Predicted Building Trends for 2012

In almost every industry, the turn of the new year has brought with it a discussion about the trends that will dominate 2012. The construction industry is no exception. There have already been a number of reports from Sydney developers as well as companies like McGraw-Hill predicting where, what, and how to build this year. Here are some of the findings.

Multi-purpose commercial buildings

While the residential sector of the construction industry has been quite unstable in the past few years, commercial buildings are on the rise. In particular, multi-purpose buildings will be key. These buildings need to house various companies and functions at the same time. For instance, industrial units, high-rise office blocks, and loft-style offices are all buildings that can cater to large number of working people comfortably. As well as the style of the building, location will also be a major consideration. The value of a commercial building increases when it is centrally and conveniently located near public transport and shops. Though the land may be expensive to purchase at first, the return on investment will be worth it.

Functionality

In 2012, functionality and practicality will reign over extravagance. After years of unique, superfluous designs that were sometimes a little too artistic, minimalism is back. The building industry will see a return to simplicity, to clean lines and classic design. Admittedly, this trend has been driven by the instability of the economy and funding, but it is a positive change. Building in a functional and practical way reduces unnecessary expenditure and use of space. This trend also links closely to the increase of multi-purpose buildings, as the aim is to create buildings that allow more people to live and work in them effectively and comfortably.

Green Building

Many eco organisations are optimistic that 2012 will be the year where green building becomes a standard for Sydney commercial builders. The ultimate aim is for green buildings to become the norm rather than an afterthought, but this is a gradual process. ‘Green’ buildings are more affordable now than ever, and will only become more popular as people discover how space, time, money, and energy saving they are. As well as these benefits, building ‘green’ is also about using space in the most smart, practical way. Some ‘green’ features that are predicted to really take off in 2012 are green roofs, water saving fixtures, efficient lighting, and solar power. Also, excess free space (such as large foyers) will be replaced with more practical uses.

Of course, the year has barely begun, so these are just predictions. They are based on extensive research, so it will be interesting to see if they turn out to be accurate. Regardless of how they play out, Patterson Building Group will continue to focus on commercial buildings and keep up our green initiatives.

The benefits of variety building

Variety is the spice of life, and we believe that there’s no reason why this philosophy shouldn’t apply when it comes to building. While it’s understandable why some Sydney developers choose to specialise in a niche area of building, there are also plenty of benefits for variety building.

Showcase ability

If nothing else, variety building will allow you to showcase the extent of your abilities. By being involved in the design and construction of a range of projects, you will be able to showcase an impressive collection of work to clients. By building up a varied creative portfolio, you will prove your flexibility, which is an excellent trait to have in this industry. It will also showcase your diversity and willingness to take on different projects. This, in turn, will increase the likelihood of attracting new clients as well as repeat work from existing clients.

Increase business prospects

When you restrict your Sydney construction company to a certain type of building, you automatically limit yourself to a smaller number of clients and prospectives. By allocating time, training, and resources to variety building, you will be opening yourself up to more opportunities. From a business point of view, variety building will allow you expand the client base in the future. Remember that every client is different, and every client has unique needs. It’s only natural that if you have an array of projects to promote, you will attract a larger number of clients. However, there is a fine line between limiting and overstretching your company. You still need to be excellent at the work you accept, so ensure that you have staff with the know-how on each type of building project.

Think about the future

Having an impressive, diverse creative portfolio will give you the option to expand the business later on down the track. If you have been variety building, then you will have the knowledge, skills, and staff to handle a range of projects. If and when the opportunity presents itself to expand the company, it’s very likely that you will be able to embrace it.

Challenge

Everyone loves, or at least needs, a challenge once in a while. For builders and managers alike, taking on the same kind of projects all the time can get repetitive, boring, and very uninspiring. Site managers should have the chance to be creative. They need to be challenged to test their boundaries, to learn something new, and to nurture the talent of their staff. Similarly, builders need to be able to mix up their work. They will be more inspired if in the space of months, they get to work on completely different things: a retirement village, a railway station, and a school. If you want to stimulate your staff, keep things interesting and challenging.

At Patterson Building Group, we believe that being different sets us apart. In a world where expertise is a type of currency, why be an expert at just one thing?

Green Building Trends

For some time construction was seen as the ‘bad guy’ in relation to the environment. Times have changed with increasingly ‘green’ building companies seeing consumer interest in sustainable products grow. It makes sense for developers (as well as builders in sydney) to produce environmentally friendly buildings in line with this new consumer demand.

Consider most areas around Sydney (and most developed areas in NSW) and you will see new designs start to creep in. Many of these buildings look and feel more ‘light weight’ and even ‘airy’ due to the materials used as well as the design of the buildings. Office buildings in particular are taking on a new greener future increasing productivity as well as returns on building investment.

Initial Costs of Green Building

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Mixing Modern With Classic Buildings

While many construction companies Sydney has on offer work with tried and tested methods, mixing the old and the new offer other great developments. You can see a variety of housing in Sydney from large houses in the West to smaller villas, then townhouses right through to high rise apartments in the city and surrounding areas. While there is a necessity in some places for modern apartment buildings there are also opportunities for working with classic designs.

Sydney’s Housing Styles

The Sydney housing market (both new and old) offer all types of housing from big, small, tall and wide. But it is when modern buildings take a little from classic designs that investors and owner occupiers take notice:

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Why Villa and Townhouse Popularity is Rising

Despite the continued popularity with apartments, builders in Sydney should be looking at opportunities at satisfying demands for semi-detached housing. Despite the ‘Australian’ dream supposedly being a house on a quarter acre block, city dwellers have given up. Their best alternative is a self contained villa or semi-detached townhouse and the cities and suburbs appetite cannot be quelled.

• Increased demands means increased prices.
• A lack of supply means any new stock will sell better.
• Villas and townhouses can be built on smaller allotments.

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Sydney’s Contribution to Architecture

Sydney has one of the worlds most beautiful natural harbours that has been enhanced by the architectural work of Sydney builders. What was once a humble colony of huts has quickly evolved over two hundred years into a city with some of the best and most recognisable buildings in the world. There are of course the world icons but the city also boasts a more subtle undercurrent of fun, inventive and historic buildings and not always where you would expect them.

World Icons

The most famous constructions in Sydney are on the harbour side and the two that come to mind are the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They are both examples of iconic construction as well as architectural function. The harbour bridge may not be colourful or sleek but after being built in 1932 it is still one of the largest steel arch bridges and possibly one of the most easily recognisable bridges in the world.
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