Over the last few years, inflation has become one of the greatest global issues, influencing almost every industry, including the construction sector. In the UK, as in many other countries, the ever-growing costs of construction materials and labour are posing challenges which architects, contractors, developers and other specialists must keep in mind while planning and implementing of projects.
Challenges for the construction sector during high inflation
As shown in official statistics, from 2020 (e.g. the start of the COVID-19 pandemic) the inflation rate has risen from around 1% (2020) to up to 10% in some months of 2022 and went down to 3.1% in September 2024.
Inflation, by increasing the costs of raw materials and wages, directly affects the budgets of construction investments. The price of materials, such as, steel, wood, concrete and aluminium have gone up and their availability was periodically limited. Passing these costs on to the end customer is becoming increasingly difficult, forcing designers to re-examine their financial and architectural assumptions. As a result, both small construction companies and large development companies are looking for ways to balance costs and meet customer demands in difficult economic conditions.
The ever-changing economic situation is forcing architects and contractors to reanalyse their solutions. Traditional construction methods may not be as financially effective, as they were before, which makes adapting projects a necessity. At the same time, the need to provide clients with high-quality and durable products, which will match their budget and expectations, is increasing.
Eliza Yard & Jersey Queen, Manchester, UK. Systems used: MB-77HS, MB-Slimline
How is the construction sector adapting to market conditions?
In response to these challenges, architects, contractors and developers have been looking for new strategies, which will allow them to optimise costs and make managing projects more effective. One of the key trends in the construction sector is the introduction of sustainable and energy-efficient solutions that not only bring economic benefits, but also respond to growing environmental requirements.
Sustainability-oriented projects focus on reducing energy consumption, minimizing construction waste and using ecological materials. Thanks to using energy-efficient solutions, buildings can generate lesser exploitation costs, which is important both to developers and to future owners.
In this context, it is worth looking at solutions offered by companies, such as, Aluprof, which provide advanced, energy-efficient solutions. Windows and doors in aluminium, Aluprof frames are known for their excellent thermal insulation, which helps sustain a comfortable temperature inside the building, reducing the need for heating and cooling. In the producer’s offer, a few products need to be highlighted, as they are used more frequently in investments throughout Europe. The aluminium windows in the MB-79N system are a great example, which are characterized by a high thermal insulation coefficient, enabling them to efficiently protect the interior atmosphere from the conditions prevailing outside the building. Another frequently used solution are aluminium windows and doors in the MB-86N system, which apart from the previously mentioned qualities, they also have high resistance to burglary. Aluminium windows and doors MB-86 ST, SI, AERO are also worth mentioning, as their construction is stronger, providing protection against strong wind and rain.
The clear leader in the field of passivity are the MB-104 PASSIVE windows and doors. Out of all the available offers, Aluprof provide the most efficient energy protection to the building, which led to them receiving one of the most important passive construction certificates – Darmstadt.
One of the most used – in the context of the energy efficiency of buildings – Aluprof products ideally complementing the aforementioned windows are roller-screens, SkyTwin used to effectively darken rooms on exceptionally sunny days, which, in the long run, constitutes an additional layer of insulation for the facility. And, in the long run, investing in the above products translates into significant energy and financial savings.
Moreover, aluminium solutions are not only energy-efficient, but also lightweight and durable, which facilitates the construction process and allows the creation of modern structures with unusual shapes. Aluminium’s weather resistance and longevity make it the first choice for many architects, especially in the context of sustainable development-oriented projects.
Premier Inn West Smithsfield, London, UK. Systems used: MB-45, MB-78EI, MB-86 SI
Control the climate, control the costs
The ever-changing economic realities, the impact of inflation, challenges related to the costs of materials and labour, force architects, contractors, developers and investors themselves to constantly search for new solutions. Adaptation of construction projects to the current economic situation has become a key factor of success on the market.
Sustainable strategies, such as, the use of energy-efficient aluminium systems, modern design and construction management technologies, offer the opportunity to reduce costs and meet customer expectations. Choosing the right solutions, such as those offered by companies like Aluprof, allows you to create efficient, durable and aesthetic buildings that respond to the needs of contemporary economic and environmental realities.
The company is not only limited to offering high-quality constructions solutions. Right now, the company is holding a “Control the Climate, Control the Costs” campaign, which aims to increase awareness of the need to use energy-efficient solutions in future-oriented construction. Szymon Marciniak, a recognised international football arbitrary, is the ambassador of this initiative.
Article sponsored by Aluprof
ALUPROF UK LTD
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