Articles tagged with "Commercial"

The article discusses a recent quarter-point interest rate reduction which has been welcomed by construction firms. While this cut provides a boost in confidence that may particularly benefit private projects, it is not expected to significantly increase overall construction activity.

The report from Cushman & Wakefield highlights that the average vacancy for commercial office space in Canada was 17.2% in the second quarter of 2025. This figure, although slightly better than the previous year, still surpasses pre-COVID levels, despite the increasing momentum of the return-to-office movement. The article explores the feasibility of converting these vacant offices into residential spaces as a potential solution.

Red Bull is progressing with a $1.7 billion factory intended to can 3 billion energy drinks annually. The plant, which faced previous delays, will serve the U.S. market. This development highlights Red Bull's commitment to expanding its production capacity in response to demand.

Skanska is expanding its advanced technology unit to take advantage of the high demand in the data center sector. Despite challenges faced by increasing material costs, the company aims to capture growth opportunities within this booming market segment. Launched earlier this year, the division is set to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for data centers.

In July, the total value of building permits in Canada slightly decreased by 0.1% to $11.9 billion, according to Statistics Canada. The decline was primarily due to a significant drop in the non-residential sector, which fell by 5.8%. However, this was nearly offset by a rise in the residential sector. Despite the overall decrease, the residential market showed positive growth.

Tutor Perini subsidiary Rudolph and Sletten has secured a $960 million contract to construct a seven-floor facility for the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in Oakland. The project will include an accompanying parking structure with a rooftop heliport deck. This development aims to enhance healthcare facilities in the region.

The article discusses the importance of understanding so-called 'standard' insurance clauses in construction contracts, which are often subject to negotiation. It highlights that these clauses are not always as standard as they may appear, and knowing what to look for is crucial. The article explains why these negotiations matter for stakeholders in construction projects.

The article discusses the significant rise in prices for crucial construction materials such as steel and aluminum, presenting a challenge to the construction industry. ABC chief economist highlights the rapid pace of price increases. This situation is putting a strain on project budgets and testing the industry's limits. Construction firms must find ways to cope with these increased costs.

Schneider Electric announced a substantial data center order in collaboration with Compass Datacenters. This partnership aims to speed up data center delivery timelines. Such collaborations can enhance efficiency and meet increasing data center demands worldwide.

The Jeddah Tower, set to become the world's tallest building at over 1,000 meters, is under construction in Saudi Arabia, aiming to surpass the Burj Khalifa by 180 meters. The project faced setbacks but resumed in 2025 with ambitious engineering solutions, including a buttressed core and vertical concrete-pumping technology. Although it represents Saudi Arabia's modernization ambitions, the tower raises environmental concerns due to its immense carbon footprint and the impact on the coastal environment. It is a symbol of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative but is critiqued for its environmental impact.

The Canadian Wood Council and the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction have partnered to promote steel-timber hybrid structural solutions in Canada. This collaboration aims to leverage the strength of steel and the sustainability of timber to enhance structural performance, cost efficiency, and construction speed in larger and taller buildings. Hybrid systems like steel-timber composite floors are particularly beneficial where structural demands are high. This initiative underscores the industry's shift towards more sustainable construction practices.

Fabric structures have transitioned from niche applications to mainstream use due to advancements in design and materials. The shift to using solid I-beams instead of web-truss frames has increased their structural credibility, allowing them to compete with conventional buildings. Innovations in fabric materials, particularly the use of advanced PVC, offer durability and cost-competitiveness. These developments have broadened the application of fabric structures in sports, industrial, and municipal buildings, with improved speed of installation and structural flexibility.