Construction industry requires the use of machinery. Yet it is one of the least automated ones. The primary source of productivity in the construction depends on manual labor. However, the scenario is changing recently. Automation is shaping the future of almost every industry. With the rapid growth of information technology, robotics and coding are entering the construction industry.

Tech and Construction

Technology changed the outline of the construction site. Virtual reality design, holographic headsets, thermal imaging, Internet of Things, etc are taking over the construction industry. It is saving time and production cost in an effective way. Moreover, the construction industry witnessed a robust change over the years. Further, the introduction of technologies like self-healing concrete, drones, and the smart power grid is gaining popularity. This change is slow but steady.

Accordingly, remote surveillance giving an additional measure of security in the construction site. Wearables and BIM are no longer limited to large-scale industries. 3D printing and digital documentation are speeding up the construction procedure. However, the construction technology witnessed its greatest change with the introduction of robots.

Construction Robot

Though it took some time, the wave of artificial intelligence finally hit the construction industry. Introduction of robotics is the best example of this. It is notoriously difficult to introduce automation in construction work. The work-site of construction area itself is the biggest obstacle to automation. However, construction industries finally managed to utilize robotics.

There are a few types of construction robots that hit the construction market. A mobile robotic arm is the most popular type of construction robot. This comes with a pre-programmed set of instruction and controls a 3D printer. Then there are construction robots designed for brick-laying. These robots are capable of laying an entire street at a time. Again, there are demolition robots. Although these robots are slower than demolition crew still they are cheaper and safe. Finally, there are construction robots for welding and other building related works.

Construction Robot in Tokyo

Japan is the heart of technology. Japanese companies never failed to surprise the world with their gadgets. Their new construction robot is no exception to that. Japan unveiled a construction robot in Tokyo that can save 30% of labor. Japan is trying to cope with the shortage of labor since forever. Finally, they found their answer with the introduction of robots. These robots are capable of welding, bolting and lifting heavy stuff.

Daiwa House Industry Co. released a construction robot in Tokyo that can save up to 30% of labor. The Osaka based company released this robot on April 16. This robot can spray a fireproof coating like humans. Spraying of fireproof coat on the frame of the building takes a lot of effort. This robot is capable of cutting down that effort by 30%. The speed of this robot is twice than that of a human being.

Accordingly, The construction robot in Tokyo is not the only one by Japanese companies. Another Japanese company released a robot, especially for welding. These technologies cut down the cost of the labor force. However, using robots in construction dealt with the worker issues. Still, they need a more qualified workforce who are capable of handling these bots. Further, the risk at the construction place also came down with the introduction of robots.

In the new wave of tech-improvements, exciting facilities are at your disposal. Without a doubt, you rely on technology for a major part of your life. From the latest updates on Artificial Intelligence to incredible educational apps, you have everything. Even your restaurant industries and food service chains get the benefits. Why should Robots in construction industry not be a thing?

The construction industry is indeed a challenging field. You need massive capital investments. On top of that, you need a team of highly skilled workers. It’s often difficult for you to maintain these two variables. Therefore, technology is trying to make construction more comfortable, safer and faster. Robotics is your most likely answer.

Imagine a robot laying down the bricks of the foundation of your building. Well, it’s not an imagination anymore. In fact, Robots in Construction Industry are bringing in incredible changes.

Challenges of the Construction Industry

Unfortunately, construction industries need continuous effort and investments. On top of that, your demands for construction services keep rising.

For successful operation, you need a considerable number of experienced laborers. Occasionally, your workers go on a strike or demand an unreasonable raise. You want to avoid these additional costs.

Moreover, it’s difficult to find people who can operate a particular machine correctly.

Also, you get slow results with manual labor. If you are losing time, you are missing a whole lot of money. Therefore, you are desperately looking for a way out of this. Good for you, robots are bringing some revolutionary changes to help you out. Let’s have a look at what’s happening.

Built Robotics

Noah Ready-Campbell certainly wants to make construction smarter and faster. He wants to replace manual labor completely. With this idea in mind, he created a company called Built Robotics. This California-based firm makes exceptional technologies that will come as a boon for the construction industries. Admitted, Noah got frustrated with the regular issues of the industry. Thereby, he left his high profile job at Google and set out on his journey with robotics.

Built Robotics is indeed a significant part of the latest surge in automation. By using self-operating robots, you get to cut down on costs significantly.

