There is a lot of chatter about the challenges facing commercial properties these days. True, the mounting costs and increasingly-adopted e-commerce climate have created headwinds for some organizations. However, with challenge comes opportunity. The most innovative companies are finding ways to design their facilities to give them an edge over the competition.

Some ways to enhance the performance of modern commercial structures include maximizing durability, airflow, and moisture control for the most energy-efficient, resilient buildings possible. Keep reading as we explore some of the best ways to guarantee integration of these key factors when designing a commercial structure.

 

Optimize the Insulation

Establishing an infrastructure of eco-friendly insulation is one of the best ways to optimize the efficiency of a commercial building. It limits unwanted air transfer between the interior and exterior of the structure, boosting R-value. This allows the building to maintain a more stable interior temperature in extreme conditions with less reliance on electrical systems. When adding insulation to your commercial building, don’t limit yourself to the walls. Roof cover boards can prevent heat loss through the roof. Below-grade insulation can limit the roughly 20% of building heat that is lost through the floor. Advanced radiant floor heating systems can take this concept to the next level. Radiant floor systems disperse heat up through the flooring surface in a consistent, stovelike manner, helping eliminate cold pockets in a facility for a more stable interior environment that relies less on forced-air heating.

 

Implement Passive Design Principles

Passive design is an important concept in modern construction. Not only can it significantly reduce energy consumption over the lifetime of the structure, but it can increase longevity by using the building site to reduce reliance on mechanical systems.

Leveraging the sun is one of the top tactics in passive design. Increasing window area and orienting key rooms to receive maximum sun exposure will do wonders for natural daylighting and warming.

It is also important to consider the prevailing wind patterns in the vicinity. If the building is designed with its long axis parallel to the wind, the structure can install architectural louvers to use this breeze for natural ventilation and cooling during the warmest months of the year.

 

Waterproof the Building Envelope

Insulation is not enough to waterproof a building in particularly moist climates. Few insulation products can effectively absorb moisture and slow down hydrostatic force. As such, next-level waterproofing measures are necessary in areas that receive heavy precipitation.

Landscaping is a logical place to start. Make sure that the surrounding exterior is graded away from the commercial building in order to keep moisture flowing away from the structure. Keep the sidewalks and parking lots in good condition, strategically installing slot drains to assist in runoff control.

It is also crucial to understand how to waterproof a basement and foundation. Liquid flashing applied to concrete walls may not be enough. Consider installing self-adhering drainage mats to the foundation walls. These will direct water down to a dimple drainage board and away from the structure, ensuring that erosion concerns do not undermine the building’s foundation in the face of strong groundwater conditions.

 

Leverage the Open Interior Concept

The open interior is trending in commercial design. It is lauded for its utility in creating versatile, energy-efficient structures. Fewer walls means less elaborate renovations must take place when it is time for a makeover. The open interior increases energy efficiency via improved natural light flow and ventilation. To maximize open commercial interiors, demountable partition walls can be easily erected and taken down to help meet the emerging spatial needs of the business.

 

Choose the Most Rugged Flooring

No area of a commercial interior gets put to the test quite like the flooring. In addition to nonstop foot traffic, it is sure to see regular reshuffling of furniture. Delivery vehicles and motorized carts are also the norm in the era of e-commerce. As such, it is crucial to choose the most durable flooring possible for commercial buildings. Engineered hardwood is a great choice in areas that need a professional, welcoming ambiance, such as waiting rooms in doctors’ offices.

However, they will require a bit more maintenance than the most rugged flooring materials, such as polished concrete and epoxy terrazzo. These nonporous flooring options resist all types of spill and stains and are rated to withstand the heaviest human and machine traffic for ongoing performance.

 

Regularly Service the HVAC

The HVAC system plays multiple roles in a commercial building. Not only is it crucial for ensuring the comfort of the facility, but it plays an integral part in indoor air quality. It is important to change the HVAC filters twice a year and have the ducts professionally serviced annually. Take the HVAC system to the next level with backdraft dampers. These guarantee the correct flow of conditioned air throughout the structure and prevent ambient air from backing up into the system. Air scrubbers can purify conditioned air to guarantee that no toxins are spread via HVAC vents.

 

Create the Most Efficient Commercial Buildings with Efficient Design Strategies

In a competitive climate, it is vital that a company’s building serves as an asset and not a liability. A great way to ensure this is by enhancing its durability, airflow, and moisture controls. From an optimized insulation infrastructure to an elite HVAC system, explore any of the ideas listed above for the most efficient commercial building possible. For more of the latest trends shaping the commercial real estate landscape, explore the resources at CHRE for the leading insights in the industry!