16 Materials Every Architect Needs to Know (And Where to Learn About Them)

The materiality of a building is what our bodies come into direct contact with; the cold metal handle, the warm wooden wall, and the hard glass window would all create an entirely different atmosphere if they were, for example, a hard glass handle, a cold metal wall, and a warm wooden window (which, thanks to KTH’s newly developed translucent wood, is not as absurd as it might sound). Materiality is of equal or perhaps even greater significance than form, function, and location; in fact, it is inseparable from all three of those factors.

In this article, we have compiled a list of 16 materials that should be part of the design vocabulary of all architects. These materials range from those that are very familiar (such as concrete and steel) to materials that may be unknown for some of our readers. In addition, we have provided links to comprehensive resources that can be used to learn more about many of these materials.

1. Concrete

Because it is the material that is used for construction the most frequently around the world, concrete is an excellent starting material to become familiar with. Despite this, it does have a significant impact on the environment, including a carbon footprint that could account for up to 5% of global emissions. The Concrete Center provides a collection of helpful reports, many of which can be accessed without charge after registering for an account; these reports can be used to learn everything there is to know about designing with concrete.

2. Wood

Timber is, without a doubt, one of the oldest and most conventional materials used in construction all over the world. Because of engineered wood products, the material is starting to take on new forms. Additionally, high-rise buildings and even translucent properties are taking this versatile material to new heights. reThink Wood provides architects with access to an extensive library of resources that can teach them about wood and assist them in designing with it.

3. Steel

The discovery of steel, which is typically utilized for reinforcement but serves as a beautiful skin in several examples, sparked the explosion that resulted in the formation of city skylines as we know them today. The encyclopedia article SteelConstruction.info provides all the information that one could possibly require in order to design with steel.

4. Plastic

One should not be so quick to judge the opportunities that plastic presents because, to some, this may seem like an inexpensive material that is not sustainable. However, one should not be so quick to judge the possibilities that plastic presents. Since we generate such a large amount of it, recycling it into building materials or bioplastics seems like a good idea. What about the brand new horizons that can be opened up by using 3D printing? The American Chemistry Council provides an excellent overview of plastics as a material, as well as a rundown of their primary applications in architecture, along with links to additional resources for each of these applications.

5. Stone

Stone, which comes in a wide variety of textures, colors, and strengths, is another material that has been used for generations in particular geographical locations around the world. In spite of the fact that it is made of a heavy, solid material, it can still be manipulated into a variety of shapes. The Building Stone Institute provides access to a variety of resources, such as fact sheets and specification sheets, for a large number of the most common types of stone that are utilized in the construction industry.