With the pressing need for more living spaces across the continent, especially in Portugal, these technologies offer innovative solutions to address the housing shortage, reduce construction times, and lower costs.

AI is playing an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of the construction industry, and the impact is especially felt in the growth of modular construction. As the demand for faster, sustainable, and cost-effective building solutions rises, modular construction stands out as an ideal response. By utilizing prefabricated modules in factories and assembling them on-site, modular buildings reduce construction time, minimize waste, and are more energy-efficient than traditional construction methods.

Portugal is well-positioned to benefit from this trend. The country’s progressive energy policies, particularly in renewable energy, create a perfect environment for the development of AI-powered modular buildings. As the demand for data centers continues to grow—thanks to the expansion of AI technologies, the need for faster construction methods becomes more urgent. Portugal, with its abundance of wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, is attracting significant investments in data centers. These developments are a testament to the country's potential as a hub for AI-driven construction innovations.

According to recent reports, AI technologies are expected to continue driving the construction industry, with the energy demand for AI-powered data centers projected to triple by 2028. The European Union's Recovery and Resilience Facility, which will allocate 808 billion euros for sustainable construction and public infrastructure, provides further support for the growth of these technologies.

Among the notable benefits of modular building systems is their speed and sustainability. Modular construction reduces CO2 emissions by up to 50%, and the use of materials such as steel and concrete makes the modules reusable. The integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems and green roofs further boosts the environmental benefits of these buildings. These systems can even meet the highest sustainability standards, such as the QNG Plus standard, which focuses on reducing the environmental impact of construction.

For Portugal, adopting modular construction is not just a way to meet the growing demand for housing—it is a solution to reduce the burden of rising rents and provide affordable living spaces. The speed and efficiency of modular construction can reduce costs by up to 20%, and shorten project timelines by 20-50%. Additionally, the shift toward automated production processes in factories helps alleviate the impact of labor shortages, which have become a significant challenge in the construction sector.

The advantages of modular construction extend beyond just cost savings and environmental benefits. The use of prefabricated modules allows for better quality control, reduced risk of errors on-site, and improved project timelines. Moreover, the flexibility of modular systems means buildings can be easily adapted to changing needs or future expansions. This is especially important as cities evolve and the demand for diverse types of living and working spaces shifts.

In conclusion, AI and modular building systems represent a pivotal moment in the evolution of the construction industry in Portugal and across Europe. The integration of these technologies promises to address pressing challenges such as the housing shortage, labor shortages, and the need for sustainable building practices. As the construction sector moves toward a more efficient, flexible, and environmentally conscious future, Portugal could lead the way in leveraging these innovations to build the future of living spaces for all.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes