# Low-Cost Construction Eco and tech functions allow for affordable construction processes. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Feb 7, 2018 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/lowcost-construction ## Key Figures - Trend score: 6.1/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Low-Cost Construction trend? **Low-Cost Construction:** Where once new tech and eco production processes in construction added significantly to business costs, the opposite is now true. Innovations in tech and in how designers are ideating construction have led to significantly lower costs, allowing for brands to leverage the immersive reach of brick and mortar without having to establish enormous budgets for it. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 15, 2016 to Mar 28, 2018 - Published: Feb 7, 2018 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Low-Cost Construction trend ### Low-Cost Construction Processes Innovations in tech and eco production processes have significantly lowered costs in the construction industry, creating opportunities for brands to leverage brick and mortar without spending enormous budgets. ### AI-Led Construction Projects Using robots, drones, computer imaging, 3D scans, and AI software, construction projects are seeing a streamlined process and improvements in productivity. ### Biodegradable Construction Materials 'Finite', a biodegradable construction material made from desert sand, is a low-carbon alternative to concrete that addresses concerns for ecology and depletion of construction grade sand. ## What the Low-Cost Construction trend means for industry ### For Construction New technologies and eco-friendly production processes have generated disruptions in the construction industry, resulting in cost efficiency, project management improvements, and eco-friendly options. ### For Retail Low-cost pop-up stores designed using recycled and raw materials are eco-friendly options that retailers can use to experiment with trends and minimize environmental impact. ### For Materials Science The development of biodegradable materials in construction is leading to an increase in sustainable infrastructure projects, and addressing concerns for resource depletion and environmental impact. ## Workshop question How can your brand look to emerging technologies or design methods in order to cut costs, in a way that still ensures quality? ## Trend signals for Low-Cost Construction Trend score 6.1 out of 10, from popularity 87%, activity 88%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 87% - Activity: 88% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Low-Cost Construction trend 5 featured examples from Mar 15, 2016 to Mar 28, 2018. - [Low-Cost Pop-Up Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lowcost-popup): Bookline Created a Dynamic Temporary Shop with Affordable Raw Materials (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The retail industry can leverage affordable pop-up stores to efficiently launch temporary spaces and attract customers. - [Pop-Up Paper Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-up-food): This Pop Up Food and Drink Venue in Sydney Uses Cardboard Tubes for Design (Category: Eco) Implication: Partnering with eco-friendly vendors to create unique event spaces with sustainable materials. - [Biodegradable Construction Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-construction): 'Finite' is Made Out of Desert Sand and is Eco-Friendly (Category: Eco) Implication: Incorporating biodegradable construction materials can disrupt the traditional construction industry by offering more sustainable and environmentally friendly options. - [Sustainable High-End Grocers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fukushimaya-supermarket): Fukushimaya Supermarket Was Made from ZAM Pipes and Wine Crates (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Retailers can adopt a minimalist approach to retail design and use low-cost materials such as ZAM pipes to create a unique shopping experience that caters to the needs of young ur… - [AI-Led Construction Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/startup-doxel): The Start-Up Doxel is Enhancing Big Construction Projects Using Tech (Category: Tech) Implication: Doxel's innovative AI technology is revolutionizing the construction industry with its ability to streamline processes and reduce project delays and costs. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Intelligent Private Grids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ara-core-powers) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)