Say Hello to SAM!

No, SAM isn’t some regular guy. SAM means much more to the construction business. Semi-Automated Mason(SAM) is a savior in the disguise of a robot.

To begin with, SAM can lay over 3000 bricks in just 8 hours. That gives a much higher work efficiency compared to the human counterpart.

Compared to humans, SAM works about 500% faster. You will fall in love with this fascinating machine. However, SAM doesn’t function independently. You need to load the bricks into its conveyer belt. Once it achieves complete automation, you won’t need a costly supervisor anymore.

 

Dance of Drones

Several construction businesses are using drones for measuring materials. Mike Moy, the head of a mining operation, uses drones to make things easier. These machines can measure materials on a 36-hectare land in under 25 minutes. Surprised?

The road to Robotics is not easy

You might think that all your troubles in the construction business are about to end with Robots in construction industry. You are partly correct. However, the inception of robots into the industry is not a “no-tears” story. With automation, you are entirely ruling out the need of your workers. Although a one-time investment sounds attractive, it’s not good news for your employees.

On the other hand, malfunctions in the robots will cost you a massive amount. You have to ensure proper maintenance of these machines continually.

The Future is Debatable

To be honest, “man or machine” is an excellent topic for debates. However, the reality is different and often difficult to digest. Ask yourself. What will you prefer? A set of skilled yet slow laborers or fast robots?

Speaking the truth, robots in construction industry are a great addition to the process. You get guaranteed fast results and precision. In the face of increasing consumer demands, robots are a gift from God. However, the economy might suffer on the whole. In fact, a lot of people will lose their jobs.

You can either embrace the change or walk away from it. Are you willing to replace man with machines? Make your conclusion.

Due to the increasing rate of carbon and other global warming gases, Architects, Engineers, and many construction companies are working together to construct the green building worldwide. However, South Africa is emerging as the foremost country in making green building everywhere. The impact of building and construction on the environment is growing by leaps and bounds.

The cause Green Building has been brought into the play is it can reduce 70% of the carbon emission. Not only this but also with this huge pace of making green building we can prevent the drastic change in climate. The plantation of trees is the main motto of this project. Isn’t it our duty to protect what’s the part and parcel of our environment?

Trees protect us from natural calamities and provide us shades as well. Therefore, green building is used in so many ways.

The progress of Green Building in South Africa

As per the report, green building in South Africa is on the rise. Nearly half of the country is following the project. Everyone is expecting to bring the entire change in the country in the upcoming two years. If the frequency of commitment is maintained, then no other country can beat the position of South Africa As becoming the one and only leading green country. The newly discovered Portside building is all set to embellish the architecture of the green building. And can you guess the valuation of the building? Its worth Rs 1.6 billion.

Green building is the result of the extreme alliance of the Architects, Engineers, and the construction companies. In the recent past, Johannesburg has celebrated the green building technology and design. The Waterkloof Estate located in the Western Cape is famous for its top green architecture in South Africa.

Benefits of Green Building:

1. The agenda behind the project is protecting the natural sources. There is absolutely no need to put the risk on the natural resources and paying extra costs in the future. It is the high time to understand that we can not live our lives without luxury and comfort. For healthier living, green constructions include using easily available materials and recycling of products. Thus, green building is very much cost-effective in the long run.
2. A green building creates a huge impact on the people nearby. It improves the health as well as increases the productivity of the habitat. An employee who works on a green building seldom feels sick. As a result, the number of absenteeism and stuff turn over has reduced on a large scale. This is no doubt the greatest initiative for making a better living and working environment.
3. The entire construction process includes using natural resources and recycling the used products. Besides, it includes harvesting the solar energy. The solar photovoltaic system has encouraged to complete the entire process. Green building construction involves plantation roof gardens. Thus, it is easier to control the heating and cooling requirements.
4. Business benefit is one of the primary factors. 87% respondents have reported the positive business outcome. Investors in this green project are very satisfied with their green investments. Therefore, green building can also be a wide scope for the business purpose.

Why Green Building?

The green building movement started with an ambition to meet the needs of the energy crisis. The main agenda of this project is to produce an efficient and environment-friendly construction operation.

Challenges to green building

Despite the fact that the green building is well recognized, there are certain limits to the rise of green building.

