BIM design, contactless technologies and new materials: what is happening in the engineering infrastructure market

Engineering systems are an important component of real estate, where each element must meet high standards of quality and safety. Not just the comfort of living depends on this, but also the durability of all structural elements. Every year, the requirements of property owners are becoming higher, pushing manufacturers and designers to use innovative solutions and modern materials.

New realities of the engineering infrastructure market

General market changes require flexibility and willingness to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Engineering system manufacturers and designers face certain challenges:

Rising prices for materials and equipment. This is due to an increase in the cost of raw materials, logistics costs and other factors.
High customer demands. Property owners expect quality, innovation and a personal touch. They want their homes to be not just comfortable, but also green, energy efficient and safe.
The need to update technologies constantly. To remain competitive, companies must follow new trends and implement innovative solutions.
Complex design and installation. Engineering networks require careful planning and accurate execution, which means highly qualified specialists and the use of modern technologies.

Facing rising prices, owners of real estate, in particular the premium segment, choose solutions that will provide not only comfort, but also long-term savings. The quality and reliability of complex system utilities justify higher installation costs by minimizing the need for future repairs and replacements.

Major factors influencing the selection of utility systems include:

Durability. Systems should serve for many years without breakdowns with regular maintenance. Durability is achieved using high quality materials such as stainless steel and copper, as well as through proper design and installation.
Energy efficiency. It is important that heating, air conditioning, lighting and others use energy efficiently.
Safety. High-quality engineering systems must ensure the maximum level of safety. For example, water supply systems must be equipped with modern protection against leaks, and power supply systems must be equipped with protection against short circuits and overloads.
Automation and intelligent management. Owners are increasingly choosing systems that allow to control various functions through mobile applications or integrated smart home systems.

All these factors require the use of modern and high-quality materials, as well as technological solutions that will ensure the reliable operation of systems for many years. To meet these requirements, engineering systems are created in accordance with current market trends.

Trend 1. BIM design: digital evolution

One of the most important tools in the design of engineering systems that meet the new realities is BIM (Building Information Modeling). This technology helps to create accurate 3D models, minimizing errors at the design stage and significantly optimizing costs.

Advantages of BIM modeling in the design of engineering systems:

Elimination of errors. The virtual model helps to identify potential problems in a timely manner, eliminating the likelihood of their occurrence during the installation and operation stage and significantly reducing the risk of failures and breakdowns.
Cost optimization. With accurate calculations and models, you can determine in advance which materials and equipment will be most efficient and cost-effective for a particular project. This avoids excessive material costs and reduces future maintenance costs.
Reduced design time. Automation of processes significantly speeds up the creation of project documentation, drawings and plans, which in turn reduces the construction time.
Increased transparency of interactions. All stakeholders – designers, contractors and owners – can work with one model in real time. This allows quickly coordinating changes and making decisions.

BIM modeling technology is more often used in the creation of premium systems. They differ from comfort and economy systems in their increased requirements for quality and reliability, the use of the latest innovative technologies and materials, as well as an individual approach to design. More affordable grade systems provide basic comfort and safety, but offer no added benefits.

BIM is used, among other things, for the design of complex systems: heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), as well as water and power supply, and sewage. This improves significantly the quality and accuracy of work.

Trend 2. Contactless technology and automation

An important aspect in the design of complex engineering systems is the use of innovative solutions. One of these is sensor control. Modern sensor devices allow to control lighting, climate, water supply and other system parameters with maximum convenience.

The benefits of sensor technologies

Comfort. With touch panels, the need to look for switches or manually adjust temperature, water, and so on is reduced or completely eliminated. Control through mobile applications enables to control all systems remotely.
Energy savings. Touch control reduces energy consumption by automatically adjusting parameters: it depends on the presence of people in the room or the time of day.
Aesthetics. Touch panels and devices are made in a pleasant design that fits harmoniously into the interior, creating a stylish and minimalistic look.

Trend 3. New materials

Today, materials resistant to external influences are used for the installation of technological engineering networks. For example, stainless steel, copper and polymeric pipes have greater strength and corrosion resistance. With them, the system can function seamlessly for decades.

To reduce energy costs, smart thermostats are often used: they adjust automatically the temperature depending on the presence of people in the room. Automatic lighting control is also used, optimizing power consumption.

Modern water treatment filtration systems are becoming an integral part of current engineering solutions. They provide a high level of water purification from impurities, improving water quality and extending the life of the entire water supply system.

Trend 4. Comprehensive approach

By integrating engineering systems into a single intelligent network, all systems can work synchronously; that optimizes their operation and reduces operating costs.

Efficiency and economy. Integrated systems can automatically adjust parameters depending on conditions, which reduces energy and water consumption.
Simplifying management. Centralized management through a single interface makes the process of controlling the house much easier and more convenient for the owner.
Automation. Integration allows systems to work independently, without human intervention, increasing the level of comfort and safety.

Integration also affects the design and operation of housing, offering solutions that provide not only functionality, but also aesthetic appeal. For example, hidden control systems and minimalistic panels create a clean and modern interior.

The future of engineering technology

Significant changes in engineering technology can be expected in the coming years. The main trends are:

Automation and AI. Systems that adapt to the needs of residents, optimizing the operation of all engineering networks, will become the standard.
Smart homes. The introduction of technologies that allow integrating all systems into a single network will continue. This will not only increase comfort, but also significantly reduce operating costs.
Energy efficiency. The use of alternative energy sources will be the basis for the future construction and operation of real estate, in particular premium one.

The introduction of innovative technologies will continue the development of the engineering systems market. This will create more energy efficient, comfortable andsafe housing for owners that meets the highest requirements.