In the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry, it is important to keep updating building techniques with the latest industry technologies. This is particularly important in commercial real estate, since profitability and monetary returns are significantly impacted by how quickly and efficiently a building project is completed. In this blog, we explore some of the latest and most innovative commercial construction techniques that are rapidly gaining popularity and transforming the commercial building industry. Keep reading to learn more.
Top Innovative Commercial Construction Techniques
Some of the most innovative construction techniques used in the commercial real estate industry in India currently are:
Parametric Design and Building Information Modeling
Building Information Modeling (BIM) consists of a set of digital tools that help in planning, designing and construction processes. It allows designers to create 2D plans and generate 3D designs, also providing technical details needed for commercial construction. Real-time changes can be viewed by different stakeholders and construction professionals involved in a project, enhancing collaboration in large-scale projects.
Parametric design involves the use of computational modeling software that can generate designs based on the inputs entered by users. Multiple design variations can be generated within seconds to suit varying requirements and climatic conditions.
These digital tools and processes aid in creating and executing complex organic forms as well as large-scale buildings quickly, efficiently and with ease.
Market Trends
- According to a report by Imarc, the Indian BIM market size reached 323 million USD in 2024 and is expected to reach 960 million USD by 2033 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.5%. The adoption of BIM in architectural and construction companies is higher during commercial projects, since complex MEP coordination and green certification are made easier by BIM workflows.
- The global market for dynamic and parametric facades is expected to reach around 44 billion USD by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.9% as per a report by Beegraphy.
Quantifiable Benefits
- The use of BIM can reduce commercial building construction costs by 10% and shorten project timelines by 20% to 30% according to a report by Verified Market Reports.
- As per a report by EWA Publishing, the use of parametric design tools to test different design alternatives can reduce the design time by 85%. Parametric facades can also reduce energy requirements in commercial buildings by 20-50%.
Prefabrication and Modular Construction
Modular and prefabricated construction involves the off-site manufacturing of building components, which are then assembled on-site. Each building component is manufactured in controlled factory settings to suit specific requirements and dimensions, ensuring that uniform quality is maintained throughout. This construction method is especially beneficial for commercial buildings as large-scale structures can be erected quickly, efficiently and with minimal labour requirements.
Market Trends
- According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the Indian prefabricated buildings market size is estimated at 15.07 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 23.13 billion USD by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.95%. Although the residential sector mainly contributes to this market size, commercial buildings are also expected to adopt this method widely in the next few years.
- As per a report by Imarc, the Indian modular construction market size reached 3 Billion USD in 2024 and is expected to reach 4.8 Billion USD by 2033 with a CAGR of 5.6%. This growth is mainly led by the commercial building sector.
Quantifiable Benefits of Prefab and Modular Construction
- Reduced project timelines by 20-50% compared to conventional construction methods. This allows faster returns as the building can be sold or rented out quickly.
Green Building Practices
Including sustainable building practices (during both construction and operation) majorly reduces the negative impact of the construction industry on the environment, a large part of which is contributed by commercial building construction companies. These practices can also reduce operational costs and yield higher returns. Some common green building practices are:
- Using green or recycled construction materials such as fly ash cement, reclaimed wood, adobe and bamboo.
- Incorporating passive design features.
- Using alternative energy sources such as solar power and wind energy.
- Including eco-friendly operational processes like rainwater harvesting and on-site waste management systems.
- Applying for green building certifications such as LEED, GRIHA and IGBC.
Market Trends
- As per a report by Colliers, the green building footprint in India has nearly doubled over the last five years to reach 13 billion sq ft in 2024 and 6,500 commercial projects were green-certified as of 2024. This indicates an enhanced environmental awareness and conscience among commercial construction firms, paving the way for a greener future.
Quantifiable Benefits
- With Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB), the expenditure on energy resources is almost reduced to zero in the long run. Even in other types of green buildings, operational costs are lower by 20-70%.
- According to a research paper by Springer, the embodied carbon in commercial buildings can be reduced by 30-70% by substituting conventional materials like steel and concrete with more eco-friendly ones.
- As per a report by Gitnux, green building features can increase the lifespan of buildings by 20-50%, reducing the need for and expenditure on renovations.
Advanced Alternative Construction Materials
New building materials are being developed every day across the world. When used by commercial construction businesses, these can offer significant benefits over conventional materials. Some such materials are:
Self-Healing Concrete
Self-healing concrete (SHC) is a type of concrete that can heal minor issues like cracks and fissures by itself without any human intervention. This ability is due to the addition of special chemicals or microbes in normal concrete and can reduce the time and money spent on concrete repairs. As per a report by Intel Market Research, the use of SHC can reduce lifecycle maintenance costs by 30-50% and increase freeze-thaw resistance by 200-300%.
Smart Glass and Low-E Glass
New types of glass, such as smart glass (or light control glass) and low-E (emissivity) glass, can control the type and amount of daylight entering a room, helping make spaces more energy efficient. A study by MDPI indicated a 16-20% reduction in heating and cooling needs when double-glazed smart windows were used. Another study by PW Consulting says that HVAC costs can be cut by 25% by using smart glass.
