Last Updated on October 8, 2024 by Admin
There are more demands on commercial buildings than ever before. Not only must they be highly functional and aesthetically stunning, but they must do so while adhering to the rising sustainability standards. Fortunately, there are many innovative building materials that can give architects and construction professionals a leg up in tackling these diverse challenges. With this in mind, keep reading as we explore some of the most durable materials to consider for commercial construction projects.
Table of Contents
Prioritize Low Maintenance
Durability and low maintenance go hand in hand. Find materials that maintain their performance for the long haul with minimal intervention required for upkeep. Steel is one of the best materials in this regard. It is highly resistant to fire, pests, and moisture infiltration. It will last well over 100 years in most applications.
Many modern commercial businesses are choosing prefabricated steel structures. Prefab steel buildings undergo light fabrication in a factory setting and are delivered to the construction site in easy-to-assemble kits. This reduces the amount of machinery and labor used at the jobsite. Because steel is so durable, these prefab steel buildings are easy to deconstruct and transport to a new location for a second life. Other low maintenance materials to complement steel include insulated concrete, epoxy terrazzo floors, architectural grilles, and engineered quartz countertops.
Choose Passive Construction Practices
Passive construction techniques help create the most sustainable, energy-efficient buildings possible. Using passive construction processes, architects leverage properties of the building site to provide natural heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation.
For example, areas of the building that need the most lighting will likely feature ample window area on the south-facing side of the structure. This promotes natural daylighting and reduces reliance on artificial lighting sources. It is also common to see the short axis of the building running parallel to prevailing wind patterns.
This guarantees that breeze is maximized to naturally cool the structure. In areas with particularly gusty winds, acoustical louvers will allow air to pass while stifling clamorous sounds and stopping debris from passing into the structure. This will create a tranquil, well-ventilated interior that relies less on A/C.
Balance Performance with Aesthetics
It may be intuitive to believe that “durable” and “aesthetically stunning” lie on opposite ends of the construction spectrum. However, this could not be farther from the truth.
There are many modern building products that not only boost appearances, but promote ongoing longevity in the process. Engineered rainscreen cladding can be fabricated in glass, wood, or brick facades to match any building’s aesthetic style. They do this while providing the premier moisture barrier in the business, keeping commercial buildings in damp areas free from rot, mold, and other moisture-related problems.
Awe-inspiring rooftop gardens work wonders for cooling the building and surrounding areas while reducing damage from stormwater runoff. Their natural, inviting appearance makes any flat-roof commercial structure stand out. Modern glass products, such as low-E glazing and switchable smart glass, help provide the crystalline ambiance of glass while boosting energy efficiency in the process.
Optimize HVAC Efficiency
In a perfect world, a building would never have to use its HVAC system to create a comfortable interior environment. If it did, the hope would be that more renewable energy was produced than was used throughout the structure, creating a net-zero commercial environment. While net-zero is a commendable goal, not all buildings are there yet.
Therefore, as the journey to a perfectly sustainable economy continues, it is crucial to optimize HVAC systems to limit energy waste. Change filters every 3-6 months and have the ductwork serviced annually to reduce the risk of clogs that could hinder efficiency. Install backdraft dampers to guarantee the correct flow of conditioned air. Add hvac silencers to utility rooms to quiet noisy systems for the most tranquil interior environment possible.
Keep Versatility in Mind
Modern commercial buildings must be incredibly versatile. The contemporary business environment is constantly evolving, so structures have to quickly pivot to meet emergent industry needs. If the building is ill-equipped to streamline renovation and reconfiguration, the enterprise will lose valuable time and money in getting its facility up-to-speed.
As such, when building for versatility, durable building materials should take center stage. Rugged polished concrete and epoxy terrazzo floors take shifting furniture and moving equipment in stride. Nonporous solid surface countertops come in a one-piece fabrication that will not fracture or struggle to be reassembled when changing locations. Open interiors with fewer permanent walls also function extremely well.
To quickly create new rooms and defined space, demountable partitions are a great option in open interiors, as they can easily be erected and taken down as needed to meet the evolving space requirements of the building.
Enhance Commercial Building Longevity with Durable Materials
From elite functionality to unmatched sustainability, modern commercial buildings must be able to wear multiple hats. The best way to help them accomplish this is by choosing the most durable construction materials possible. For more of the latest information on the commercial construction landscape or to research careers in the field, explore the resources at Construction Placements for the leading insights in the industry!
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