At the last count, commercial real estate and development contributed over $935.1 Billion to the US economy. So, it plays an important role in rebooting the nation's economy after this latest hiccup.
Are you one of the developers striving to get the commercial real estate industry back on track?
If so, check out these office building design tips. They're bound to ensure your development thrives as America gets back to work.
Things to Consider For Your Office Building Design
Green building practices are of global importance lately. As such, they're a top priority of developers and construction companies, too. Some of the things you need to consider include:
Green Materials
Commercial and industrial buildings should forego energy-sapping traditional materials. Instead, embrace reclaimed, recycled, or recyclable ones.
In many instances, these materials can also help reduce construction costs. They also make it easier to follow stringent building regulations and codes.
Energy efficiency
Energy-efficient building components play a major role in construction nowadays. They come with attractive federal and state tax incentives plus cost savings in the long run.
Energy-efficient buildings lead to considerable savings on heating and cooling costs.
Commercial building construction methods should always involve the latest energy-efficient equipment. These increase productivity and reduce your carbon footprint.
Long-Term Sustainability
The above two factors contribute significantly toward a building's sustainability. So, put a plan in place to ensure your build can maintain sustainability throughout its lifecycle.
Some of the aspects that contribute toward this goal include:
- The building's location
- Overall efficiency
- Water management
Ongoing sustainability helps avoid expensive amendments down the line. It's bound to attract businesses with long-term vision.
Awesome Ideas For Commercial Design
Even the greenest buildings won't attract tenants unless they look the part.
Commercial business owners want their offices located inside modern, attractive buildings. That's because these office blocks help boost their company's status and curb appeal.
These are some top trends to inspire your creativity when it comes to business offices.
Bold, Eye-Catching Branding
The best buildings take branding to the next level, way beyond adding a simple sign or logo to the exterior.
The ability to add their own colors to a building is an appealing extra for business owners. Make it easy for them by using large, prominent, architectural panels in your design.
It's easy to paint these materials in any desired shade to attract attention to the building in line with company branding.
Colors for Contrast
Apart from versatile options for branding, there are several other ways to use color in your building design.
Do you want to create a contemporary vibe that matches the young, trendy vibe of the neighborhood? Opt for adding elements of the latest fun and eye-catching shades like chartreuse, or other shades of green.
Green is among the trendiest colors in recent times. It also highlights the eco-friendly aspects of your building.
Would you prefer a more elegant, sophisticated look? Gray and white are top choices for this design aesthetic.
Mix It Up
Try smooth architectural panels alongside those with a wood look. You can also juxtapose natural-looking materials with modern ones, to create a pleasing contrast.
Apart from wood, you could also consider these commercial applications for granite in your building design. Other top materials include stone, brick, and glass.
Another way to attract attention using textures is by taking the surrounding buildings into account. When you use colors and materials that contrast with the rest of the neighborhood, your building becomes a stand-out feature on the block.
Line Yourself Up for Success
Straight lines never go out of fashion, but too many of the same become boring quickly. Design your building to repeat either vertical or horizontal lines, featuring different materials, colors, and surfaces.
In this way, lap siding, windows, balcony railings, and architectural panels can repeat the same lines without becoming monotonous.
Add Interesting Exterior Features
Bump-outs, balconies, and eaves add plenty of decorative potential to a building. Highlight these aspects with contrasting colors or siding styles.
Balcony railings with a metallic finish add finesse to a building's exterior, while pops of color create interest and appeal.
Don't underestimate the value of green spaces when it comes to exterior features either.
Go Industrial
Industrial designs are another top trend among both interior and exterior design nowadays. A few simple touches, like using faux pop rivets in architectural panels, or adding metal to the mix, can have the desired effect.
Other components of industrial design style include:
- Weathered wood
- Exposed brick
- Industrial-style exterior lighting
Emphasize Individuality
Most office blocks house several businesses at once. Each of these wants to maintain their individuality.
You can help them do this with contrasting design features in different areas of your building. You can use colors, different materials, and various types of siding to create this distinction.
Embrace the Art of Architecture
People don't mind paying higher rentals for buildings with unique, artistic architectural features. Nobody really wants to associate their business with a boring, square, dull-colored building.
Some of the most exciting concepts in the realm of architectural design include:
- Shapes referring to the natural world
- Combining natural light and glass
- Unconventional materials
- Digital signage
- Wide-open interiors
- Minimalism
- Bold roofing styles that stand out
Smart building design is a hot topic too. These designs include innovations that enhance a building's sustainability, versatility, and durability.
The bottom line is, more unique features attract more attention, and thus more tenants.
Better Buildings For a Brighter Future
Modern business owners are always looking for ways to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. Make sure your building design can help give them the edge.
Now that you've got some great ideas for exterior office building design, you can start working on sleek interiors to match. Browse our blog for all the best tips on interior design for your business.
