At CrewTracks, our purpose is to “help and innovate for the people who build and maintain our world.” Because of that, we like to stay updated on the latest and greatest innovations in the construction world. From time to time we will have guest authors on our blog sharing new technologies and techniques. Our first guest author is Sam Willis.
Sam is a contributor to Innovative Building Materials. He is a blogger and content writer for the real estate industry. Sam is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that increase property value, maximize energy savings, and turn houses into homes.
If you’re in charge of constructing a new building and you have a say in what materials are used, you’re in luck. When it comes to new building materials and techniques, there’s no shortage of innovative and exciting options that can improve the style, functionality, energy efficiency, and overall design of your new building.
From top to bottom, you can differentiate your new building from the average building by opting for some of these materials and building techniques, so if you’re about to have a new building constructed, let’s take a look at some of your choices when it comes to materials.
1. A Comprehensive Wall System
Any good building has a strong foundation. Most foundations today are built separately from the walls, with wooden framing being built on top of concrete cinder blocks. An ICF foundation, however, uses insulated concrete forms to build both the foundation and the walls, creating an airtight and durable wall system that is much more impervious to wind and storm damage.
Not only that, but ICF construction is much more energy-efficient and will save you money on heating and cooling costs. It’s also far more resistant to water damage, insect damage, mold, and rot.
2. Exterior Additions
If you want to add some depth and style to the exterior of your building, implementing architectural metal grilles is an excellent way to do just that. These grilles come in a wide variety of designs and fit to the exterior of your building.
Not only do they provide a unique stylistic element to your building exterior, but they also act as a partial shield for wind and rain, and can be used to improve privacy as well. They can also even help to filter air and keep your windows cleaner.
3. Under-Floor Heating
Forced-air heating with an HVAC system has its flaws. For starters, HVAC ductwork is very easily damaged, causing leaks in your heating and cooling system. This reduces energy efficiency and causes you to spend more money on it to make up for the lost air.
Under-floor heating like commercial radiant floor heating systems can help eliminate cold spots and heat rooms much faster than traditional forced-air systems. It also never takes damage and can last many years without needing maintenance or replacement.
4. Acoustic Optimization
One popular trend emerging in new building construction is the emergence of acoustic optimation. Especially in meeting rooms, conference rooms, and work areas, products like acoustic ceiling tiles can have a huge impact on how effectively sound travels around a room. Whether you need to amplify sound or muffle it, acoustic ceiling tiles are the perfect way to acoustically optimize the interior of your building in a noticeable way.
5. Permeable Pavement
In a world where eco-friendliness is now at a premium, permeable pavement that works in harmony with mother nature is highly valuable. Instead of constructing the parking lot for your new building with asphalt or concrete, build it with permeable plastic pavers instead.
These pavers are filled with gravel and provide a natural drainage system for stormwater, as opposed to putting a burden on local storm systems with pipes and drainage grates connected to the sewer. They cost much less than asphalt or concrete to maintain over their lifetime and look very clean-cut and professional as well.
Use These Materials to Construct a Uniquely Stylish and Efficient Building
If you want to build the most efficient, stylish, durable, and beautiful building possible, you can’t go wrong with any of the materials or building techniques we’ve listed here. By implementing one or more of these options into your next building, you can stay ahead of the curve and differentiate your building as one constructed with next-gen materials.