• The main challenge to green building is to find the trained professionals. Unless we have experts, it is going to be less productive otherwise. Therefore, the Government should enforce more training facilities to overcome the limitation.
• There is hardly any political support and incentives to promote the green building operation. The percentage of these two factors are on par with the global value.

Green building insulation

The green building construction requires a properly insulated building. During winter, roofs, walls, geyser insulation is very important to prevent heat loss. Moreover, it also restricts the heat from entering the room. ISOTHERM is the mostly used insulation product. The advantage of using ISOTHERM is, it is long-lasting and non-allergic.

Future: Green building to green cities

The population of the earth is set to increase more by ten years. It indicates more requirements of resources. So, It is the high time every one of us understands the necessity of green building. According to the reports, people who live in the green building lead happier and healthier lives. It should not be limited to green building in South Africa but the entire world should step forward and support this. The Government should encourage more production in the green building so that in the future it shows greater impact and turns out to be the green city.

Smart Building and IoT Trends for 2018

The Internet of Things is capturing the attention of people. It’s basically a network of things that affect not only our lifestyle but how we work. This includes the countless numbers of devices around the globe, connected to the internet for collecting and sharing data. Starting from a simple toy to deadly weapons, pretty much every physical object can be transformed into the IoT. All it needs is a connection with the Internet and proper control.

Smart Buildings: what and why

Internet of things is shaping the future and construction technology is no exception to that. Traditionally the reason for connecting the internet with the building automation system doesn’t exist. However, the quest for smart buildings entered the scenario anyway. Now the question is what is the primary requirement for a Smart building?

Smart buildings connect the building system for better safety and comfort. This includes a machine to machine connection with a certain flow of interaction. Accordingly, it is achieved by a connectivity between all the systems as well as equipment of the building. This calls for a cooperative collaboration and results in an efficient building with better security and comfort at a lower cost.

Further, a smart building connects the people with technology. The sharing of information among different components of a smart building opens a platform for innovation. Also, by interacting with technology, better comfort is achieved with less capital, less energy and most importantly without harming the environment. Moreover, a smart building can save energy and lessen the harmful building management measures. Thus, resulting in a step towards saving the environment.

As a matter of fact, smart buildings are connected to the smart power grid. This mean, the building is charged almost at the actual cost of production of electricity. This is connecting the building technology with an intelligent future.

The Smart Building and Internet of thing

The concept of the smart building came into the scenario with the growth of advanced technology. Smart buildings and smart cities are opening the gates for the future. The internet of things is making way for a new breed of smart buildings. It offers more accurate and useful information. This calls for a smart system overall. However, the entire concept stands on the idea of connecting everything with the internet.

Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance is a technique that is made with the purpose of determining the condition of in-service equipment. This aims at two things. The prediction of possible equipment failures and the prevention of it. predictive maintenance uses the IoT sensors to get a report on the building that is under construction as well as all the equipment.  This provides a clear idea of when the maintenance is required. Therefore, it lessens the required time for maintenance of the equipment. Also, it reduces the time and cost of the maintenance, such as the cost of spare parts and the production hours.

Air Quality Measurement

Every country has their own regulations for monitoring and controlling air quality. Air quality measurement is the monitoring of the quality of air. The primary aim for doing this is to protect the environment and the humans from pollution. The air quality affects the productivity. The health condition of the workers depends on the air quality, therefore, affecting the quality of work.

With the help of IoT devices, the air quality can be monitored and measured. The Carbon particles and harmful pollutants can be measured easily by using IoT sensors. Thus, IoT does the monitoring of health conditions as well as productivity.

IoT-supported complex applications

Another usage of the Internet of things in construction technology is the IoT-supported applications. The usage of thermal sensor and ultrasound have changed the construction procedure. It can help in checking the equipment and taking care of them as per the need.

Also, the usage of ultrasonic sound detects the affected area. This is saving both the production cost and time by determining the place and type of maintenance required with the help of IoT technology.

Measurement and verification with IoT device

IoT devices have overcome the limitations of managers. The internet of Technology does the verification and measurement of the equipment. With this, taking care of the inaccessible parts became easier. It gathers real-time data with the help of sensors.

Real-time Data Accessibility

Information is of primary importance in the world of smart buildings. The real-time data is now available with the internet of things. The sensors gather up all the necessary information and take action according to that.

The Green Building with IoT

Construction works damages the environment. IoT devices allow the building to be eco-friendly. The buildings use minimum energy. It also detects the degradation beforehand. Hence, allows taking effective measures when needed.

