Bau, the German word for “building,†is also the acronym for “Bauen, Ausbau, Umbau,†which roughly translates to “building, finishing, renovation.†This is fitting because BAU is one of the world’s leading trade shows for architecture, building materials, and systems. It takes place every two years in Munich, Germany, and attracts exhibitors and visitors worldwide.
The show is considered one of the most important platforms for architects, engineers, contractors, and other professionals to exchange ideas, network, and showcase their products and services. After a four-year hiatus, a lot has happened on the world stage, impacting the building and design industry. Not surprisingly, the spotlight has shifted, with topics of discussion and product design and manufacturing reflecting the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Five key trends were identified by BAU organisers as the most pertinent for the future of building.
1. Challenge of climate change: Fossil energy used in the construction industry alone accounts for 25 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union. The construction industry has an opportunity to mitigate climate change through sustainable processes and energy-efficient construction and design.
2. Digital transformation: The building sector is in the midst of a digital revolution. The shift away from analogue ways of thinking and organising towards a professional digital-based approach to decision-making and operations is producing a wide range of options.
3. Homes of the future: Quality housing that is also affordable has long been a utopia in big cities from Munich to Melbourne.
4. Resources & recycling: Walls made of building rubble, insulation from old trouser material and screw connections instead of welded seams: things are happening on building sites bringing the “circular†or “closed-loop†economy to life.
5. Modular building: Rents are rising, and at the same time living space is becoming increasingly scarce. But there is a promising approach to solving these challenges: serial and modular construction with industrially prefabricated components.
KeraTwin ‘Canyon’ panel profile on show
The perfect solution: Curtain-type, rear-ventilated ceramic facade system
Architects are under increasing pressures to design buildings that meet both quality standards and Green Building Certification such as LLED, BREEAM or DGND. Given curtain-type, rear-ventilated facades offer optimal energy efficiency, it is no surprise KLAY Tiles and Facades are seeing growing popularity in specifications.
The ventilated cavity between the ceramic panels and insulating materials regulates the buildings moisture balance, directing moisture outwards and guaranteeing swift drying of damp exterior walls. The insulating material stays dry and fully functional while the indoor climate is improved.
As Agrob Buchtal KeraTwin façade panels are colour-fast, resistant to light, non-combustible and very impact-proof, their life span is practically unlimited. Whether glazed or unglazed, the surface is highly-resistant to soiling such as graffiti. With the Hytect self-cleaning effect, sun and rain is all that is required to maintain a pristine appearance. When the time comes to demolish the building, all components of the façade cladding – ceramics, mineral, wool and the aluminium used for the substructure – can easily be sorted and redirected to another purpose.
Shaping the future
The five key trends identified by BAU organizers for the future of building; climate change, digital transformation, homes of the future, resources and recycling, and modular building, are driving the industry towards sustainable and innovative solutions. Manufacturers like Agrob Buchtal are rising to the challenge by developing and refining their products to meet the needs of architects and builders. The use of curtain-type, rear-ventilated ceramic facades is one such innovative solution that offers optimal energy efficiency, longevity and non-combustibility, while also being environmentally friendly. As the building and design industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing global challenges, BAU will remain a key event that shapes the future of the industry.
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