Aerogel
Aerogel is an ultra-light, porous material that is used for building insulation. It reduces the energy and heat loss from enclosed spaces, making mechanical ventilation systems more effective in commercial premises. A study by Taylor Francis found that the use of aerogel in exterior facades can reduce heat loss from buildings by 40% and enhance energy efficiency by 50%.
Bioplastics
These are types of plastic made from renewable sources like plants and microbes. They are used in building insulation, facade systems and interior finishes. Bioplastics have a 40 – 50% lower embodied carbon compared to conventional plastics. Since plastic is one of the biggest contributors to global pollution, this sustainable alternative can have a major positive impact on the environment.
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)
Hollow foam blocks are stacked like panels, reinforced with steel rebar, and then filled with concrete to form Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). These reduce building timelines, act as insulators and enhance energy efficiency. A 20-30% reduction in energy requirements can be observed by using ICF facade systems.
AI, AR/VR and IoT
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be effectively used in several construction processes—including site analysis, generative design and project management—to speed up construction timelines. Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) systems allow stakeholders in commercial property projects to accurately visualise buildings and virtually feel them before they are constructed. When combined with the Internet of Things (IoT), these digital tools significantly enhance construction as well as operational efficiency.
Market Trends
- The global smart building market is expected to reach 127 billion USD by 2027, fueled largely by AI and IoT advancements.
- As per a report by The Media Ant, the AR/VR market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 30% from 2021 to 2026, indicating increased adoption by commercial construction services.
Quantifiable Benefits
- According to a research paper published by the World Journal of Innovative Research, smart buildings (powered by AI, IoT and Intelligent Building Management Systems) can reduce their energy requirements by 30-50%.
- According to a report by Industrial Build News, many leading construction firms reported up to 25% reduction in operational costs and 30% improvement in energy efficiency by using digital twins created by AR/VR technology.
Robotics, Drones and 3D Printing
Different types of drones can be used for building processes like site surveying and project management. Robotics helps in site investigation, construction management and the manufacture as well as assembly of building components. They also aid in 3D printing processes, leading to quicker and more efficient development of commercial construction projects. All these technologies are typically integrated with AI systems, helping streamline design and construction techniques.
Market Trends
- The robotics market for commercial buildings is expected to grow from 5 billion USD in 2025 to 15.86 billion USD by 2030 at a CAGR of 25.7% according to a report by Mordor Intelligence.
- As per another report by Mordor Intelligence, the 3D printing construction market size reached 2.46 billion USD in 2025 and is expected to grow to 11.8 billion USD by 2030 at a 37% CAGR
Quantifiable Benefits
- According to a report by Industrial Build News, robotics in construction can reduce construction time by 20-40%, improve accuracy by up to 95% and is 30-40% more productive than manual labour teams. They are thus particularly beneficial for large-scale commercial construction projects.
- Labour and materials savings of around 30-40% can be observed with 3D printing processes, along with a 30-60% reduction in waste as per a report by Basic Property Management.
Why Adopt These Commercial Building Construction Methods?
From the above data, the following quantifiable benefits (in approximate values) can be summarised for different innovative commercial construction technology techniques in real estate:
| Commercial Construction Method | Energy Savings (%) | Cost Savings (%) | Time Savings (%) | Other Savings | |
| Prefab and Modular Construction | 20 – 50 | – | – | – | |
| Parametric Design and BIM | 20 – 50 | 10 | 20 – 30% during construction and upto 85% in the design phase | – | |
| Green Building Practices | 30 – 100 | 20 – 70 (during operations) | – | 20-50% savings on maintenance | |
| Advanced Alternative Materials | Self Healing Concrete | – | 30 – 50 (life-cycle maintenance) | – | – |
| Smart and Low-E Glass | 16 – 20 | Upto 25% on energy costs | – | – | |
| Aerogel | 50% | – | – | – | |
| Bioplastics | – | – | – | 40 – 50% reduction in embodied carbon | |
| ICF | 20 – 30 | – | – | – | |
| AI, AR/VR, IoT | 30 – 50 | 20 – 50 (on energy costs) | – | – | |
| Robotics, Drones, 3D Printing | – | – | 20 – 40 | 30 – 40% labour and materials savings, 30- 60% waste reduction | |
Although these methods might significantly increase the cost to build a commercial building, they often result in other savings and higher returns in the long run, thus proving to be valuable assets in commercial property investment.
Constructing the Most Innovative Commercial Buildings
To build commercial structures, staying updated with the current construction technology trends is important. While typical commercial building contractors lack the knowledge and resources to incorporate such trends, turnkey companies like Brick & Bolt are experts in the field. Being a tech-enabled company, Brick & Bolt strives to use the most innovative commercial construction techniques in its projects. Its team of experienced architects and wide network of contractors aid in bringing such projects to life at the lowest market prices and with premium quality. Get in touch with Brick & Bolt today to get the most innovative commercial buildings designed and constructed!
Apoorva H P Achar 
Hemali Patel