Author: Anita Zeba Bakhtiar

The cost of building materials is constantly increasing, since many of them are made using natural resources that are on a rapid decline. For real estate companies to thrive in this economy, it is necessary to find ways of cutting costs without compromising on the final quality that is delivered. Reducing operational costs will not only mean that the entire operation is highly efficient, but also that the work being done reflects great productivity. Let us learn how we can work on lowering maintenance costs by incorporating durable raw materials into our construction work. 

• Negotiate Contracts with Current Suppliers

If your organization has been working with your raw materials suppliers for a while, you must have already built a solid relationship with them. Whenever you are signing a new contract, negotiate a deal to get the best value for your money. Remember, while quality is key, it is always appreciable when you can knock off some more money from your yearly expenditure. 

• Choose Great Quality from the Start

Prices do matter in the long run, when they present a reflection of your expenditure. However, lower prices do not necessarily mean that you need to compromise on great quality. Look around and do your research before investing in any raw materials to make the most of whatever your company buys for use. 

• Always Track and Manage your Inventory

It is the mark of a good manager when an inventory is well-maintained. This means that you will need to conduct regular checks – monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and yearly. Keeping ahead of stocks and refilling them before they are running out, while simultaneously making sure that liquid cash is not held up in expensive stocks – is crucial to the financial wellbeing of the organization. 

• Minimize Daily Waste

Often, many processes like making of Reinforced Concrete Panels, or mixing cement for mortar, are processes that need to be completed right before these materials are used. To minimize daily waste, make sure such materials that need to be used up immediately are measured out properly and mixed on instead of ahead of time. Preventing waste can go a long way in minimizing operations costs. You should also keep track of utilities to make sure they are not being overused, particularly electricity during the humid summers of Bangladesh. 

• Train & Equip your Team

When we hire new construction workers on-site, we must ensure that they are used to our techniques of saving on operational costs. Workers need to know what measurements to use for plaster, mortar etc., where to store raw materials that will be required on a daily basis, etc, especially during the monsoon. When your team is fully trained and equipped, they will all be working as agents to minimize operations costs. 

High quality raw materials will allow your organization to keep building sustainable structures while keeping costs low. This will allow your real estate firm to keep making profits while delivering on quality. It will also make your structures more durable and long-lasting, standing for generations to enjoy. 

One of the best technological advances that has been gaining momentum in recent times is the reinforced concrete panel. As the world is becoming increasingly worried about issues related to climate change and sustainability, low or no-waste raw materials are slowly also becoming more common. In today’s modern architecture, it is not enough to just build a structure as per the basic requirements of the area. Rather, it is crucial to also take into account how we can use fewer non-renewable resources for an optimal output. This will then allow us to leave something positive for our future generations. 

bti is a leading Bangladeshi real-estate developer with over 40 years legacy in its name. Not only is the company known for introducing innovative raw materials such as concrete hollow blocks for use in construction, they are dedicated to providing the best customer service, as well as on-time handover. After thorough research, the company’s building products wing decided to introduce reinforced concrete panels instead, a more well-thought out version of concrete hollow blocks. 

Often, reinforced concrete panels are made on-site, making them a great option for use in larger scale projects. This is because they reduce operational costs like transportation and storage (as they are made only when necessary, saving on warehousing costs as well). Also, the molds/ forms used in making these are customizable, allowing the creation of panels with minimal wastage – which undoubtedly adds to their versatility too. Construction workers and engineers must be well-trained on the making of reinforced concrete panels to make the entire construction process more efficient and streamlined.                

When bti makes reinforced concrete panels for use, they use a foaming agent with the concrete to ensure that it sets quicker than regular concrete. This foaming agent has the added advantage of ensuring that the end product is even lighter than concrete hollow blocks. Therefore, using reinforced concrete panels will make the entire structure up to 70% more lightweight, while still remaining as strong and durable as before. 

While bti building products is currently only making enough reinforced concrete panels for use in its own projects, these panels can have far-reaching impacts if used in infrastructure such as dams, bridges, etc. They are also highly durable, which means that using these in construction will ensure the longevity of the project, be it a residential or commercial building, or even infrastructure. 

