Construction market news was mostly positive last week, with the AIA, AGC, and Census Bureau all seeing an uptick in key metrics. Here's a recap of the top construction market news for the week of September 15, 2013:
CONSTRUCTION SPENDING HITS FOUR-YEAR HIGH IN JULY
According an Associated General Contractors of America analysis of July Census Bureau data, single and multifamily residential spending have been strong, with hospitality, warehouses, and power infrastructure among the hot nonresidential categories. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/construction-spending-hits-four-year-high-july-agc-report
AUGUST HOUSING STARTS REVEAL MULTIFAMILY STILL HEALTHY BUT SINGLE-FAMILY STAGNATING
As analyzed by Auction.com Research, Census Bureau stats for August provided a bit of contrast from the report mentioned above, with single family starting to lag but multifamily remaining at "healthy levels." http://www.bdcnetwork.com/august-housing-starts-reveal-multifamily-still-healthy-single-family-stagnating
AIA SEES UPTICK IN ARCHITECTURE BILLINGS FOR AUGUST
Monthly ABI was 53.8, up from 52.7 in July (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The number has improved in eleven of the past twelve months. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/aia-sees-uptick-architecture-billings-august
U.S. ROOFING DEMAND PREDICTED TO RISE, DRIVEN BY NEW CONSTRUCTION
Aside from asphalt shingles (mostly a residential product), favorable categories include roofing tile, plastics, and metal roofing products. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/us-roofing-demand-predicted-rise-driven-new-construction
43% OF ENERGY LEADERS WILL INVEST MORE IN EFFICIENCY NEXT YEAR
Schneider Electric survey includes responses from people in the business and government sectors. Tracking and analyzing energy-use data and energy audits were the most popular energy management approaches; building automation, efficient lighting, and data center efficiency are mentioned as growth areas. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/forty-three-percent-energy-leaders-will-invest-more-efficiency-next-year-infographic-0
BIG PROJECTS OF NOTE:
* World's first "invisible" tower planned for Seoul, South Korea. "Cloaking" facade made of LED projectors and optical cameras will render the building transparent if desired. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/worlds-first-invisible-tower-planned-south-korea
* BIG and MVVA collaborate on proposal for Pier 6 development at Brooklyn Bridge Park. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/first-look-bigmvva-proposal-pier-6-brooklyn-bridge-park
* Suffolk Downs announces plan to build $1 billion "green" casino in Boston. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/proposed-boston-casino-development-approval-will-depend-partly-sustainability
Related Stories
| Apr 10, 2012
Moriarty & Associates selected as GC for Miami’s BrickellHouse Condo
Construction of the 46-story development is schedule to get underway this summer and be completed in 2014.
| Apr 6, 2012
Flat tower green building concept the un-skycraper
A team of French designers unveil the “Flat Tower” design, a second place winner in the 2011 eVolo skyscraper competition.
| Apr 6, 2012
National Association of Women in Construction forum to be hosted in Philadelphia
The April Forum, titled “Declare your Independence!” will feature educational sessions on topics ranging from Managing the Generation Gap and Dealing with Contract language across state borders to Strategic and Succession Planning.
| Apr 6, 2012
Rooftop solar energy program wins critical approval from L.A. city council
Los Angeles Business Council applauds decision allowing LADWP to create new national model for rooftop solar energy
| Apr 6, 2012
Batson-Cook breaks ground on hotel adjacent to Infantry Museum & Fort Benning
The four-story, 65,000-ft property will feature 102 hotel rooms, including 14 studio suites.
| Apr 6, 2012
Perkins Eastman unveils Qatar mixed-use sports complex
Home stadium for Lekhwiya Club a vibrant addition to Doha’s architectural identity.
| Apr 5, 2012
5 tips for a successful door and window retrofit
An exclusive tip sheet to help the Building Team manage door and window retrofits successfully.
| Apr 4, 2012
Educational facilities see long-term benefits of fiber cement cladding
Illumination panels made for a trouble-free, quick installation at a cost-effective price.
