Future Construction Trends

The Lake Washington School District was expansion project.

As the construction industry rebounds from a global recession, many insiders predict modular construction is poised to take its rightful place in building as one of the more preferred building methods. This trend, according to construction industry experts, encompasses growth in residential and commercial building.

Longer Lasting Construction

Prefab construction; according to many in the industry, lasts as long if not longer than traditional construction. While today's modular building resembles more conventional construction, and often includes many of the same materials, such as wood, metal and concrete, it is likely to last 50 years or more.

Modular buildings, or modules, are built at offsite climate controlled factories, but adhere to the same construction standards and codes of traditional homes. Since they are constructed to withstand transportation to a building site, they are generally stronger and generally more durable than conventional buildings.

Modular is Greener

"Going Green" when constructing a modular building allows for less waste than traditional construction. Through the controlled manufacturing process, unused module components are recycled or used in other projects rather than being sent to the landfill. Builders can also incorporate pre-leasedmodules, which are relatively interchangeable, from older projects into new construction projects.

Many prefab buildings are more energy-efficient than their conventional counterparts, with fewer gaps through which air can escape or infiltrate its interior; a quality valued highly by consumers.

For more information on modular leasing programs click here.

Take the Green Pledge -- Go Modular

Materials for the building were selected from recycled or recyclable materials as much as possible.

When it comes to green building, modular construction can be an excellent way to obtain a sturdy and practical space that’s also environmentally friendly. Prefab construction helps reduce waste and pollution in the construction process.

Green modular buildings are designed to take advantage of natural lighting and use high efficiency fixtures.
The use of better temperature insulation helps make the structure more efficient. Better insulation means less energy used in the heating and cooling process. That translates into both reduced stress on natural resources as well as lower utility costs.

"Going Green" when constructing a building also means a better indoor environment for its occupants. Utilizing non-toxic building materials helps create a space that won't cause health issues. Since the buildings are constructed in a factory environment, they are not exposed to any moisture from outside. This helps avoid any mold from forming in the modular structure. For individuals with allergies and chemical sensitivities, this is especially important.

When it comes to a new building, the choice is clear. Choosing green modular buildings is the way to both protect this precious planet and a way to achieve financial savings with the increased efficiency.

Contact us today for more information on ways to go green in commercial construction.

5 ways to Go Green in Commercial Construction

Modular homes ready to be delivered to your site.

Eco-friendly construction has become a popular trend when businesses are looking for savings and energy conservation. In the U.S., commercial buildings are responsible for 40 percent of the total amount of energy consumed. An estimated 68 percent of the total U.S. electricity consumption can be attributed to commercial buildings. Companies must now explore opportunities to integrate green building practices into their construction process.

Prefab and Modular Construction

One way to go green in commercial construction is to use the modular construction process. A modular building provides opportunities for custom additions ranging from energy efficient fixtures to quality, resilient sustainable materials. The green modular construction approach also presents endless eco-friendly building options, and allows for hand-picking features and systems that will achieve the desired level of energy efficiency.

Smart Roofing in Green Construction

Another way to go green in commercial construction is with the use of solar panels. Solar panels attached to a rooftop generate electricity for the building’s use and any excess power could even be forwarded to the electrical grid for distribution, thus lowering utility costs.

Indoor Air Quality

Improved air quality is another feature in green construction. Because the buildings are built indoors away from the elements, the chance of mold forming in the building is minimized.

Green Retrofits

Green construction retrofitting is slated to become the new norm in the industry. Companies will pay close attention to upgrading existing buildings. This may mean installing new state of the art environmentally efficient plumbing and electrical systems. In recognizing that starting over isn’t always feasible, the green retrofit remains a viable option for a firm that is considering the benefits of upgrades.

Rainwater Systems in Green Building Practices

Rainwater systems recycle water for use in custodial and plumbing functions. The collected water is used in gardening. These systems consist of water efficient fixtures and drainage technologies, reducing water consumption and supports municipalities in preserving the limited fresh water supply.


There are many advantages to green construction. These buildings cost less to maintain and require less energy to operate. The emissions are substantially reduced and businesses see fast returns on their investments.

Contact us today for more information on ways to go green in commercial construction.

Green Building Booms In Retail, Hospitality Sectors

While we wait for the right combination of home energy management tools, visual reports, and incentives for people to choose green-built homes over conventional ones, the business sector has blazed its own trail. Always concerned about the bottom line, entrepreneurs have been quick to embrace renewable energy and efficient building design.

A new report from McGraw Hill Construction, in partnership with Waste Management, found the percentage of retail owners that have chosen to make more than half of their new buildings are green has jumped from 18 percent in 2011 to 38 percent in 2013. The authors of Green Retail and Hospitality: Capitalizing on the Growth in Green Building Investments project this number will climb as high as 52 percent in the next two years.

