Peikko Calls for a Bold Shift in Construction Language - From ‘Alternative’ to ‘Adaptive’

Peikko South Africa is calling on industry leaders, developers, and public decision-makers to rethink the language used to describe next-generation construction methodologies. The company is advocating for a shift from the outdated term Alternative Building Technologies (ABT) to a more accurate, empowering, and practical term: Adaptive Building Technologies.

According to Peikko South Africa’s Managing Director, Daniel Petrov, the terminology used in the built environment directly shapes market perception, policy, and procurement. And it’s time for a change.

“If a system is already delivering faster, safer, and more sustainable results in Africa and around the world, why call it alternative?” says Daniel Petrov.
“It’s not Plan B. It’s not risky. It’s a smarter, scalable way to build. The word ‘adaptive’ better reflects the engineering innovation and practical impact of our systems, especially in Africa, where we’re building in dynamic environments that demand more from every structure.”

Peikko, a global forerunner in construction technology, has pioneered high-performance systems such as DELTABEAM®, HPKM® Column Shoes, and COPRA® Anchoring Couplers across sectors including mining, infrastructure, healthcare, and smart cities. These solutions are designed to be adaptive, capable of withstanding time pressure, environmental extremes, and future expansions or dismantling.

With the African construction sector expected to reach USD 74.81 billion by 2029 (CAGR 5.07%) and South Africa showing resilient growth at a projected 3% CAGR by 2028, the demand for more responsive and modular solutions is at an all-time high.

Why ‘Adaptive’ Matters:

• Adaptive systems integrate with BIM, MEP, and HVAC designs.
• They minimise material use and carbon emissions.
• They allow fast, precise, and clean installations, with less scaffolding and fewer delays.
• Most critically, they future-proof buildings in volatile markets and climates.

“We’re not here to sell an idea,” Petrov adds.
“We’re already delivering adaptive solutions on the ground, from energy plants and university buildings to modular mining infrastructure. What we need now is a shift in how we talk about it.”

Peikko South Africa encourages stakeholders across engineering, real estate, government, and industry media to adopt the term Adaptive Building Technologies and help reframe the continent’s construction future.About Peikko 

Peikko is a leading provider of Adaptive Building Technologies - high-performance systems engineered for speed, flexibility, and certainty in a rapidly changing world.

We deliver precision-built solutions that adapt to site conditions, future demands, and sustainability goals across Africa’s most challenging environments.

Whether it’s modular mining infrastructure, expandable student housing, or climate-resilient urban development, Peikko's adaptive systems are designed for faster builds, safer installs, reusability, and reduced carbon impact. 

This isn’t alternative construction, it’s the smarter way to build. Peikko South Africa – driving how Africa builds next.

For media enquiries, technical briefings, or collaboration discussions, contact:
Daniel Petrov
Managing Director, Peikko South Africa
daniel.petrov@peikko.com
www.peikko.com