the trades involved can use Building Information Modelling (BIM) to virtually design everything from the laying of the foundation stone to the topping-out ceremony or even the handing over of the keys, which is then carried out one-to-one in reality. Possibly even one day by steel and electronic construction workers via robotics. Heavy work under adverse conditions would then be carried out by robots. The safety risk for human workers and costs could be drastically reduced. Digital systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), e.g. for merchandise management, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) for customer-oriented management could be of great benefit. Smart tools can act as a link, giving teams access to schedules, to-do lists, milestones and task management at all times. Forums, chats and messaging would be possible at any time from different locations of the participants. This saves time and money.
A house out of the printer and the fear for jobs
Already today, trends in the construction industry are experimenting with 3D printers. In the future, complex elements are to be created from data sets for modular construction. The finished parts then only have to be assembled on the building site. Long waiting times or even storage periods can thus be avoided. This, on the other hand, gives rise to fears that jobs could be lost. Although the construction industry is currently desperately looking for workers, many of them could be replaced in the near future by digital systems such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) or even 3D printing.
Virtual reality in the construction industry
Nevertheless, the ongoing digitalization in the construction industry offers further tempting opportunities. Among the mega trends in the construction industry are virtual reality and augmented reality (VR and AR). Both areas provide more security in construction, but can also be used by builders and homeowners, for example, to get a better idea of the planned home. While AR, for example, allows the planned building to be embedded in a landscape or already built-up area on the screen, the rooms can be “walked through” in virtual reality using aids such as special VR glasses. In this way, for example, interior decorators, room designers or homeowners can gain an authentic impression for planning the interior design.
Networked living is not yet booming
Although, according to the “Deutsche Handwerks Zeitung”, many consumers are interested in a smart home, only an average of less than ten percent have actually installed such tools as intelligently networked switches, lamps or heaters, according to a survey by the paper. Networked buildings can also lead to more safety and security in addition to comfort and energy efficiency. Automated emergency call systems, burglar alarm systems that register unusual movements or monitoring in lifts can ensure that emergencies do not arise in the first place. This is what makes them so interesting within the trends in the construction industry.
We at magility are on track of the trends in the construction industry. Please contact us for further information on new business models, trend studies or market analyses. Digitalization in the construction industry is currently gaining enormous speed. The future in the construction industry will be smart! Step on the accelerator now and join the transformation of the modern way of living in the future.