The report surveyed 79 retail, 30 hotel and 22 restaurant owners, and defined a green building project as one built to LEED or another recognized green building standard, or one that take significant steps toward energy and water efficiency, improved indoor air quality and material resource conservation.

Hotel owners in particular have been making great strides toward greener buildings. The report showed that 48 percent of hotel owners are “highly involved” in green building–up from 28 percent just two years ago. It predicted that number will rise to 62 percent by 2015. Nor by any means is this surge of green building limited to new construction. The report found that nearly two-thirds of retail and three quarters of hotel owners surveyed also expect to invest in general green operations and maintenance practices by 2015.

Why such enthusiasm for green building, you ask? Because it pays off, of course. The report found that those in the hospitality business enjoyed an 11 percent increase in asset value, a 14 percent rise in the building’s return on investment and a 1 percent decrease in annual operating costs, when they chose to build green.

Likewise, those running retail businesses enjoyed a 7 percent increase in asset value, 8 percent building ROI and 8 percent drop, on average, in annual operating costs when choosing green building strategies over conventional ones.

Written By:  Beth Buczynski

Source: http://www.earthtechling.com/2013/06/green-building-booms-in-retail-hospitality-sectors/

World’s First Floating Green Building

COTTONWOOD COVE MARINA: WORLD’S FIRST FLOATING GREEN BUILDING  TO RECEIVE LEED® GOLD CERTIFICATION

US National Park Services, The Government of USA has issued the following news release:

Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina on Lake Mohave has made history, becoming the world's first floating green building to receive the prestigious LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Spearheaded by the National Park Service and Forever Resorts, LLC, the marina building opened June 2011, serving as the marina's operations office.

From decking made of rice hulls to exterior stucco made of recycled tires, from the beginning, the marina was lauded for its use of green materials. The floating eco-friendly structure features sustainable modular construction and state-of-the-art energy-efficient and environmentally responsible materials and fixtures. Use of low or no-volatile organic compound materials, paints and adhesives rid the building of the typical "new building" smell improving the overall indoor air quality.

For commercial buildings and neighborhoods to earn LEED certification, a project must satisfy all LEED prerequisites and earn a minimum 40 points on a 110-point LEED rating system scale. According to the UGSBC, participation in the voluntary LEED process demonstrates leadership, innovation, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

"We, together with the National Park Service, are proud to have made history with this achievement," said John Schoppmann, executive vice president, Forever Resorts. "This building embodies Forever Resorts' company-wide commitment to embracing eco-friendly, sustainable business and public-private partnership principles."

The project's key earth-minded elements and commitments include the Forever Resorts Forever Earth Environmental Management System and a mix of new and existing programs:

Green Cleaning Program throughout the resort 
Green Purchasing Program 
Energy and Environmental Education Programs for boaters and community members 
Extensive energy saving materials and systems, including high-performance insulated glass 
High-efficient HVAC equipment and delivery systems 
Extensive use of recycled and regionally extracted and manufactured materials, such as concrete, steel, drywall, metal studs and carpet 
Finish materials, paints, adhesives, caulks and sealants that contain low or no volatile organic compounds to ensure healthy indoor air quality 
Extensive natural daylight and views to the outdoors throughout, maximizing east/west orientation 
Recycled and recyclable building and landscape materials 
Prevention of night sky pollution

For more information please visit: M SPACE HOLDINGS
Copyright 2013 Plus Media Solutions Private Limited 
All Rights Reserved

Source: http://www.elp.com/news/2013/04/07/washington-cottonwood-cove-marina-world-s-first-floating-green-building-to-receive-leed-gold-certifi.html

Benefits of Modular Construction for Building Green

In this day and age, the phrase green building is everywhere. For those who unfamiliar with green buildings, they are built to minimize potential environmental impacts and hazards often caused during and after the construction work. In addition, a green building promotes sustainable energy usage while offering a healthy indoor environment for occupants. 

Modular construction is the best choice for building green homes and buildings, because the majority of construction occurs in a climate-controlled factory environment, protecting materials from outdoor elements, reducing product waste and improving efficiency. With less work done on site, a modular construction project also helps in reducing environmental impacts and site disruption.

Now that the concept of a green building is clear, let’s discuss the benefits of modular construction for building green homes and buildings. Modular materials may include recycled glass, wood, carpet and bamboo. Some energy efficient features may include tankless water heaters, programmable thermostats, bamboo flooring, solar panels and ENERGY STAR appliances.

Modular buildings can be disassembled and relocated to other sites. This reduces the energy and raw materials needed to construct a new building. Modular construction has the ability to reuse entire buildings or major components.

