Adaptive architecture is an increasingly fundamental approach in contemporary commercial design. Its goal is to create buildings that can adjust to humans, surrounding objects, and the environment. An adaptive structure will enhance customization to meet the dynamic needs of occupants, promote sustainability, and future-proof the structure from both predictable and unforeseen events. Keep reading as we explore some of the best materials shaping the future of adaptive architecture.
Prefabricated Steel Buildings
Prefabrication processes are changing the game in adaptive architecture. Consisting of light fabrication in a controlled factory setting, with components transported to the building site for final assembly, designers have unprecedented control over the construction process. Among the sustainability benefits of prefabrication include:
Reduced construction error to limit inefficient rework scenarios
Fewer risks such as theft, vandalism, and weather damage at the construction site
Decreased transportation emissions due to fewer vehicles having to drive back-and-forth from the building site until project completion
While there are numerous materials that lend themselves to prefabrication processes, few can match steel in terms of overall adaptability. With industry-leading clear span, steel structures provide sprawling interiors for unmatched versatility.
In addition, steel building kits are just as easy to take apart as they are to put together, helping give the structure a second life should it ever need to be transported to a new site. In the event that the building needs to be demolished, steel is a fully recyclable material for yet another layer of eco-friendliness.
Modernized Cladding
Cladding plays a crucial role in fortifying the building envelope. It is also essential for establishing curb appeal. Nothing can make a structure look dated faster than worn and weathered cladding.
There are many modern siding types that do wonders for offering ongoing weather resistance and stunning aesthetics. All while reducing maintenance and upkeep requirements. Some of the best include fiber cement, engineered stone, and EIFS stucco.
Self-Healing Concrete
Concrete is one of the most ubiquitous construction materials in the world. Despite its many benefits, it can be difficult and costly to repair, especially if damage occurs to key foundational areas of the structure.
Small capsules full of healing agents are added to the concrete. When the capsules crack due to stress or acute damage, the healing agent is released. The agent acts with ambient moisture and air to solidify the cracks, eliminating the need for human intervention. This not only improves the safety and performance of modern buildings, but eliminates inefficient repair processes that consume energy and cramp building functionality.
Also for You:
Fire-Resistant Roofing
There are numerous considerations when sourcing sustainable roofing. How durable is the product? Is it at risk of moisture damage? How energy-intensive is the fabrication process?
In the era of climate change, add one more consideration to the list: fire resistance.
With rampant blazes occurring with greater frequency amid steadily rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and intense bouts of wind, degraded roofs make an ideal location for fires to initiate and/or spread. As such, it is best to consider roofing products that come with a Class-A fire rating.
This means that the roofing material will withstand flames and extreme temperatures for a minimum of two hours before igniting. This offers precious time over less robust roofing materials, which may ignite in a matter of minutes. Some of the most sustainable roofing options that carry a Class-A fire rating are metal, slate, and composite shingles.
Durable Countertops
Modern interiors must be unbelievably dynamic. They should simultaneously be awe-inspiring, energy efficient, and highly customizable. This has given rise to open design concepts that leverage the free flow of natural light while streamlining space configuration.
Although the open interior relies on relatively few permanent walls and support structures, one standing feature that is seen in many spaces is the oversized island. Whether it be in a business center or food service facility, islands play a crucial role in day-to-day functionality while serving as soft transitions that break up interior space.
When designing islands, it is critical that durability be at the forefront. The surface may be required to resist food spills in the morning and then serve as a product display area in the evening to match the diverse needs of modern commercial spaces. Engineered quartz and solid surface are some of the top options for maintaining elegance while enhancing durability for island countertops. For an even more sustainable solution, recycled glass countertops offer the same durability benefits of stone surfaces while coming with a lower embodied energy score thanks to their fabrication from post-consumer bottles and industrial waste.
Promote an Adaptive Built Environment with Innovative Material Selection
In an increasingly dynamic society, commercial structures must be able to answer the bell to guarantee ongoing comfort and performance. From prefabricated steel to recycled countertops, consider any of the innovative materials listed above to help stay ahead of adaptive architecture trends.