sustainability

Commercial Construction

Three Commercial Building Trends for 2025

Trends in commercial buildings come and go, and this year is no different. While some trends, like sustainable building, have stuck around for several years now, others, like Smart Buildings and Adaptive Reuse are just emerging.

First, “Sustainable Building” has been growing since the 1960s. The 1990s brought actual guidelines for “green” building standards. Since then the availability of projects and methods for creating commercial office buildings, neighborhood strip malls, and homes, has grown substantially.

Bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood, concrete, and adobe are all examples of sustainable building materials.

A second trend in commercial office design these days includes “in office benefits” for workers. These can range from something as simple as green plants to more complex options like an employee fitness center.

Providing incentives for employees, and ways to help them stay motivated helps you as their boss, but also helps your employees. Natural light, breakout spaces, quiet rooms, and quality office furniture are all ways to provide benefits to your staff.

It’s no surprise that “smart buildings” and the concept of “IoT” (The internet of things) are taking off. Smart buildings use Internet integration technology to program security cameras and thermostats, to improve workflow, and even to analyze data and productivity.

Energy efficiency is one of the top ways companies can use Smart Technology. By implementing simple changes in your design, like programmable thermostats, smart lighting, and even smart windows, companies can save money and help the environment.

If you’re considering a new commercial building, repurposing a current commercial property, or building a space that includes commercial and residential aspects, we’d love to help! Contact us at (970) 812-7970.

Commercial Construction, Office Design, Remodels

What is Adaptive Reuse?

In Grand Junction, Fruita, and towns all across the country, historic buildings and warehouse spaces often sit empty for years before being demolished to make room for new and modern buildings.
 
However, the idea of Adaptive Reuse is growing, and can be a way to preserve architecture while also saving businesses time and money.
 
 
Adaptive Reuse the process of remodeling a building for a use other than its originally intended one. For instance, the Lowell School (the old R5 school) was repurposed to house several businesses, including a brewery.
 
One of the benefits of Adaptive Reuse is that it preserves both architecture and heritage. No one wants to lose the great brickwork on an historic building, or the tin ceiling inside, for example. By repurposing the building instead of just tearing it down, businesses are able to highlight those historical features.
 
Another reason businesses might consider Adaptive Reuse is cost. Often it can be cheaper to restore / remodel a building than to build a new one.  Remodeling a structure can also be faster, which saves time and expense for owners too.
 
Elysium Studios is a tattoo studio in Fruita, Colorado whose space was a former church.
 
Some considerations for Adaptive Reuse include:
 
Structural assessments – you don’t want hidden or unexpected costs to arise. A structural assessment will ensure the building is sound and suitable for restoration or remodel.
 
Budget – Remember that, with any remodel project, unexected expenses will occur. Be prepared with an adequate budget and contingency fund.
 
Neighborhood – Is the potential project a good one for the neighborhood? Will it add value and fit in with other businesses in the area?
 
You’ll want to have a good contractor and team in place to take on your project; there will inevitably be areas that need to be brought up to code. Staircases and electrical wiring are two examples of areas that could require extra work to meet current codes.
 
If you’re interested in learning more about Adaptive Reuse, or have a project in mind, we’d love to talk to you! Contact us here.
 
Commercial Construction

Sustainable Building Materials for your Commercial Construction Project

New building materials and technologies are making it possible for the construction industry to enter the world of sustainability with materials that are durable and better for the environment. The following materials are just a few that are making it easier to build strong, aesthetically-pleasing structures while considering environmental effects as well.

BAMBOO

Bamboo is a renewable “grass” that is strong and flexible. It regrows quickly, is durable, and can be used for framing, support, floors, and interior finishes. Because it grows so fast, up to 1.5 inches per hour, Bamboo is a quickly renewing, recyclable resource that works for many different facets of commercial construction design.

LAMINATED TIMBER

Laminated timber is an engineered wood product. It’s made by using an adhesive or glue to combine several pieces of lumber together. It is extremely strong; it’s stronger than standard lumber milled sawn wood.

It is more eco-friendly than steel or concrete and can be sued for everything from beams and columns to roofing and flooring. It is fire-resistant and water-resistant as well.

ADOBE BRICK

Adobe brick, made out of clay and straw, is naturally occurring and therefore a more sustainable choice than a manufactured product. It has wonderful insulating properties and can be a unique and good choice in arid areas. It has been used for centuries as a building material and can be recycled over and over.

STONE

Naturally existing stone is a great sustainable option for flooring, fireplaces, facades, entryways, and more! It is durable, strong and versatile. Adding stone to your project will not only ensure that you’re using available, existing natural resources, but also will give your building an added texture and feature.

CORK

Cork is a common building product in Europe. Slowly it is growing in popularity in the U.S. It comes from the cork oak tree and is removed by hand. This means it is renewable; trees are never cut down or killed in order to harvest cork.

It is mold-resistant as well and is often used in floors and walls. Because it it is water-resistant and durable, it can also be used for countertops and cabinets as well.

If you’re considering a commercial building project in Colorado this year, we’d love to help! Reach out to our Colorado commercial contractors today and let North Peak bring your building dreams to life!

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