Plan B is setting the stage for innovative commercial construction in Kelowna
As 2024 progresses, the construction industry in Kelowna, BC, is propelled forward too. It is shaped by several factors that constantly push for reconfiguring how commercial construction projects are planned, executed and completed. In this booming economy, where continuous evolvement is the only way ahead, innovation and opportunities for the construction sector circle around sustainability, technology-backed processes, safety and adaptability for sound contingency plans. Is it all sounding like mumbo-jumbo? Plan B Contractors is here to break down some of the most vital trends for you.
What are some commercial construction trends to watch out for?
Commercial builders showcase commitment to sustainability & efficiency
Sustainability has become an increasingly important phenomenon over the past couple of decades and has taken an even stronger hold over the construction industry in 2024. So, to reduce their environmental footprint, construction companies are adopting eco-friendly practices, incorporating green building materials and implementing energy-efficient technologies. However, this movement toward sustainable construction is not just about fulfilling regulatory requirements; it’s also what clients are looking for! Current and potential clients are demanding environmentally responsible practices, and industry players are taking notes and incorporating these practices from conception to completion.
AI & tech innovations
Artificial intelligence (AI) is EVERYWHERE, including the commercial construction sector in the Okanagan region. From autonomous construction equipment to Building Information Modeling (BIM) and augmented reality, technology is helping improve project efficiency and accuracy. AI algorithms can help enable smooth project flow in plenty of ways, from scheduling to resource allocation and even risk mitigation, which allows commercial contractors to make data-based decisions and lower errors or inconsistencies. The construction industry is not just about building structures anymore; it’s about focusing on precision and efficiency with the help of avant-garde technology.
Commercial construction companies in Kelowna are prioritizing safety
Advanced safety measures are rapidly gaining importance in 2024’s world of commercial construction. Although safety has always been a non-negotiable factor, this year has witnessed safety brought about by innovative technology, with wearable devices and AI-powered analytics used to monitor and avoid risks. The industry is moving towards a strengthened culture of safety, not just as a legal requirement but as a result of a shift towards caring about the well-being of every single worker involved in a project.
Offsite construction
Another rising trend in the commercial construction industry is offsite construction. It involves designing, manufacturing, and fabricating building components in a controlled setting — as opposed to on-site. The traditional system of carrying out these processes on an actual construction site can lead to cost and time overruns due to unpredictable weather conditions, which could lead to increased labour hours. So, off-site fabrication offers a safer, more sustainable, and quality-first method. Some instances may include 3-D printing and innovative processes for structure assembly.
How is Plan B incorporating these opportunities as commercial contractors in the Okanagan?
Sustainability-focused approach to commercial construction
At Plan B, we’re big on green initiatives and integrating sustainable practices into our daily operations. We offer energy-efficient solutions such as LED lighting and encourage eco-friendly modes of transportation among our team, like hitching rides with each other and using environmentally conscious vehicles. Our team is also proficient in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, a testament to our dedication to eco-conscious construction. It doesn’t stop at just our projects, though; we actively participate in community-driven green initiatives that show our commitment to a sustainable future.
Lean construction for commercial projects
Simply put, lean construction increases productivity innovation and brings more benefit to clients in the form of efficiency, which means regularly meeting and exceeding timelines and milestones. For us, this concept is an extension of our sustainable initiatives; one aspect we care strongly about is waste reduction via digital documentation and recycling. We’re in it for the long haul and believe in unity, so we put our best foot forward in empowering our workforce with the proper education, always aiming to plan, build and be better.
Prefabrication & Modular Construction
Both prefabrication and modular construction methods are a part of off-site construction. We are well-versed in using components built using both methods; our Juicing Systems project in Coldstream, BC, involved using pre-engineered material for its 6000sq.ft. structure. Another project, the Hexagon Purus Base Building, was constructed using concrete tilt-up and structural steel; this visionary space embodies Hexagon Purus’s — and Plan B’s — unwavering commitment to innovation.
If you’ve got a commercial project in the works and are wondering how to select the right contractor, our previous post on questions to ask before finalizing your commercial contractor might help!
Plan B Contractors, a leader in Kelowna’s commercial construction, champions sustainability, technology, and safety. We integrate innovative practices for efficient, eco-friendly building solutions. Contact us today, and we’ll take care of your commercial project!