Mar 5, 2024 | Commercial Construction

Trends Reshaping the Commercial Construction Industry: A Look into the Future

Evolving at an unprecedented pace, the commercial construction industry is experiencing a rapid transformation fueled by technological advancements, sustainability concerns, and changing market demands. From virtual construction to innovative new materials and the integration of smart technology, several key trends are reshaping the way buildings and infrastructure are designed, constructed, and managed.

At Asa Carlton, we recognize that time is of the essence when it comes to quick builds for franchises and national rebrands. We understand that our clients need efficiency and timeliness to meet their business goals. Our scalable solutions are designed to accommodate your business’s growth plans. Our commitment to staying ahead of emerging trends means that we are constantly evolving and adapting to new technologies and methodologies. This allows us to offer innovative solutions that meet the specific needs of your franchise or national rebrand.

Let’s take a look at where emerging trends, scalability, and unparalleled expertise converge to shape a new era of excellence.

The Virtual Construction Market Sees Rapid Growth

In recent years, the virtual construction market has witnessed exponential growth. Virtual construction, also known as Building Information Modeling (BIM), allows construction companies to create a digital representation of a building or infrastructure project, enabling more accurate planning, improved collaboration, and better project management. [Source]

By utilizing BIM software, construction professionals can visualize the entire construction process, identify potential issues before construction begins, and optimize project timelines. This technology helps reduce material costs, streamline project management, and ultimately improve efficiency. Moreover, any shortage of workers can be mitigated as companies adopt BIM technology to enhance productivity and minimize labor-intensive tasks.

The integration of BIM technology into commercial construction projects benefits our clients by providing greater transparency, minimizing risks, and optimizing timelines.

Prefabrication and Modular Construction Change How Structures Are Built

Prefabrication and modular construction are revolutionizing commercial construction. These innovative approaches involve the off-site fabrication of building components, which are then transported and assembled on-site. This method offers numerous benefits, including increased speed of construction, reduced waste, and improved quality control. Furthermore, the use of standardized building modules allows for greater flexibility and scalability, enabling commercial construction contractors to meet varying project demands creatively and efficiently.

Prefabrication and modular construction also contribute to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. These methods optimize manufacturing processes and material usage, helping reduce the overall carbon footprint associated with construction projects. Additionally, improved quality control during the fabrication process ensures that the final structures are durable and energy-efficient, aligning with the growing demand for green building practices.

The Emergence of Smart Healthcare Spaces

In recent years, the healthcare, pharmacy, and senior living sectors have undergone notable transformations, driven by advancements in technology and an increased focus on enhancing the efficiency and experience of healthcare delivery. One major result is the emergence of smart healthcare systems, which can be integrated to turn hospitals, patient rooms, doctor’s offices, and even homes into “smart healthcare spaces,” revolutionizing the way healthcare is provided to patients.

An important aspect of smart healthcare spaces is their ability to minimize operating expenses. By integrating technologies that automate routine tasks and streamline processes, healthcare facilities reduce costs associated with manual labor, administrative tasks, and maintenance. This not only leads to financial savings but also allows healthcare providers to allocate resources more effectively, ensuring that patient care remains the top priority.

For commercial construction contractors like Asa Carlton, these changes mean adapting to new approaches and integrating technology-driven solutions into their projects to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. By embracing these advancements, our construction teams can play a crucial role in creating smart healthcare spaces that optimize the delivery of care and improve patient experiences.

Sustainable Building Practices Benefit Retail and Corporate Spaces

As sustainability concerns rise, retail and corporate spaces are being designed with environmentally friendly, sustainable building materials. “Green” building designs that prioritize energy efficiency, reduced waste, and minimal environmental impact  offer a competitive advantage and appeal to the modern consumer.

Sustainable building features help reduce operational costs over the long term while enhancing occupant comfort and well-being. For retail and corporate developers, green building practices differentiate your space, drive demand, and ultimately increase your bottom line.

By incorporating energy-efficient designs, renewable energy sources, and sustainable building materials into their construction project, companies can significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. As consumers and businesses increasingly prioritize sustainability, construction companies that embrace green building practices gain a competitive advantage in the market, creating a win-win-win for the client, the construction company, and the environment.

Living Building Materials Go Mainstream

In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge of interest in the utilization of “living” building materials. One compelling example is the development of self-healing concrete. By incorporating special additives or bacteria into the concrete mixture, cracks and damages that naturally occur over time can be automatically repaired, ensuring a longer lifespan for buildings and infrastructure. This innovative approach not only offers long-term cost savings but also enhances the overall structural performance and safety of the building.

Biodegradable composites have garnered similar attention in the commercial construction industry. These materials, made from organic or plant-based fibers combined with biopolymers, provide an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional composite materials. As these biodegradable composites naturally break down over time, they offer the ecological advantage of reducing long-term waste and mitigating environmental impact. Additionally, these materials can still exhibit high strength and rigidity, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Integration of these advancements into the mainstream will require ongoing research, collaboration, and the adoption of new building codes and regulations. Nonetheless, their potential for reducing environmental impact, improving efficiency, and creating visually captivating spaces makes them worth exploring further.

The Commercial Construction Industry Benefits Heavily From Drone Technology

Equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors, drone technology has revolutionized commercial construction site practices. Two of the biggest benefits that drone usage brings to construction sites are reduced costs and improved worker safety.

Drones can assist in surveying, inspecting, and monitoring job sites, enabling construction professionals to gather accurate data, track construction progress, and identify potential issues in real time. They help enhance project management, reduce human error, and allow for more informed decision-making on the construction site.

Additionally, by minimizing the need for manual inspections, drones contribute to improved worker safety by mitigating risks associated with working at heights or in hazardous environments.

Tech Solutions Improve Safety

Advancements in communication and collaboration technology have transformed safety management in the workplace. With the integration of mobile applications, cloud-based platforms, and real-time communication tools, companies can use instantaneous information sharing to improve overall safety procedures.

Mobile applications specifically designed for safety management purposes have become increasingly popular. These applications allow workers to have instant access to safety procedures, hazard notifications, and emergency protocols right on their smartphones or tablets. This ensures that all team members have the necessary information at their fingertips to make informed decisions in potentially hazardous situations.

Workers can easily document and report incidents using mobile devices or web-based forms, leading to quicker response times. Safety incidents can be promptly addressed, investigated, and remediated to avoid potential future incidents.

Cloud-based platforms provide a centralized location for storing and accessing safety-related data and documentation. Rather than relying on physical filing cabinets or scattered digital files, safety documents can be securely stored on the cloud, accessible to authorized personnel from any location. This eliminates the risk of important safety information being misplaced or inaccessible, ensuring that the latest protocols and procedures are readily available to the entire team.

The ability to communicate and collaborate in real-time contributes to a more coordinated and proactive approach to safety management. Improved communication and collaboration technology allows team members to take immediate action to address safety concerns, share best practices, and implement preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of accidents or injuries.

In a world where change is the only constant, the commercial construction industry is always looking for the next trends that will revolutionize the way we build. As a trusted commercial construction contractor at the forefront of industry trends, Asa Carlton embraces technological innovation to drive our clients’ success.

We are constantly evolving to meet the dynamic needs of our valued clients. With a nationwide reach and extensive industry expertise, we provide meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence that is unrivaled in the industry. Our approach is founded on building strong relationships with our clients, fostering collaboration and trust as we work seamlessly to achieve their vision.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can use our expertise to bring innovative solutions to your next commercial construction project.