Can Bamboo Construction Replace Timber and Steel?
Bamboo checks many of the boxes of an eco-friendly material, so some researchers are testing the material’s commercial viability in construction
This Unlikely Construction Material Also Tastes Great on Burgers
Say what now? That’s right—most would agree that mushrooms sauteed with onions atop anything is delicious. It turns out the ingredient may also be a game-changer as a building material that also helps reduce construction waste
Building Material Lead Times Are a Major Problem Right Now. Here’s Why.
Extended and uncertain lead times are turning bidding and building into a tiresome puzzle of constantly changing pieces—and it’s unclear when the headache will end
How Rising Interest Rates Are Confounding Construction
Higher interest rates have frozen owner-occupied residential construction and may soon scuttle commercial deals as the Federal Reserve continues to fight inflation with rate hikes
Green Building Materials for Sustainable Construction
Given the level of carbon emissions construction generates, the industry knows it has to smarten up its environmental act. Part of the sector’s response will be to embrace more green construction materials, while some, like timber, have been a part of the industry for centuries.
Lumber Prices Are Down Again—But for How Long?
Experts say a higher interest rate environment for the foreseeable future may crimp demand for the essential building material in the years ahead, capping a period of pandemic-induced volatility
Amsterdam Moves to Mandate Wood Building. Here’s Why.
Inspired by the environmental advantages of wood construction, the European city recently passed groundbreaking legislation mandating that all new buildings constructed after 2025 consist of at least 20% wood or other biobased material
Mini Materials Aims to Spark Construction Joy for Kids—And Adults
The company creates realistic construction toys for children, hoping the experience inspires them with dreams of working in the industry
The Most In-Demand Construction Materials Right Now
Shortages are pervasive across the industry, but experts say these materials are especially hard to come by—and may be for some time
Can Construction Solve Its Concrete Conundrum?
Concrete is the most common material used in construction, but manufacturing its primary binder—Portland cement—causes greenhouse gas emissions, putting pressure on the industry to find a more environmentally sustainable solution
Why Lumber Prices Are Sky High—Again
The price of the essential building material has been on a wild ride since the pandemic began. What’s behind the most recent spike?
Builders Embrace the Rebirth of Wood Through Mass Timber
Mass timber gives an age-old material compelling new advantages for the construction industry
Wooden Buildings: Trees Converted into Habitats for Humans
Concern around climate change and a desire to construct more sustainable buildings is driving the construction industry to deliver a built environment that has less impact on the world around it. The increased use of timber in tall buildings is part of this process.
Deployable Structures Turn to New Inspiration: Origami
Inflatable structures are paramount in construction. Can origami offer such deployable components new inspiration?
Once Sky High, Lumber Prices Tumble. Here’s Why.
Lumber prices today are falling fast after becoming a scarce commodity during the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s why lumber prices are dropping.
