How Commercial Design Will Change in 2020
As the design of workplaces continues to change, plumbing systems will need to accommodate the evolving needs of workers and organizations. New construction plumbing contractors should be prepared for the following ways commercial design will change in 2020 and impact commercial plumbing systems.
Smart Offices
We’ve got smartwatches, smart cars, and smart thermostats. It’s about time for offices to catch up. Smart offices will have beacons, sensors and mobile apps to help automate repetitive tasks and give employees more time for higher-level responsibilities.
Plumbing systems will also become increasingly smart; water-saving faucets, smart toilets and smart pipes will offer greater efficiency and comfort. Smart pipes will have sensors able to detect problems before they become too costly and smart faucets will control water temperature and flow. Plumbing devices will be able to communicate with each other and apps will track water usage to identify waste or leaks.
Sustainable Design
Office space built with recycled, sustainably-sourced and green building materials will help create a more harmonious environment that supports a healthier way of working.
In new construction plumbing, green fixtures increase energy efficiency and reduce the time spent on installation and maintenance, without sacrificing performance. Green plumbing fixtures also improve the user experience. Sensors in toilets can determine whether to use a 1.6- or 1.1-gallon flush or if they should make a full flush or a partial flush.
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design is a trend that involves taking inspiration from nature and incorporating materials like wood and plants into the workplace to create a more natural environment. Walls can be partially or completely covered with greenery and require a water delivery system to be integrated into the wall. Though green walls were introduced a decade ago, organizations struggled to maintain them. Advancements in plumbing have made watering green walls more efficient and now require less manual maintenance.
New Construction Plumbing
20/20 Plumbing & Heating new construction plumbing contractors look forward to exciting opportunities to work on projects incorporating these trends in the coming years. Feel free to reach out with any questions about recent projects involving advanced plumbing systems.