IoT and prefabricated building components

IoT technology uses the prefabricated building components. This guarantees a cost-effective and faster construction. Also, these smart buildings lessen the amount of waste produced during the construction. Therefore, it offers various ways of using technology to reduce the wastage.

Efficient Construction Management with the Internet of Things

Using IoT reduces the cost of production and saves time. It monitors the problems efficiently. Accordingly, provide with the most appropriate solution. GPS tracking device, smart inventory management and monitoring with sensors are coming into the construction scenario. This is basically a smart way of managing the construction work. Moreover, IoT is cutting down the management cost and offering more efficacy.

IoT for energy efficiency

Usage of energy affects the cost of production and pollution. IoT technology is reducing both of these in construction. Sensors for controlling temperature, actuators, energy automation with real-time communication are some of the examples.

IoT for better asset optimization

IoT helps in inventory management and optimization of the assets. It manages large data and takes into account all the factors. Therefore, reduces the wastage of assets and energy. This also saves human labor and protects the human resource.

As we all know, the internet is the sole thing today. We depend upon the internet for everything. Proper usage of the internet cuts down the wastage and increases productivity. Using IoT in smart buildings is the best example of this.

Quantity surveying can be characterized as a profession where the assets of the construction business can be used as the best point of interest of society. For providing an expensive consultancy service to the client, construction builder, and planner, quantity surveying can suggest the most economical monetary administration.

The Quantity surveyors are also the so-called construction economist or cost manager. They are the expert counselors of the construction industry.

There are some traditional and modern services that a quantity surveyor can easily provide. Preliminary cost advice, cost planning, feasibility estimates are some of the traditional services. Asset advisory, facilities consultancy, building surveying etc are the examples of modern services.

Roles of a quantity surveyor

• Basically, quantity surveyors work as consulting firms.
• Additionally, they can work as a contractor for taking care of the money related premiums.  In other words, this is the principal duty of the quantity surveyor.

The changing phase of the construction industry

The quantity surveyors are always ready with some suggestions for the payment to contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. In the construction phase, they can easily evaluate the impact of the changes in the ongoing project.

In the post-construction phase, the quantity surveyors can prepare the final account statement. So, there are different duties of a quantity surveyors in every construction phase.

Nowadays, the construction industry is changing rapidly. This is demanding some active specialists and some future experts for the improvement of the current situation in the construction industry.

Revolutionary  Building and Construction Trends

To bring about visible results, you need to rethink the building and construction industry. Sometimes a group of construction professionals can work together for getting some better results.

The quantity surveyor is another profession where experts are specifically working for improving the complexities of the built environment finance.

During the construction phase and after the construction of the building, road etc, a client should receive a specific amount of money. A quantity surveyor is responsible for checking whether the clients are getting money at the right time or not.

There are some important construction trends changes that have been made in the industry over the last two years. In the year 2018, quantity surveyors and some other professionals are ready to adopt some solutions in this environment. They can secure their relevance and in this way also gain some guaranteed benefit from the construction industry.

A new model for calculating the professional fees

Those who are involved in the less visible work, they are mainly affected by the economic and political turmoil. Some people who are responsible for the on-site building, they can calculate their fees by using some traditional methods.

Furthermore, the Competition Commission of India has made some strict rules against these traditional practices and introduced a new fee calculation model. After the introduction of this model, built environment professionals now have to use a method by which they can easily calculate the fees.

This calculation method is mainly based on the time spent and value offered instead of offering huge discounts.

Infrastructure: Strict Regulations for Projects

The Association for South African Quantity Surveyors is mainly responsible for advocating the appointment of a professional team.

Some relevant professional bodies are mainly regulating the professional team for doing some projects related to public infrastructure. Moreover, these projects will also be awarded later through tender.

Also, the expert professional team is always ready to contribute something to the reduction of unnecessary and wasteful expenditure.

The professionals are sometimes involving in some suspicious practices. The relevant body will investigate some claims of conduct. In this regard, they will also try to implement the disciplinary measures. Additionally, the public infrastructure spending will increase some project related profits.

Adoption of Technologies with Some Digital Innovation

There are some traditional ways of constructing, designing, planning, costing, managing projects with the help of 3D printed building. Professionals can form the basis of different service offerings in the built environment by applying some traditional techniques.

Building information modeling is the new modeling technique in the construction trends world. A professional team can use this model if they want to collaborate and complete the projects in a different way.

