5 Construction trends for 2023

 

The construction industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and technologies emerging every year. Thus, it is essential that professionals in the area remain aware of these changes in order to offer a more competitive, updated, and efficient service to their clients.

 

This new year promises to bring many new features that will revolutionize the sector and impact the way we build our cities. Continue reading this article and discover the 5 trends we will see in the construction sector in 2023.

 

 

 

 

Trend 1: Sustainability and energy efficiency

 

Concern for the planet is no longer a novelty. Since 2020 we have witnessed a widespread awareness of the various industry sectors regarding the transformation of their activity, contributing to the reduction of global pollution. 

 

Companies, in general, have already adopted measures that make their activity more sustainable and construction is no exception. This sector, responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions worldwide, has been exploring new environmentally friendly construction techniques, through the use of recyclable materials, implementation of solar panels, and water reuse systems.

 

In addition, the construction of green and bio-climatic buildings, i.e. buildings that are based on the local climate in order to provide greater thermal comfort, is becoming increasingly popular. This type of construction contributes to reducing carbon emissions and increasing the energy efficiency of buildings.

 

 

Trend 2: BIM technologies (Building Information Modeling)

 

The technological revolution we have witnessed in recent decades has left its mark on various activities in the construction sector. Proof of this is the growing use of BIM technologies. This methodology allows designers to create three-dimensional models of buildings and external spaces, contributing to better collaboration and communication between the various professionals involved in the project. 

 

The use of this technology results in greater accuracy, speed, and efficiency in the project implementation process, as well as enabling different scenarios to be simulated before construction begins. BIM also has a positive impact on the reduction of material waste, contributing to lower costs and a cleaner planet.

 

Trend 3: Modular Construction

 

Modular construction has already started to be implemented in previous years, but in 2023 it promises to stand out in the construction sector. The speed of its construction, the lower associated costs, and the quality of the materials are among the reasons which justify the increasing investment by the Portuguese in this type of construction.

 

Construction is facing a crisis related to the workforce, which promises to drag on throughout this year. As such, modular construction may be an answer to fill the great demand of the market, which is currently unable to generate the desired supply. In addition, this type of construction promises to be more sustainable than traditional methods, since the waste of materials is almost or even non-existent.

 

 

 

 

Trend 4: Advanced robotics

 

As we have already mentioned, the construction sector is currently facing a workforce-related crisis. Professionals are in short supply and companies operating in the area are not being able to respond efficiently to the high demand for housing. 

 

The use of robots to perform more systematic tasks such as bricklaying, concrete, and even welding could be the answer the sector is looking for. Besides meeting this need, the use of robots in construction will allow these tasks to be performed more efficiently, quickly, and with fewer errors, ensuring greater safety and reducing the time it takes to complete projects.

 

Trend 5: Accessibility and social inclusion

 

The last trend we will highlight in this article concerns the growing concern with accessibility and social inclusion of people with some kind of motor disability. 

 

Our society has evolved in recent years positively, creating ways to include and make people with locomotion difficulties more independent. To be able to move around on their own, it is important that buildings have outdoor spaces designed to ensure accessibility conditions for these people. This accessibility should be at the physical level, but also consider the sensory and cognitive aspects.

 

In addition, the inclusion of green spaces and leisure areas in construction projects is increasingly valued, offering benefits for the health and well-being of the people who will use the buildings.

This new year promises to bring new concepts, but also to develop some trends that have been with us since previous years. 

 

A greener, more efficient, and socially responsible construction will certainly bring gains not only for the planet but also for people, making cities more accessible and buildings more thermally and structurally comfortable.

 

Prudêncio seeks to keep up with the latest trends in the sector, in order to offer the best service that meets the needs of our customers.

 

If you enjoyed this article, we recommend a more in-depth reading on How to innovate in the construction sector and thrive in today’s competitive landscape.