As the human population of the world keeps growing while natural resources keep getting depleted, it is becoming even more of a necessity for us as global citizens to incorporate sustainability into every aspect of our lives. It is only when we are able to ensure the widespread use of reinforced concrete panels that we will be able to take a positive step towards a sustainable future.  

The construction and real estate industries consistently require a lot of raw materials, and subsequently create huge amounts of waste. Real estate developers in Bangladesh have become very conscious of the sustainability movement, leading to a rise in the use of sustainable building materials. With the world gradually moving towards sustainability to save resources, it has now become imperative for each of us to do our part in saving Earth. 

One of the major changes that is rapidly doing better for society is the widespread use of concrete hollow blocks or bricks in place of the traditional red clay bricks. Not only is this step reducing air pollution, but it is also helping save topsoil and thus prevent soil erosion, particularly in low-lying or hilly areas. Hollow blocks are multifunctional, as they make the structure lighter than if made using traditional red bricks. There are also even more benefits to using hollow blocks, such as making the entire structure more lightweight, durable, with up to 70% reduction in heat and sound. 

Many real estate developers, especially the renowned ones like bti, are even going a few steps further by incorporating the use of Reinforced Concrete Panels in their structures. These allow for the structure to be more lightweight than before, and as they are often made on-site, they are made-to-measure and there is minimal to no wastage of raw materials. As these use a foam-based binding agent, the resulting blocks are even lighter than hollow blocks. As a result, Reinforced Concrete Panels are a notch better than Concrete Hollow Blocks.  

Another item that is also being used in real estate and construction is reclaimed wood. Instead of always getting brand new wood for timber, going for reclaimed wood saves money, and is also great for the environment. Reclaimed wood is usable for many different purposes, including in making furniture that is slightly refurbished or revamped. Reclaimed wood can also be used in beams and columns, especially if it is of high-quality and in good condition. This can be a huge money saver for real estate & construction companies in the long run; as well as being less detrimental for the environment. 

A component more recently used in real estate & construction is recycled glass. Modern homes often use bits & pieces of glass in mosaic for flooring, while stained glass pieces are often added to structures to give a more aesthetic feel. Recycled glass usage means that it is cheaper than manufacturing new glass. 

Using sustainable materials in buildings has many layers of benefits, not only for the structure in question, but for the society as a whole. Lower carbon dioxide emissions, improved energy efficiency, lower maintenance and operational costs are all benefits the real estate developers and even the society can reap in the long run. Over time, using sustainable raw materials  will also improve the quality of air indoors. Above all else, promoting agree or sustainable building materials is necessary as these will acclimate us to a low-waste lifestyle, which will allow us to save crucial natural resources for our future generations. 

Since sustainability is gaining more prominence in every aspect of the world, construction and real estate is also trying to adapt to the changing surroundings. The Government of Bangladesh, in order to try and adapt with international standards, is conducting research to develop green building materials. 

What are green building materials, you may now ask? Green building materials is another term given to eco-friendly building materials. These are different from the traditional wood-fired bricks in that they use fewer resources to produce final products that are safer for the environment, and can be used to make a project more sustainable. In the long run, real estate developers are looking towards using more green building materials to ensure that we can build a more sustainable tomorrow for future generations. However, today we will take a deeper dive into whether green building materials are actually as “green” as they claim to be. 

To make sure that the Bangladeshi real estate sector is permanently shifting towards the use of alternative eco-friendly building materials, HBRI (Housing and Building Research Institute) has been researching and developing over 25 different types of alternative blocks. One special kind of brick is the “green brick” which is not made like unconventional red bricks in a wood-fired kiln. 

Producing conventional red bricks would use up a lot of our natural fossil fuels like coal and firewood, which we already have in very short supply (not adequate to keep continuing the use.) Not only that, but this process also causes waste in the form of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Then there is the additional issue of the fact that if all of our topsoil is used up in making conventional bricks, then our future generations will suffer the consequences. Experts claim that unless existing government organizations and projects start switching to alternative bricks and blocks, the country will never come forth and join forces to fight for sustainability and a greener tomorrow. 

Many companies are not making their green building materials genuinely eco-friendly like they are supposed to be. For example, it is a well-known fact that concrete hollow blocks and reinforced concrete panels use cement (key ingredient being gypsum), which needs to be made by mining gypsum. Gypsum mining causes several problems like loss of large areas of land, as well as loss of local biodiversity. Instead of using these, many builders will swap out half of these with red bricks, compromising the structural integrity of the building, its quality, as well as the long-term durability of the building.  

While most companies do adhere to the government regulations applicable to their standards of producing green building materials, the government bodies in charge do not always check to ensure that these practices are being maintained or fulfilled. As a result, a lot of the unscrupulous business people involved often try to get away with using sub-par techniques, substituting more sand for cement in sand-cement blocks, and so on. This eventually not only affects the buildings using these products, but also affects the industry as a whole. Another issue is that due to the cost incurred in the production of green building materials, many smaller real estate developers or construction companies cannot afford to use them for a majority of the time. Even public sector projects often shy away from their use, claiming “budgetary concerns.” 

The issues currently faced by sustainability in the real estate sector are as follows–using local raw materials, we need to figure out strategies and formulas of creating our own unique green building materials that are eco-friendly, support the local economy, and also highly cost-effective and affordable to the masses. If these make use of things like built-up river sediment and sand, that would add to the sustainability of it all. It will also be a positive step in the right direction if more government projects and organizations start incorporating green building materials and techniques on a regular basis. 

Pavement tiles are most often used to pave sidewalks or footpaths. They are different from the regular tiles used inside homes (mostly for flooring) as they are not glazed, giving them a textured surface. This proves to be helpful in allowing them to serve their true purpose—the additional friction caused by the surface of pavement tiles allows people to walk on them without fearing that they will fall, especially during colder or rainy weather. 

In residential architecture, times are slowly changing. Adaptations are being made that allow the leeway for the building to be more eco-friendly and sustainable. In addition, real estate developers in Bangladesh are constantly trying to innovate by using building products that are environmentally friendly. This is to remain competitive, to preserve our buildings for future generations, and to remain cost-effective. Other than the typical ways in which we can use pavement tiles, architects are coming up with bold and interesting ways to incorporate the use of pavement tiles. Today, we shall talk about some of these:

• Create an Accent Wall

If you like displaying handicrafts or special artwork around your home, an accent wall might give you an edge by showing people how that wall is more significant than the other ones in that room. Accent walls are usually painted a bright, bold color that contrasts with the rest of the room. You could choose to pave the accent wall with pavement tiles to give it an edgy, cool look that is slightly rugged and rustic. 

• Differentiate Between Zones 

Many people choose to designate zones in each room for specific activities only. This applies particularly to living rooms and family lounges, where there might be a seating area, an entertainment zone, and finally another zone for unwinding & relaxation. You can use different colored pavement tiles on the floor to segment each zone. It will give your room a unique je-ne-sais-quoi that does not exist anywhere else. 

• Make Outdoors More Accessible

Accessibility is one aspect that not every developer thinks about, but it should be taken into consideration, particularly when designing more public spaces. For example, using pavement tiles in the pathway surrounding a swimming pool in the rooftop of an apartment complex will make the pool easily accessible to people of all ages, & including disabilities related to movement. It will also help prevent more accidents caused by slippery tiles, as pavement tiles already have more friction on their surfaces. 

• Bring Innovation

Innovative creations don’t always have to be developed in a complicated manner. Rather, you can sometimes use the simplest tools to create unique innovations that could stun the entire world. You can use different colored pavement tiles to create interlocking patterns related to nature in your outdoor landscaping. If any pieces break during shipping, these can be gathered to later use in a mosaic to decorate your home. The possibilities, as they say, are literally endless! 

Real estate developers and architects can thrive in their respective fields when they can quickly adapt to changes, especially those that can help benefit the environment in the long run. Using pavement tiles in unique ways in residential architecture could help save money, give buildings an innovative look and feel, and also add to each building’s sustainability factor. 

The world has taken rapid leaps forward in the past 30 years, thanks to advances in technology affecting every aspect of our lives. This has also led to mass urbanization & globalization, and as a result, architecture & design have also constantly evolved to keep up with the latest trends. Therefore, every improvement that we have been seeing in construction lately is an improvement that is being driven by innovation.

Out of all of the newer building materials that have entered the market in recent times, concrete hollow panels are a truly innovative idea that was developed after months of studying, extensive research & development. concrete hollow panels are versatile & high-performance materials, which is why they are becoming the popular choice for engineers, architects, and even developers. Let us take a deeper dive into why  concrete hollow panels are becoming more popular. 

Cost- Effective 

Many of the more modern developers are switching to concrete hollow panels because they can be highly cost-effective. Unlike traditional materials, concrete panels are usually more affordable (as they are custom-made as per necessity on site), making them an excellent choice for both residential and commercial projects. Making them on site also means that transport & labor costs can be cut down significantly, leading to savings in time & materials. Real-estate developers can now choose these concrete panels to achieve the best results without exceeding the budget. 

Fast-Paced Construction

In every aspect of life, time is money. This is even truer in construction and real estate development. A great benefit that concrete panels provide is the ease of installation & transportation, which allows the entire building process to be sped up. Workers can easily pick up and set the panels with little to no effort. 

Faster installation means that projects can be completed much faster than would be possible with the use of conventional materials. For real estate developers and clients, a shorter timeline will allow for faster returns on investment, a major competitive advantage in the fast-paced market we are currently a part of.

Sustainability

The world is moving towards a sustainable future, so, naturally, the construction industry is also looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint. concrete hollow panels are great for sustainability, as they combine eco-friendly raw materials and are made keeping energy efficiency in mind. Using these panels means that builders and developers can erect structures that endure and support the protection of the environment.

Better Energy Efficiency

concrete hollow panels are excellent insulators, largely due to their high heat resistance, which allows buildings to remain warm in winter and cool in summer. Better quality insulation means that there will be more energy savings,  which can lead to substantial energy savings, as buildings need less heating & cooling to maintain a comfortable temperature all year-round.

Better energy efficiency means that homeowners and businesses will now have to deal with lower utility bills, along with a reduced carbon footprint. As energy conservation is a top priority in this day and age, concrete hollow hollow panels represent what lies ahead in our near future in the making of buildings or structures that are energy-efficient while also being sustainable.

Versatility of Design 

concrete hollow panels offer a great deal of flexibility in terms of design. As their size can be customized according to need, they allow architects to create structures that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The beauty of concrete hollow lightweight panels is that they can be tailored to suit the unique needs of any project, residential or commercial. As these panels are versatile, they also allow for the exploration of creativity while still maintaining the building’s integrity & stability. 

Amazing Performance

Even though concrete hollow panels are super lightweight, these panels are much stronger than you would expect them to be. The raw materials and techniques used in making these panels make them very strong, weather-resistant, and long lasting. They are often chosen as they usually perform amazingly well, even withstanding severe environmental conditions like high levels of salinity, soil erosion and sandstorms. This means that they could be safely chosen for projects while keeping maintenance and overhead costs low over time. 

Manage Site Safety

Ensuring on-site safety during construction should always be prioritized. Here, concrete hollow panels or lightweight panels can help reduce risks. Less weight means workers have a lower risk when they lift and install materials, therefore the possibility of accidents and injuries will be lower. This will mean that we do not rely much on complex and heavy machinery, allowing us to have construction sites that are much safer and more efficient. 

The arena of modern construction has completely transformed with the introduction of materials like concrete hollow or lightweight panels. Savings in cost, quicker construction, and versatility of design are all benefits that are paving the path for a highly efficient, innovative and environmentally sustainable approach to construction. The future of construction is looking brighter now than ever before. For any project that you might choose to endeavor next, you could choose lightweight or concrete hollow panels and explore the endless possibilities. These panels could be our answer to a faster and more sustainable future. 

The ever-increasing population of Bangladesh has led to a subsequent rise in the demand for more efficient &  cost-effective building solutions. This, in turn, has brought us to the point where we need to come up with innovative solutions. It is from this idea that bti building products came about as a facility that would produce more eco-friendly building materials for use at all bti projects. 

