The evolution of homebuilding over the past decades has allowed a radical change in the idea of comfortable, safe and functional housing. The introduction of automated systems, increasing the efficiency of engineering and the unsurpassed technical and physical properties of building materials - these are the key areas in which modern house construction is developing. New construction technologies are actively absorbing innovative solutions from related fields.
The development of alternative approaches to production processes, electrical engineering know-how, as well as scientific discoveries, leave their mark on technological solutions in the construction field. Moreover, the development covers almost all existing niches - from laying the foundation to power tools and finishing materials.
Block formwork
As you know, the foundation is the foundation of the house. To obtain a strong and reliable structure, it must have an appropriate platform. The principles on which the construction of houses is carried out using the new technology of block (or fixed) formwork, suggest several directions. One of the most popular in Russia is the formation of formwork from polystyrene foam hollow elements with a reinforcing cage.
The design feature is that the load from the walls is transferred to a monolithic reinforced concrete base - the formwork itself includes slabs, block components, as well as lightweight panels. By the way, the latter do not require removal after the concrete has hardened, and provide two functions: heat-insulating and mold-forming.
In addition to polystyrene foam materials, the new technology for building houses allows the use of wood-cement construction, implemented from slabs and blocks. In the manufacture of such formwork, cement and coniferous chips from woodworking waste are used, which affects the environmental qualities of the building.
Thermal house
A vivid illustration of the advantages of using polystyrene foam and block formwork is a thermode. It provides for the installation of a monolithic concrete base, which is implemented due to the insulated molded components of expanded polystyrene. It is obvious that new technologies for the construction of private houses in cold regions require increased thermal insulation, which is provided by polystyrene foam elements.
These are hollow thermal blocks, in the niches of which concrete mortar is poured. Thus, a 15-centimeter monolithic wall is formed, which has double-sided insulation with polystyrene panels 5 cm thick.
3D technology in construction
Not to mention that the use of three-dimensional modeling has been practiced for many years in the development of interior design projects and the preparation of technical documentation, today 3D material is also gaining popularity. Special panels, which act as a link between monolithic and frame-panel housing construction, have allowed to master new technologies. Materials in construction based on 3D panels can be represented as factory polystyrene foam elements.
By design, they resemble ordinary slabs, but are braided from two reinforcing meshes running in parallel. Connections in panels are formed by diagonal rods made of stainless or galvanized wire. The rods are fixed at an angle - this way the polystyrene foam base breaks through, which creates a spatial cavity along with reinforcing meshes. In its final form, such a system is covered with concrete and looks like a solid monolithic structure.
Frame Housing Innovation
The name of this technique among specialists can be associated with sets of prefabricated prefabricated elements from which the quick construction of a house is performed. New construction technologies have undoubtedly succeeded in this area, but in the case of wire-frame know-how, something else is important.
The design of such buildings involves the dilution of the load from the walls and components that provide the supporting function. That is, the former in this case do not act as a retaining element - this task is shifted to the vertical skeleton (frame). This is a fundamentally new technology for building houses according to the frame principle, thanks to which new opportunities for building walls open up for builders, since one of the key functions (load-bearing) disappears.
The idea of a smart home
Perhaps the most relevant area, the development of which is being carried out by the largest manufacturers and construction organizations. According to the concept of a “smart” house, the living space is optimized as much as possible both in terms of energy efficiency and ease of use.
Since there are risks of a significant increase in the price of such projects, companies tend to focus on the economical construction of houses. New construction technologies from different areas make it possible to combine communication systems, security devices, lighting equipment, electrical devices and other elements of ensuring functionality and comfort into a single infrastructure. The interconnection of individual systems, implemented in one complex, greatly facilitates the operation of the house and optimizes the consumption of its resources.
Innovation in Lighting
At this stage of development of lighting devices, LED products clearly stand out. This is confirmed by the massive transition to Led lighting of industrial and public facilities, however, the private sector is also interested in a profitable light source. The use of new technologies in the construction of country houses, which are the most energy-intensive, is especially pronounced. Integrated supply of cottages with LED devices can save up to 50%, while maintaining high performance and lighting quality. In the latest models of LED-lamps, manufacturers use fundamentally new solutions - for example, they introduce polycarbonate and aluminum elements into the body, and the lamp base is provided with prismatic diffusers.
Tool and equipment
In these areas, product development is driven by fierce market competition. Convenience, efficiency and safety during the operation of a building tool are enhanced by the introduction of new clamps for machining heads, more reliable cutting components, high-power batteries, anti-vibration systems, etc. Ergonomics are not ignored either - manufacturers use special plastic and rubber compositions in the tool, which simplifies construction. New technologies, new equipment and a wide range of auxiliary systems allow repair and installation operations to be carried out safely, promptly and efficiently.
Green technology
Technological advancement in construction can no longer be imagined without composite and synthetic materials. Despite the assurances of manufacturers of the absolute safety of such products, a truly environmentally friendly home is only possible if natural raw materials are used. For all its exoticism, designs of structures made of adobe, clay, earth and other materials are in demand and are being improved. The foundation is made on the basis of harmless concrete, and shingles, reeds, straw, etc. are used in the roofing device.
The concept of the Fox Hole project is also very original - in essence, it involves the earthen construction of a house. New construction technologies here can be considered as the very idea of maximum approximation to nature. Less radical options for eco-houses include structures in which the use of potent mixtures, coatings, plastic cladding and other unnatural building materials is minimized.
Housing Development Trends
It is difficult to single out or outline at least approximate directions that may be continued in the future. There are quite a lot of them, and the close interconnection of different approaches in direct construction does not allow to differentiate between specialization of technologies. For example, the entry of fiberglass reinforcement entails changes in the methods of foundation construction, and the use of composite panels presents new requirements for fixing elements. It follows that the latest technologies in construction are aimed at achieving a specific task, taking into account the development of related areas.
It is also impossible to predict what the construction will be in 20-50 years. Today, the use of certain space technologies is coming into practice, powder tools are appearing - it is possible that these areas will soon begin the new concepts of housing construction, leaving behind the once revolutionary “warm” floor, polycarbonate alloys and vinyl wallpapers. But in any case, the latest technologies in construction will be oriented towards a completely traditional set of characteristics of a modern house - energy efficiency, comfort and ergonomics, reliability and durability, safety and economy. Under such requests, technologies for the development of building mixtures, block materials, equipment, etc. are summarized.