You might have seen one or two of such structures pop up in your neighborhood, expect to see more of them in the coming months. The construction industry in Uganda is robust and dynamic. Everyday new projects go up and we constantly see property owners adapting the latest methods.

A number of new technologies have come up with several construction designs like the automated spaces. These automated spaces enhance mobility of people especially those with disabilities and enable them to perform tasks for themselves such as opening and closing gates that would be difficult without the help of technology. Some of these new construction designs and technologies include the following;

Eco-friendly building

For a while now, green building has been popular for hotels and resorts but as governments and regulatory bodies around the world focus on environmental factors in every industry, more construction and design firms are likely to implement green building methods for mainstream construction projects.

This involves building environmentally sustainable buildings using an environmentally sustainable construction and design process. Eco-friendly practices also have the appeal of being affordable which has made it particularly popular in the residential building market.

Energy efficiency is widely regarded as the top practice of home builders in improving green home performance. 

Biophilic design

Biophilic design is an environmental architectural style that emphasizes a building’s natural qualities. It seeks to mimic outdoor environments’ shapes, textures and colours to make occupants feel more in tune with nature. This style continues to gain more relevancy as homeowners become more eco-conscious.

Here are features that make a design biophilic:

Natural light

Every biophilic home relies more on natural than artificial light. Skylights, light shelves and window walls are common fixtures.

Earthy colours

Green, grey, brown and other earthy tones appear most often in nature, so they are the most common biophilic colours.

Curved shapes

Biophilic buildings consist of round, free-flowing shapes. Columns, arches, porthole windows and round furniture items make frequent appearances.

Ambiance

Sound is another crucial aspect of biophilic design. Water fountains, bird gardens and other soundscapes add another dimension of natural beauty.

 Greenery

 Lots and lots of plants occupy biophilic buildings, as they bring more life and natural colours into the space and they also improve the building’s air quality.

Homes with these design features are brighter, greener and more relaxing than older homes’ jagged and blocky elements.

Multipurpose rooms

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, homes have now become more than just living spaces.  Those building new homes now add new features such as a home office, gym and bar to be able to support all their interests.

 “Covid-19 taught home owners the importance of having a home library or designated work space in the comfort of our homes and many have heeded this lesson. 

In addition to design, this multipurpose use of space is seen in the popularity of adjustable furniture that allows one to turn couches into armchairs to free up more space. Office desks can serve as kitchen or breakfast nook tables. The ability to dress up and dress down specific rooms makes a house much more versatile.

By Andrew Kisuule (Student of Architectural Engineering Makerere University)

Tel: 0787024867