Whether it’s limestone walls to accentuate rustic charm or granite columns for majestic entrances, natural materials offer an on-trend aesthetic that also supports sustainable construction. However, initial material costs can be higher than man-made options. Fortunately, their lifespan and repurposing potential counterbalance that initial investment.
Natural materials sourced from the earth offer diversity and can have a lower environmental impact when managed sustainably. Conversely, synthetic materials are created in laboratories and factories and can provide uniformity.
Longevity
Whether used as limestone walls that separate spaces with rustic charm or as granite columns to define grand formal entrances, natural stone adds elegance and longevity to buildings. It is a beautiful and durable material that can stand up to harsh weather conditions and the elements. It also offers sustainable benefits, including reducing carbon footprints and improving mental and physical health by grounding residents in nature.
The most common man-made building material is concrete, which is a mix of large and small aggregates (rock, gravel or sand), cement and water that hardens and sets over time. It is strong and versatile, with a high thermal mass that can store energy for heating and cooling. It is also fireproof, making it a good choice for construction in areas susceptible to wildfires.
Metals are another man-made material that is long-lasting and highly versatile. They are strong enough to withstand the weight of large structures and can be molded into intricate shapes. They also don’t rust or attract pests like termites and bore beetles, and they are a good conductor of heat and electricity.
However, a growing number of natural builders are choosing not to use wood because of its poor sustainability record. The majority of the world’s forests are destroyed each year to make way for agriculture and commercial development. This is a major concern for natural builders who want to build environmentally responsible and healthy homes.
Flexibility
Natural materials, like wood and stone, can offer a more refined texture and a living feel to the space. They also may have higher price points and require more maintenance than man-made products.
In contrast, man-made materials are designed for specific purposes and undergo a great deal of processing to alter them for the desired purpose. This can help them be more cost-efficient and easy to work with than natural materials. They are also often more durable and resistant to environmental factors. Examples of man-made materials include concrete, plastics and petrochemicals.
As with any building material, the way a structure is built plays a big role in its durability. Choosing the right materials and using them in an efficient, thoughtful manner will usually result in the longest lifespan for any building or structure.
For example, in areas prone to wildfires, a structure built with fire-resistant materials such as concrete will have a much greater chance of surviving the blaze. In addition, if the building is constructed in such a way that it can be easily accessed for maintenance and cleaning, this will also prolong its durability. It is important to note that the building industry devotes only a tiny percentage of its revenue to research into the performance and durability of buildings and their components. This needs to change.
Durability
Man-made materials go through rigorous processing before becoming usable, while natural building materials are sourced directly from nature and therefore undergo much less treatment. As such, natural building materials are more sustainable. This is especially true when it comes to wood and other natural materials. Wood furniture rots, attracts termites and swells with moisture, whereas metal doesn’t.
Natural materials aren’t necessarily the best choice for construction, however, as many have significant environmental and toxicity impacts when they’re harvested or processed. For example, many timber and thatch products, such as larch or spruce, are sourced from forests and may not be harvested in line with sustainable forest management practices.
In contrast, many man-made materials such as plastics and petroleum-based products are a major cause of pollution and climate change. These substances can also clog landfills and contribute to global warming.
However, if you can’t use natural materials, try to look for a recycled or repurposed alternative. Recycled materials are often cheaper and more sustainable than their man-made counterparts. Also, consider choosing materials that offer high levels of durability – for instance, steel and aluminium alloys are strong and can withstand bending and torsion loads. Other strong materials include concrete, which is a mix of large and small aggregates (such as rock, gravel or sand), cement and water that sets over time.
Maintenance
Although the initial cost of a natural material may be more expensive than a man-made alternative, in most cases durability and low maintenance go hand in hand. A home or office with an exterior of natural wood is unlikely to require paint stripping and waxing every five years, for example. And a building made from stone has a lifespan virtually indefinitely, with only the occasional grout re-pointing needed.
The aforementioned materials are just a few examples of the range of environmentally friendly and highly durable construction materials available today. Other choices include clay and cork. The former is an abundant and renewable material that is easily worked into structures like insulation and roofing, while the latter serves as a sustainable alternative to synthetic shingles. Cork is especially resilient to water and fire, and it has great acoustic and thermal properties. Metals are also a popular choice for their versatility and durability. They are resistant to pests such as termites and bore-beetles, do not rot or attract mold, mildew or fungus, and they conduct electricity very well.
However, the pursuit of building and materials durability is not without its challenges. For instance, a program designed to promote building durability (such as LEED credits or homeowner warrantees) will likely face resistance from insurance companies. And the time and expense associated with submitting a durability plan can be prohibitive.