Modularbuilding doesn’t always require heavy machinery and other construction machines. As a result, there is minimal noise pollution and greenhouse gas emission due to construction work. In addition, modular structures use alternative energy resources including both solar and wind energy, reducing operational costs.

Modular construction ensures better quality management, reduced product waste and a healthier environment by utilizing off site construction methods. The excellent and consistent quality control of modular construction, makes it a great choice for green projects. 

Modular Construction Myths and Facts

When people think of modular construction; they often think of outdated mobile homes or small office trailers, but modular construction has advanced tremendously since its inception. Modular buildings and homes are built using the same high quality materials and meet or exceed the same building codes as traditional construction. The difference however can be seen in its flexibility and time savings.

Although some people are new to the idea of modular construction, its practice, has in fact, been around for a long time. The first modular home for sale was called the Sears Modern Home and was offered by the Sears Roebuck Company. The homes were sold through their catalog from 1908 to 1940 and were mailed to the customer in kits for assembly.

Some people still envision a standard trailer but modular homes and buildings can be custom designed to meet the unique needs of the client and virtually indistinguishable from stick-built structures. Modular buildings can be single or multi-story with a variety of interior and exterior finishes to choose from.

Another myth is that modular buildings are low quality. Nothing could be further from the truth. Built to the same standards as traditional construction and meet or exceed all state and local building codes. Modular construction is overseen by construction managers and engineers both in the factory and on-site to ensure structures are built correctly.

The only difference between a modular building and a traditional building is that the modular building is built in a factory. Modular buildings have been used not only for homes, but school buildings, hotels and lavish offices. If you want a home or building that is built to your specifications in a timely manner, then modular is the way to go.

Constructing Green Modular Buildings

There is a new movement that is taking hold in the world, and that movement is known as the going green movement. The going green movement stands for people trying to help the planet. They want to reduce the damage being done to the Earth and there are measurable benefits to it. 

One of the things being done is creating prefabricated buildings which come with many long-term environmentally friendly benefits.

The benefits of these buildings include:

Energy Efficiency And Sustainability

Many of the buildings being built have complete energy efficiency and sustainability. What that will mean for an occupant is that they will be spending less money in energy bills. On top of that, it also makes a positive contribution to the planet earth.

Bamboo and Recycled Carpet Flooring

Many people think bamboo is a type of wood, but it is actually a grass and a highly renewable resource. Bamboo can grow a couple inches in just a few days, which makes it a fantastic green resource. It looks amazing as hardwood flooring in green buildings.

Recycled carpet tiles are cost effective, durable and friendlier to the environment. They are also easy to replace when damaged or soiled as it only requires replacing the affected tiles as opposed to the entire carpet flooring. And because they are so renewable, bamboo and recycled carpet tiles can be purchased at a fraction of the cost. 

Prefabricated Buildings = Decreased Product Waste

Because a green modular building is going to be more efficient and will have the added benefit of decreased product waste, it will require less energy to operate. A pre-leased modular building will also reduce product waste and new construction helping to conserve the earth's natural resources. 

Green Modular Construction Is Cost Effective

Green modular construction has the benefit of increased energy efficiency through the use of highly efficient fixtures and better temperature insulation. This also reduces operating costs by lowing heating, air conditioning and electric bills.

Healthier Environment

Pre-fabricated buildings try to utilize as much natural light as possible. A building can be placed for optimal light, this will mean more light during the day and it will give the effect of a brighter and healthier environment.

A green modular building is going to have plenty of benefits. Occupants can help stop the massive amounts of damage being done to the Earth and know that they are making a difference if they purchase a green building or incorporate green fixtures.

Modular Buildings for a Healthier Environment

The efficiency and positive aspects of green modular construction are becoming more appealing in order to minimize carbon footprints while acquiring an energy efficient dream home or structure. Modular construction offers the buyer various choices, not only for aesthetic appeal, but also improved energy efficiency. Construction of modular buildings occur off-site resulting in the avoidance of weather delays and reduced waste and toxic fumes, reducing the impact of the environment and creating a smaller carbon footprint.

Incorporating green features including low volume faucets, solar options and walls with increased insulation can all be part of the modular construction design. Planning for efficient appliances also adds to the building green aspect of modular construction. Window placement in coordination with how the structure will be placed on the lot provides efficient use of sunlight and optional features such as collection systems for rooftop rain water can also be integrated into the green construction design.

Ventilation issues taken into consideration during the planning of the building will make it more energy efficient by reducing the need to use air conditioning or fans. The financial benefits experienced with green construction can provide for future savings and a healthier environment. If the need to move ever arises, the mobile nature of modular construction allows the building to be easily transported and relocated which lessens the need for new construction, another way to lower environmental impact. Building green modular structures produces less waste, allows for the addition of energy efficient elements and provides a healthier living space in a shorter amount of time.