Trends in material usage Q1 2024

This report will provide key insights into the trends in material usage in the construction industry among European architects. These insights will be particularly valuable for manufacturers and wholesalers targeting this group and with this information, they can optimize their business strategies. Furthermore, understanding architects’ behavior, preferences, and forecasts regarding specific material usage will facilitate fact-based internal discussions without the need for custom research.

This report is based on 826 successful quantitative telephone interviews with architects, conducted in the native language in Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK and Germany. The report is based on a representative sample of architects, with companies with less than 1 employee being excluded. This research is conducted quarterly  with the reports covering different key marketing topics like media orientation, BIM, prefab, sustainability and many more.

The primary focus of this research is to provide key insights into trends in material usage among European architects. The study also offers insights into 10 different categories: building envelope, façade materials, metals, pitched roofs, flat roofs, insulation materials, bathrooms, flooring, installation and (climate) control, and finishing materials and products. The report examines architects’ intentions to use these materials in the next 5 years and also tracks the development of each category over time. It highlights key differences among the 8 European countries covered and provides other valuable insights. The report also includes a detailed view of the turnover and order book developments of the architects, along with background information on their company size. 

Architects play a pivotal role in the construction industry, serving as early indicators of both positive and negative changes. The trends and developments within architectural firms serve as valuable predictors for the overall construction market. USP publishes forecasts for building volumes based on insights gained from the experiences of architects (but also all other stakeholders that are regularly interviewed by USP in the construction business value chain) and 11 other market indicators. Our future building volumes predictions have proven accurate and have stood the test of time.

What are the architects’ expectations regarding material usage in the next 5 years in the following categories: building envelope, façade materials, metals, pitched roofs, flat roofs, insulation materials, bathrooms, flooring, installation and (climate) control, and finishing materials and products?
How does the development of material usage mentioned in this report evolve over the years?
Which materials are expected to grow in the next 5 years?
Which materials are expected to decline in the next 5 years?

1. Forecast overview 
2. Economic and construction figures per country 
   1. United Kingdom
   2. Germany
   3. France
   4. Spain
   5. Italy
   6. Netherlands
   7. Belgium
3. Trends in Material Usage 
   1. Building envelope 
   2. Façade materials 
   3. Metals 
   4. Pitched roofs 
   5. Flat roofs 
   6. Insulation materials 
   7. Bathrooms 
   8. Flooring
   9. Installation and (climate) control 
   10. Finishing materials and products 
4. Research background