Quantity surveyors should involve themselves in Lifecycle costing, value management towards savings and operational efficiency etc in this regard.  These are the main sources of some additional valuable services as those are easily available for the clients.

Construction leads to development. What comes to mind when we hear the word construction technology?  The study of the methods and equipment necessary to build structures. Technology is helping in every way from creating a loop to cars that do not need petrol. Decreasing dependency on manual labor in the new era is a factor whereby finally construction industry is going ahead and accepting technology.

Companies who are still not open to any sort of technology are facing tough competitions in the market.

There are a host of new technologies that are changing the game of construction in recent years.

 

Glances on the top recent construction technology

Construction is the building block of sustainable development. Residential buildings, malls, flyovers, bridges etc are all such examples that define construction in the modern era. Any defect will render huge loses to the society and the people. Let us see a few technologies in the construction sector:

Self Healing Concrete

The basic element of a building is concrete. But with time there is wearing and breaking. Over time, cracks develop and without any repair, the building will collapse. Engineers are working to mend this situation. Apparently, the researchers from US universities have come up with a thought. They proposed to add fungus with the cement which will by far prevent it from breaking down and last long.

Aerogel insulation

The first thing that comes to our mind after hearing the word gel is it is a liquid item. But, for construction technology, aerogel comprises of silica that is almost ninety-nine percent of air after separating the water. Aerogel has insulating abilities which disseminate energy and reduces cost. User-friendly, you can recycle it and also reduce it.

Thermochromic roofs

The demand for eco buildings is on the rise. With this comes the use of thermochromic roofs. MIT is utilizing a new thermal management method for building smart roofs. They are using a material called Thermeleon which transforms into layers making it thermochromic. This means it is heat resistant and has a unique feature of changing its color from black to white. When there is extreme sunshine, you can see the black roof will transform into white. This automatically keeps the building cool during extreme heat. Hence, eco-buildings are an essential construction theme today.

Virtual reality (VR)

We all know virtual reality is something that transforms our vision. This element is basically used in the gaming world but then recently it is entering the construction industry. VR enables architects to show their projects in a 3D manner. It definitely stands apart from the crowd as marketing strategies have drastically changed and are giving a new impetus to work among rivals.

In the construction industry building information modeling (BIM) is used. Offering data management capacities along with projecting models is a good option. It is helping the entire team to stay connected by sticking on the same page from the beginning till the end.

Wearable technology

Using job site technology was never a part of the construction industry. But now, with time it is accepting the upcoming trends.  Companies are investing in smart vests, helmets which will no doubt increase the credibility and productivity too will follow up. Recognising the benefit is important and the construction industry is pretty late. For example, Daqri developed a helmet that provides full connectivity with the people, data, and machines with the help of a smart visor

3D printing

This technology has not yet hit the floor. It is still a baby but is considered to have a lot of potentials. Recently a company in San Francisco naming Apis Cor and Russian construction company  PIK Group developed a house within twenty-four hours. Fast and comprehensive make it more functional for today’s kind of work.

Bricklaying robots

Robots are fast as compared to human beings, hence, bricklaying is possible at a rate which is 6 times faster than humans. A company called ‘construction robotics’ created a semi-automated mason (SAM). This can place up to 3000 bricks which is an enormous amount than the humans who can lay up to 500 per day.

Machine learning

Machine learning is rising at a fast rate which is going to have an impact on our future constructions. The immediate effects are Increasing automation and lesser downtime of the equipment. It is revolving around AI geared games and programmes. Monitoring on-site heavy equipment is easy. Any defect or issue regarding the breakdown the device immediately notifies the owner. This helps to lower down worksite risks and also manages to have on time repair.

Predictive Analysis

To be a successful company, risk-taking is important. Predictive analysis is introduced so that risk can be predicted, analyzed and worked upon. For example, material suppliers, the design plans on the site are examined and tested with this software. This helps in chasing the risk factor and hint of potential damage before it actually occurs.

Internet of things

Connectivity is the most important part for any technology to give the right results. The IoT here is a connection of several devices which is imbibed with sensors to track the activity. In the construction industry, it is being used for tracking equipment, tools, monitoring, and checking. It also helps in repairing and servicing of construction equipment. It is a good tool for future constructions and will definitely change the way cities are developing.

