Architectural hardware plays an inevitable role in the construction industry, whether it is residential, commercial, or industrial. Every infrastructure is incomplete without architectural hardware, and this raises the demand for the architectural hardware market. The presence of several international and domestic hardware products in the market, along with urbanization fuels the growth of this market sector. Advancements in technologies increased real estate investments, amplified infrastructure projects such as residences, schools, hospitals, airports, etc, are immensely contributing to the growth of the architectural hardware market. The construction activities carried out in emerging nations such as China, Japan,Ā India, and others are heavily demanding for the architectural hardware that further drives the growth of this market.
The first wave ofĀ covid-19Ā created a decline in residential sales. However, the impact of the second wave was partial. Despite states imposing lockdown, the developers launched projects across major cities, out of which the majority was in the affordable and mid segments. The upliftment of restrictions and successful vaccination drives acted as a catalyst to the growth of the market, compensating for the initial decline.
As per the market response, the market is expected to reach provided levels by the end of 2021. IMF has projected that Indiaās economy will grow at a rate of 12.5% and in 2022, the growth will be at 6.9% which is higher than the projected growth of China at 5.6%.
FENESTRATION
In comparison with Q2 2020 to Q2 2021, there has been a growth of about 83% in new launches of residential projects, parallelly, the sales growth of inventory has also grown to 83% when compared to year over year. This is indeed a great sign for the fenestration industry as a whole.
Functional experience centers with real operable samples of windows and doors are installed, to demonstrate the applications of the hardware and accessories, thereby giving a ālook and feelā experience to the buyers. From the conventional hasps made of metal bars to secureĀ doors and windowĀ panels, now there has been a drastic drift to smart locks and hardware utilizing the advancements in technologies.
The present era customers are educated and well aware of the significance of having a sealed and secured door/window in their infrastructures. FaƧade consultants and architects are playing a vital role in creating this awareness among the consumers. Though there has been a decline universally for any industry due to the pandemic, it had also given rise to new developments in the industry, One such remarkable development is theĀ anti-bacterialĀ products series (a special surface treatment on the products to prevent oneself from touching it and causing bacterial infections).
FAĆADE
Like any other industry commercial sector also witnessed a sharp decline from 2020-2021, However, Q2 2021 has shown significant growth in this sector. In recent times, high-rise residentialĀ building envelopesĀ started incorporating glass faƧades which is a positive ray for the faƧade industry. The faƧade industry is expected to rise at a considerable rate between 2021 to 2026.
In 2021 the market was growing at a steady rate and with the strategies trend adapted by the major players in the market, growth beyond the expected horizon is foreseen in the near future. A rising focus on developingĀ sustainable productsĀ would work in the marketās favor. The concept of green buildings and the rising demand for highly transparent glasses that would allow light and resist heat are poised to shape the future of theĀ faƧade industry.
FaƧade being looked at from just an aesthetic point of view has now become a source of revenue for the consumers with the innovations brought by the major hardware manufactures. One such remarkable innovation has been the transparent LED screen incorporated in the faƧade to advertise or display any content of consumerās choice which creates awareness among the public and helps the owner generate income.
CONCLUSION
In early 2020, we could see a markable decline in both fenestration and faƧade industries like any other industry mainly due to the pandemic impacts, However, since Q2 2021 there has been a significant rise in both the industries as the restrictions were relaxed and markets were open. The residential building launches increased drastically and the commercial sector also showed remarkable growth. Foreign investments in the country and innovations in both fenestration and faƧade sectors are indicating good growth prospects in the coming years.