Sustainable materials, green building, LEED, embodied carbon, supply chain, and low-carbon construction.
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Francisco Partners, a global investment firm, acquired a majority stake in Command Alkon, a Dublin, Ohio-based building materials provider, on August 4. The deal positions the materials company for potential growth and technological advancement under new ownership.
Jonathan Moeller, a Denver-area deck builder, emphasizes that project failures typically stem from incomplete planning details or poor material selection before construction starts. Contractors can avoid costly problems by investing time in thorough specifications and making informed choices about materials upfront.
Construction cost inputs are projected to stabilize in 2026 with escalation rates similar to 2025, assuming no major unexpected economic disruptions occur. Ongoing global pressures will continue to influence pricing, but the outlook suggests a period of relative cost predictability for project planning.
Airbus has qualified Roboze's ARGO 500 HYPERSPEED system as the first alternative polymer 3D printing partner for producing flight-ready satellite components using standard ULTEM 9085 filament. This approval expands manufacturing options for aerospace secondary structures in telecom and Earth observation applications.
New tariffs will increase material costs for construction projects and require companies to reassess supply chains and sourcing strategies. Contractors need to review contracts and compliance procedures now to prepare for potential price increases and regulatory changes.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a 3D printed flow battery cell that costs approximately £75 to manufacture, compared to £2,000–£3,000 for commercial equivalents. The university is releasing the design freely to laboratories worldwide to advance sustainable energy storage technology.
The House is advancing a defense spending bill that includes provisions affecting construction and infrastructure projects on military bases. The legislation addresses modernization priorities that could impact construction contractors and suppliers working on defense-related facilities.
Miami-based Kind Designs closed a $10 million Pre-Series A funding round at a $70 million valuation to scale its 3D printed concrete seawalls that double as marine habitat structures. The company more than doubled its original $5 million fundraising target after investor interest reached nearly $20 million.
Poly vapor retarders in wall assemblies can trap moisture and cause mildew growth in homes, as evidenced by mold appearing in a 28-unit Midwest townhome development just two years after construction. Proper enclosure design and vapor management are critical to preventing costly moisture-related damage and maintaining building durability.
The EPA released a draft risk evaluation on June 16 identifying five chemicals that pose health risks to workers, including a flame retardant deemed to present unreasonable risk through air exposure. The agency is now seeking public feedback on these workplace chemical assessments.
Trinity College Dublin researchers have 3D printed Ireland's first cement-free geopolymer, a construction material made largely from industrial waste that eliminates Portland cement. The new material significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional concrete, according to preliminary estimates from the research team.
Pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) standardize construction elements to reduce project delays and accelerate timelines. The systems approach eliminates many of the bottlenecks that typically extend traditional building schedules.
Researchers at the University of Brighton are developing affordable 3D printed medical sensors designed to make diagnostic testing cheaper and more accessible. The technology could have applications in construction safety monitoring and health screening for field workers.
Machina Labs won a contract with Lockheed Martin to qualify robot-formed metal components for the JASSM missile program, marking a significant validation of robotic manufacturing for defense applications. The deal demonstrates how advanced robotics can produce mission-critical parts that meet strict aerospace and defense standards.
MIT researchers created a design framework that optimizes concrete 3D-printed structures while respecting the physical constraints of actual printer hardware. The study found that printer capabilities, not concrete properties, are the primary limiting factor for producing lighter and more efficient structures.
The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 has passed through both House and Senate committees, advancing toward full legislative consideration. The bill addresses federal water infrastructure projects and policies that affect construction and engineering work across the country.
Six major stadium construction projects are expected to advance significantly in 2026, offering insight into large-scale infrastructure development timelines. Construction professionals should monitor these projects for innovations in project management, materials handling, and delivery of complex commercial facilities.
Construction material costs dropped in June as oil prices fell, providing temporary relief on input expenses. However, year-over-year comparisons show overall input prices remain elevated compared to the same period last year.