ByCalgary is no stranger to transformation. Over the last decades, it has revolutionized from an economy primarily dominated by energy into one that is diverse. This increasing growth has gone hand in hand with the rapid demand for commercial spaces. These spaces include office buildings, retail stores, industrial complexes, and mixed-use development. Thus driving the commercial construction market. But what sets Calgary’s commercial construction apart, and what trends will continue to shape its future? Below, we look at what drives commercial construction in Calgary, the trends, and how those developments will shape the future.
The Drivers Behind Commercial Construction in Calgary Boom
Several vital things drive commercial construction. First, more residents and businesses than ever before are flocking to Calgary. The quality of life, the infrastructure, and access to all major transportation routes are all important. This makes it the ideal option for any company looking to expand outside of more hard-to-penetrate urban hubs. Businesses and a steadily rising population create a need for developers to build new spaces that suit a modern Calgary.
Aside from that, Calgary vowed to venture away from dependency on energy-based industries. While energy is still crucial in the city, technology, healthcare, and professional services are on the rise. This leads to the increasing demand for flexible and multi-use spaces. Several firms are in the market seeking space that can negotiate everything from traditional office layouts to open-floor collaborative workspaces. These changes have contributed in no small measure to the rise of commercial construction. Hence, a lot of the buildings are being designed to be flexible and adapt to future uses.
Sustainability and Green Building Practices
Commercial construction in Calgary has become increasingly sustainable, with more environmentally friendly methods and practices being adopted. Many projects are now geared to reduce environmental impact. Green building certifications, such as LEED-nea, have become quite common in Calgary, influencing developers to make use of sustainable materials, efficient energy systems, and low-impact building designs. Many buildings now feature energy-efficient lighting, rooftop solar panels, and high-performance insulation to reduce heating and cooling costs.
With Calgary’s fluctuating climate, sustainable buildings can lower operational costs and benefit both the environment and the businesses they house.
Mixed-Use Developments
These projects are dynamic 24/7 communities, improving residents’ lifestyles with mixed-use residential, commercial, and recreational facilities. This will also provide businesses with built-in customer bases.
Such projects are popping up around downtown Calgary and into neighboring communities to make areas more walkable and give a sense of community. Mixed-use developments bring workplaces, shopping, and residential spaces together, reducing commutes, increasing foot traffic, and creating vibrant, energetic spaces.
Smart Buildings and Integration of Technologies
As Calgary continues to attract tech companies and professionals, both old and new commercial buildings become more intelligent with the incorporation of IoT devices. Smart buildings using IoT devices can track various resources—popularly known as lighting, security, and climate control—through automated systems. These improvements improve energy efficiency, heighten security, and allow greater occupant control of their environments for comfort and productivity. Tech-friendly buildings within Calgary also boast infrastructural support for high-speed internet access and flexible floor plans that are most conducive for startups and even digital enterprises.
Wellness and Health-Focused Spaces
Many commercial spaces throughout Calgary have now focused more on features of wellness since their awareness of health and wellbeing has been heightened. Builders are designing constructions to support physical and mental health, adding amenities like improved ventilation, natural lighting, green spaces, and fitness centers. Workplace wellbeing amenities have been in unusually high demand, particularly from companies looking at home and trying to attract and retain talent with a positive workplace culture. COVID-19 accelerated this trend, with developers racing to incorporate better ventilation systems, touchless technology, and open-air areas into the design of buildings.
Challenges in the Commercial Construction Scene of Calgary
As commercial construction grows in Calgary, this industry faces several challenges. One of the more severe issues is the increasing cost of materials and labor.
With increased demand for construction, the prices of raw materials such as steel and concrete also go up. The supply of labor has been tight for some time, which generally means the projects take more time and cost more. The modular construction process, also known as prefabrication, is one of the methods certain construction firms have begun using to save money and decrease the amount of labor required at a site. The weather in Calgary is quite peculiar and demanding for buildings. They need to support extremely low winter temperatures and then warm summer temperatures.
The Prospect of Commercial Construction
The commercial construction scenes within Calgary are moving fast and do not appear to slow down anytime soon. With emerging new technologies and economic diversification, commercial buildings are likely to be even more adaptive and environmentally conscious. Moreover, Calgary, with its emphasis on mixed-use developments, will still manifest into more integrated active communities wherein the city will be somewhat of a living institution in which one can live, work, and have fun within proximity. Another trend that may take up a great deal of Calgary’s future commercial construction is community engagement.
Concluding Remarks
The renovation boom in Commercial Construction in Calgary is transforming the cityscape into one that is ever so much more sustainable, community-oriented, and technologically progressed. For owners looking for a new place of business, developers with an interest in emerging trends, or even those who happen to reside within the city limits and wish to keep up with the changes happening around them, this should be one to watch. This commercial construction boom is changing the face—or rather, iconic skyline—and possibilities of this great city with the help of Sky Blue. Visit their website to check out their portfolio.
