The world of construction and architecture is constantly evolving, and 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting and transformative year, one in which we will see the consolidation of recent trends and some even new ones emerge. At the forefront of these innovations, Sto —a leader in comprehensive solutions for sustainable design and construction—is looking ahead to highlight the key trends that will shape the architectural and construction landscape next year.
For this firm, “2024 is a pivotal year in the history of construction and architecture, marked by the evolution from more traditional practices towards more modern and sustainable approaches. Indeed, a large part of the country's existing buildings still consume more resources than necessary to achieve optimal levels of comfort and service.”.
Sto adds that the sustainable construction model will continue to be essential to mitigate the negative impact on the environment and drive consumer demand towards a more ethical and responsible path.
Tendencies
In this context, Sto anticipates the trends that, in his opinion, will lead the construction sector in the coming months:
• Biophilic design . Nature will continue to gain ground in both interior and exterior spaces. This trend has been consistent in recent years and is here to stay. This approach is based on the connection between nature and people's physical and mental well-being, helping to reduce stress levels and improve comfort.
In addition to natural light and outdoor spaces, including vegetation on exterior facades will be essential to counteract the effects of climate change and urban heat islands, contributing to obtaining additional thermal and acoustic insulation.
• Microliving . Population growth has—and will continue to have—a significant impact on city planning. The concept of “small living” or “microliving” seeks spaces that are multifunctional and user-centered. These are places that are well-connected to daily needs (work, hospitals, sports centers, etc.) to encourage walking or cycling.
These flexible spaces highlight a shift in lifestyle, where a home is no longer solely a place to sleep but becomes a place to work and enjoy leisure. They are efficient, accessible spaces where the comfort and mental well-being of the inhabitants take center stage.
• Sustainability . Environmental awareness remains a priority, and sustainable architecture is expected to continue being one of the key trends for 2024. Today, the energy impact of the construction and materials sector is very significant (buildings are responsible for around 40% of energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions), and therefore, the use of sustainable materials, as well as energy-efficient design and the integration of green technologies, will be essential to reducing the sector's carbon footprint. Promoting efficient systems such as ventilated facades or ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems) will contribute to significant energy savings by thermally insulating the building.
• New technologies . The integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual/augmented reality, and 3D printing is transforming how buildings are designed and constructed. Using these technologies provides a competitive advantage by creating safer projects, reducing and optimizing resources, and increasing efficiency.
Specifically, AI offers the opportunity to collect data more accurately, and together with BIM (Building Information Modeling), they form a team with great potential.
• Rehabilitation and reuse . The renovation and reuse of existing buildings will continue to be a trend next year. In line with sustainability goals, there is a growing effort to give new life to old buildings, preserving heritage and reducing waste and the generation of refuse resulting from the demolition process.
• Vibrant and cheerful tones among the neutrals . In terms of decoration and interior design, it seems that 2024 will bring vibrant yet elegant tones. Greens, blues, yellows, and burnt reds will be mixed with the already classic stone tones, beiges, and browns.
Source: https://www.cicconstruccion.com/