As a leading real estate company, bti has always been at the forefront of innovation in construction, especially in terms of using  green building products. Further down the line, bti building products started moving towards precast or reinforced concrete panels in its projects due to their environment-friendly yet cost-effective nature. Whether you are looking to build your own home or office, you can find out more about the benefits of precast concrete panels in today’s blog. 

1. Efficiency of Construction

Unlike most other building materials, precast or reinforced concrete panels have the additional benefit of speeding up the construction process. The concrete panels used by bti are produced at the site, and use a foaming agent in the process to dry the panels out quicker than would otherwise be possible. The foaming agent helps make the panels lighter, easier to carry and set quickly, so that the construction can be completed sooner than would be possible otherwise. Projects using these panels can be completed in a fraction of the time. In order for projects to be handed over on or ahead of time, this raw material can prove to be a lifesaver. 

2. Effectiveness of cost

The long-term savings for making and using reinforced concrete panels are significant. The speed of installation reduces cost of labour, while fewer materials are wasted, as everything is measured and made as per specific requirements. Reinforced precast panels are also extremely durable, so there is less need for frequent maintenance or repairs. This means that the overall costs are even lower than for most other raw materials. As the panels are made on-site, the transportation costs are also much lower. Total savings are quite high compared to those for most other raw materials. 

3. Strength & Durability

As precast concrete panels are incredibly strong, offering amazing resistance to fire, weather, and even earthquakes! The reinforced concrete hollow panels are designed to meet strict quality control standards, making sure that they maintain their integrity for years to come. These panels are also less susceptible to malformations, cracking, or any other forms of deterioration compared to traditional building materials. This is a major reason why precast panels are an ideal choice for buildings that need to be load-bearing and withstand the test of time.

4. Better Energy Efficiency

Reinforced concrete panels can be designed to provide better insulation, helping to improve a building’s energy efficiency overall. The foaming agent used in the precast panels by bti building products also acts as insulation, which means that overall heating/ cooling costs fall as a result. Using these panels in more projects, therefore, leads to a greener construction process. 

5. Consistency & Quality Control 

As the panels are made at the specific projects, they are consistent with the requirements of said project – drying time, humidity & temperature can be kept under close monitoring throughout the process of manufacturing.  This leads to overall uniformity and good levels of quality control through & through.

6. Flexibility of Design

Since precast panels are made on-site, developers can make them in a variety of shapes, sizes and finishes to match the specific requirements of a project. As a real estate developer, depending on whether bti wishes to establish a modern aesthetic or a traditional look; these panels can be tailored as per preference. This allows for architects and designers to push the boundaries of creative expression while still benefiting from the practical advantages of precast panels.

7. Lesser Disruption on site

Making of precast concrete panels requires minimal effort, which means they can be made on site with little to no disruption. This can often be beneficial for those people or communities who cannot help but live close to a construction site. 

8. Sustainability

If you are worried about the harmful effects construction  can have on our environment, you will be glad to know that precast panels are a construction option. The manufacturing process typically generates less waste than traditional building methods, as panels are made to precise measurements. Moreover, precast concrete is made from natural, abundant materials like cement, sand, and aggregates, many of which are recyclable. Additionally, the energy efficiency benefits mentioned earlier contribute to a building’s sustainability, making precast panels an attractive choice for eco-conscious projects.

9. Minimal Maintenance

Precast panels are incredibly low maintenance. Due to their durability and weather resistance, they require little to no upkeep over time. Once the building is constructed, the panels will continue to perform without the need for regular repairs or replacements. This makes them an excellent investment for both residential and commercial properties, where long-term durability is a key concern.

Conclusion

Precast panels offer a wealth of advantages that make them an increasingly popular choice in modern construction. From speed and cost-effectiveness to durability and sustainability, they provide a solution that not only meets the needs of the construction industry but also supports environmental and economic goals. Whether you are building a commercial space, a residential complex, or community housing; precast or reinforced concrete panels offer the strength, flexibility and efficiency required to meet the versatile demands of modern construction. By combining these innovative materials into your project, you can create a high-quality, sustainable structure that will stand the test of time.