Interior designers create aesthetically pleasing, functional environments while adhering to building codes, regulations and ADA requirements. They also focus on sustainability.
Local materials can enhance the aesthetics of a home while supporting the community and economy. They can also reduce the environmental impact of transportation costs and expenses.
Some sustainable materials are able to respond to light changes or temperature variations. They are known as smart materials.
Sustainable Materials
Sustainable materials are becoming increasingly popular for use in interior design projects, particularly when it comes to office spaces and retail environments. While these types of materials do carry an extra cost over traditional building products, they offer a range of benefits including lower environmental impact and improved indoor air quality.
Eco-friendly materials are made from renewable or recycled resources and can be used for flooring, walls, and surfaces. They also reduce the demand for virgin materials and help to minimise waste. These materials should be sourced from suppliers that prioritise sustainability and have environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, as well as being free of toxins, carcinogens, and other pollutants.
One of the most common sustainable building materials is bamboo. A perennial grass that grows fast and is often harvested in just 24 hours, bamboo is highly renewable, doesn’t require any pesticides or fertilisers to grow, and requires significantly less energy to produce than wood. It can be used in place of hardwoods for furniture and other structural elements and has a tensile strength that rivals steel.
Another great natural sustainable material is cork. It is a naturally antimicrobial, fire resistant, and impervious to water, making it an excellent alternative to drywall and acoustic panels. It is also extremely lightweight and requires less energy to transport than other construction materials, resulting in reduced emissions and carbon footprint.
Local Materials
Local materials are often preferred for their eco-friendly qualities, as they reduce the environmental impacts associated with transporting them long distances. They also support the economy of the region where they are sourced. They may also fit a particular design aesthetic or be better suited to the local climate. They are less likely to require energy-intensive processing and are often more durable than nonlocal options.
While using locally sourced building materials is a good idea, it is important to consider the full life cycle of a material before embracing it as a sustainable choice. Many sustainable products are also energy-intensive to produce and ship, making them a poor choice for the long term.
Another consideration is the effect of local materials on communities. For example, stone has traditionally been a building material in the US, but its quarrying causes significant erosion in some areas. Additionally, the process of cutting and shaping stones can be traumatic to humans and can cause irreversible damage to the environment.
The issues of the extension of a product’s technical lifespan are not well recognized by interior architectural designers [3]. The repeated processes of construction, refurbishment or demolition, understood as an undifferentiated process of taking apart and compressing building components for their final disposal at a landfill, remain the primary source of wasted resources in the building industry [5]. Local materials can be used to mitigate these concerns, but it is important to understand the full life cycle of a material before choosing it as a solution.
Versatility
Building materials are a crucial component of interior design. They’re used to create a specific look and feel of the space, cover up structural components, and make a project cohesive. The decision of what to use depends on the layout, flow, focal points, and styles that are already established. The choices are also often limited by the type of project. For example, a detached single-family home has fewer limitations than a high-rise office building where public health and safety are important factors.
Choosing the right material is also an opportunity to incorporate sustainability into the design. Using natural materials helps limit the amount of waste produced and the impact on the environment. The materials can also be recycled in the future. Additionally, using local materials reduces transportation impacts and expenses. For instance, a stone slab from Vermont is more environmentally friendly than one shipped in from Italy.
When it comes to incorporating sustainable materials, the options are endless. For example, ceramic tile is a versatile option that’s used in kitchens and bathrooms, can be applied to floors and walls, and is available in a wide variety of colors and designs. Similarly, wood is a renewable resource that can be used for flooring, wall finishes, and even furniture. It is a popular choice in eco-friendly construction because of its ability to regulate indoor temperature, reduce air pollution, and reduce noise levels.
Resale Value
The use of natural materials gives a unique look to a space, and it also adds value to the home. When it comes to resale, homeowners are willing to pay more for a house that features unique materials. This is because they want to get the most out of their investment.
Natural materials can create a sense of uniqueness in any space, and they also complement most styles of architecture. They can be used as wall coverings, roof tiles, or furniture. Additionally, they can be recycled in a variety of ways to make them more sustainable.
Some building materials have specific connotations within cultures and regions, such as the enduring solidity of stone or the ephemeral nature of paper. Often, these symbolic expressions are imitated in the construction of buildings, such as Mount Vernon’s carved wood facade.
Other important considerations are how the material will weather over time and its impact on occupants’ health. For example, exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be detrimental to human health and may even cause respiratory problems.
Finally, certain materials are required by building codes to meet occupant safety and durability requirements. These codes can limit material combustibility, flame spread rating, and smoke toxicity. Other regulatory issues such as Historic District guidelines or visual design guidelines may also dictate allowable material specifications and colors.