The need for a military presence in any country is vital. There may not always be a war or the need for immediate action, and budget requirements may change, but there is a constant need for the military to be prepared and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. It follows that military housing is also a requirement. Housing is determined by location, rank, and family status, and almost all new soldiers begin their military careers by living on their assigned bases.
Men and women live in barracks during basic training. Barracks contain shared bunks and bathroom facilities. Sleeping quarters can also be referred to as billets. The military provides free or low-cost housing to all of its recruits. As a soldier moves up in rank, the private quarters become larger and more private. The living quarters are designed to provide all of the soldiers’ needs, including Military Bedroom Furniture and bathroom facilities.
Budget cuts that the military faces can be caused by the economy and require that changes be made in how the military provides for its members. The need for ongoing care of wounded veterans makes the construction and upkeep of military buildings essential, but there are now new guidelines that the military is following for optimization.
Demand for Alternative Procurement and Delivery Methods
This trend emphasizes lower cost over the best value. It means that traditional contracts with builders are being replaced by the ability of others to get the job done quickly and for less money.
Emphasis on Fast-Track Scheduling and Prefabrication
The need to get projects done on time and at lower costs has outweighed the benefits of using long-term contractors. Additionally, the use of prefabricated buildings and materials allows flexibility when an emergency or replacement materials are needed.
Enhancing BIM Through the Addition of O&M
Building Information Modeling has been adopted by the design and construction industry as one of the most significant technologies in recent years. While BIM use is growing, it displays a weakness in the ability to exchange information into an AIM, or Asset Information Model. The addition of the operational and maintenance, or O&M phase, bridges that gap.
Enhancing Sustainability While Keeping Costs Down
The electrical power for military bases and installations is supplied by the same grids that supply the rest of the population’s electricity needs. That means that military buildings will experience power outages any time the demand causes system overloads. The military is committed to finding sources of clean, sustainable energy that will also improve efficiency and be beneficial financially.
Working Toward Net-Zero Energy, Water, and Waste Installations
Currently, the Air Force is utilizing solar, wind, and thermal power generation at many of its installations. The goal is for all branches of the armed forces to pilot net-zero energy projects by partnering with the Net-Zero program created by the Department of Energy. Net-Zero energy generation will lessen the risk of power outages, decrease the military’s carbon footprint, and reduce costs.
The military has unique needs for uninterrupted, clean energy supplies and for structures that are conducive to keeping the personnel comfortable, well-rested, and ready for anything at a moment’s notice. By implementing these building design trends, the military is striving to become energy conscious, self-reliant, and cost-effective.