The new age architects are growing in a fully technical world, where nothing precisely works without internet and technology. 2017 was a huge year for the construction industry. Companies should take hold of the advantages and make sure that without lesser damage and high cost how skillfully they can develop a site.

These were some of the trends revolutionizing the construction industry. hope this article was helpful.

 

In Spite of the development, the construction industry is confronting a downturn within the economy. It remains an important industry since it satisfies a significant part in the financial development and foundation improvement. The sector is predicted to bounce back when economic conditions improve and venture within the construction industry increments.

The development industry moreover proceeds to face different challenges, such as effectiveness, security, costs and work deficiencies. The expected patterns for 2018 are subsequently primarily based on overcoming the challenges the industry faces.

Development Stage is now growing on-site safety

Smart sensors help to distinguish and screen concealed dangers such as temperature, humidity, clean particulates, weight, clamor vibration and the unstable natural compounds that emerge from an over-burden of varnish or paint. The collected information is provided to backend frameworks that produce real-time cautions and longer-term danger level examinations. This innovation screens are changing natural conditions over whole sites and at that point gives analytics to builders and contractors.

Sensors have a sound development security system. Costain Construction industry to improve technology use and safety has been utilizing electronic border alerts to alarm roadside workers when they take off secure working zones. Pre-dating the mechanical developments of the past couple of a long time, they are a useful security application for highways temporary workers.

Progressed utilize of technology

Technology that can be used within the development industry, such as versatile and cloud innovation, virtual and increased, expanded, increased the reality, 3D printing, and rambles. Mobile and cloud innovation makes it simpler to communicate and visit destinations remotely, whereas virtual and increased reality enables development companies to envision their projects before the work begins.

The computer program for streamlining reviews

Well-maintained hardware is essential for a secure development trade. But demonstrating you’ve checked each piece of apparatus to guarantee it meets lawful benchmarks is time-consuming. The lifting gear analysis computer program is causing a buzz within the development and potential businesses. All inclusive, almost 6,000 reviewers are utilizing it to speed up on-site apparatus reviews and to produce programmed compliance records.

3D lasers mounted onto drones are taking risks out of affirming estimation exactness. They spare staff from the risky work of scaling mostly developed buildings and can do the total job in minutes with saving time.

Drones fitted with assessment software can move forward worksite wellbeing and security definitely by pinpointing risks and dangers. Tech enterprises such are creating UAVs for mechanical purposes, and they are set to be sent all through the development division as drone

spec moves forward and costs drop. Assessment rambles have driven to an increment in security, as well as, checking for intruders, robbery, and destruction.

Secluded construction

The request to make entire buildings faster and with expanded effectiveness is supporting the trend for steady development. Boards are built off-site and utilized to develop a structure in much speed than customary development strategies. This sort of event is additionally more energy productive, which contributes to its popularity.

Expanded safety

Since the working environment accidents happen most regularly within the development industry, expanded security measures will proceed to be a construction industry trend. Superior method and broadened utilize of innovation, such as portable security apps will offer assistance the industry to decrease working environment disasters.

Expense saving

The development industry faced challenges from expanding costs for material and expanded work costs for skilled staff. It is to execute cost-saving measures, such as secluded development and public-private associations. The utilize of innovation to track stock and staff can moreover offer assistance with decreasing value and working more efficiently.

Green building

The progress in green building will proceed in 2018, with an expanding number of clients picking for green building instead of standard routine building strategies. This drift will include the utilize of reused materials and energy and proficient water solutions.

Basic move in infrastructure

The statistic profile will proceed to alter, with individuals moving to the cities from rural zones to discover work. This places more weight on the government to contribute more to the framework, making more chances for the development industry.

 

The beauty of architecture lies in its scope of creativity. Only creativity can turn an establishment into aesthetic. Forms of architecture are not limiting the construction methods or materials anymore. Anything can inspire architecture, be it natural phenomena or hi-tech engineering. Further, standout shapes and materials, pastels, vintage designs, holographic effects, vibrant gradients, etc are changing the definition of aesthetic over time. Moreover, unexpected materials are painting a creative and absorbing future of design. Let’s take a look at the material trends of the year.

Reclaimed Wood

The list of current material trends is incomplete without woods. Architects look up to wood-based products for beautification and environmental reason. Reclaimed woods are mostly timbers and decking rescued from old barns, warehouses or factories. Sometimes they come from the coal mine, wine barrels or boxcars too. Unlike other materials, the appeal of these woods does not depend on their looks. Reclaimed woods come with their unique beauty with an interesting history.

Accordingly, reclaimed woods has its own charm. Since they are not farm-grown it’s more environment-friendly. Although it came from a tree still it is better than chopping off another one. Also, it has a story and character. They cannot be fabricated. Besides, there are many species of woods that are no longer available. But those rare species are available in reclaimed woods. Hence, reclaimed woods serve the purpose of beauty without causing any more damages to the environment. It is somewhat similar to recycling. Be it the floor, walls or furniture, everything can be made out of reclaimed woods. They add a vintage flavor to the product thus making the reclaimed wood architect’s pick.

Bioplastic from Algae

Plastics are threatening the well-being of the planet but we still can’t avoid them. Public authorities are taking measurements for eliminating plastics from daily life. Metals, woods, and paper to some extent replaced them but not entirely. A new replacement of plastic came up when Dutch designer Eric Klarenbeek and Maartje Dros created a bioplastic from algae. The result of their 3 years of effort finally got recognition. Eventually, bioplastics became the savior. The algae polymer can be used in making everything that is made of plastics.

The bioplastic made from algae captured the attention of the architects. These are not harming the environment like oil-plastics. Therefore an eco-friendly solution entered the scenario of designing. Bioplastics are used to make daily necessities starting from simple bottles and bins to bags and gadget covers. Bioplastics do not contribute to global warming and serve the purpose of synthetic plastic. Thus, they made a place in the list of trending material of the year.

Photovoltaic Glass

Construction sites are investing in Photovoltaic Glass. The beauty of this glass lies in its capacity to transfer the light into electricity. Think about a building that is capable of making the required amount of itself from its exterior. The PV glass transparent semi-conductor based PV cells. In other words, these glasses contain the solar cell. The solar cell is placed in between the sheet of glasses. They are transparent yet effective.

The construction technology is growing fast. With the introduction of smart buildings and artificial intelligence, the storyline of construction is changing. The photovoltaic glass is another step towards the IT Age. Engineers and architects welcomed the PV glass with open arms. By using PV glass a green building without compromising the beauty is possible. PV glass can decrease the consumption of energy by 40%. This is more beneficial than the Solar cells. While solar cells are capable of 10% Internal rate of return (IRR), the PV glass can achieve up to 65%. The best thing is, all these come without compromising the safety. It generates free and clean energy with the most stringent safety standards.

Biomimetic Insulation

Building insulations are necessary objects for construction. Basically, they are any objects that are used for the purpose of insulation in a building. The thermal purpose is major among them. Thermal insulations are necessary for achieving thermal control, especially in the cold countries. The insulation materials are mostly made of cellulose, glass wool, polystyrene, urethane foam etc. All these materials are harmful to the environment. They create pollutants that destroy the nature. They are harmful yet necessary. The answer for building a heat resistant or sound resistant with synthetic insulation materials is biomimetic insulations.

Biomimetic insulations are organic and harmless. They do not release harmful particles like CFC, CO2, etc. The Biomimetic insulations are mostly made from animals. Also, some of them are made from organic wastes like banana fiber, mushrooms, etc. They work just as efficiently as the synthetic insulations without causing damages to nature. Therefore, biomimetic insulations successfully draw the attention of engineers and architects towards them. Biomimetic insulations became the pick of those who care for the environment.

Flying Robots

Zoological biomimicry is inspiring the robust growth of robotics and drone technology. A few decades ago no one thought about flying robots can save efforts. And a few years ago no one imagines construction work can use drones. But the technology never fails to surprise us. With the growth of artificial intelligence and information technology, we see new miracles every day. Flying robots are one of those gifts.

Using drones in construction can save time and energy in an effective way. Real-time monitoring and keeping tracks of progress are easier with drones. Flying robots can reach the inaccessible places. They are capable of overcoming the drawbacks of humans. Capturing every angle, gathering up all the important data, etc are possible with flying robots. Further, construction sites are accident prone. All these are possible without risking any lives.

Say yes to a safe and eco-friendly tomorrow

Over the years, environmentalists are blaming technology for destruction of nature. However, these material trends turned the scene upside down. Now the technology is not destroying nature. Rather it is showing a way for an eco-friendly tomorrow. Artificial intelligence is no longer detaching the humans from society. They are connecting the people with the environment. The field of architecture is not lagging behind either.