Modern buildings are often built with glass walls. This material helps to bring light into a space and also keeps out inclement weather.
Clay-based houses like cob, sod and adobe have been built for centuries in western and northern Europe. These homes are natural insulators and stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
Wood
Wood is one of the most classic construction materials, used in many different types of structures and buildings. It can be found in everything from joists and beams to flooring, doors, windows, and other architectural features. It is also a popular choice for furniture and musical instruments because of its durability and natural beauty.
Wood can be easily worked on site to create building elements, and it is often cheaper than concrete or steel alternatives. It is also a good insulator, keeping buildings warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. However, it is important to keep in mind that wood can rot or mold when exposed to moisture and other environmental factors.
Nevertheless, advances in treatment and construction techniques have made it easier to use wood as a building material and reduce its drawbacks. For example, joists and beams made from cross-laminated timber (CLT) are much more resistant to warping than traditional solid wood joists. Other modern wood construction products include nail-laminated timber and glulam, which are both fire-resistant. As a result, builders are again using wood to construct buildings. The recent changes to building codes have made it possible for mass-timber constructions to reach new heights, and this is likely to fuel further interest in wood as a construction material. Learn more about this timeless construction material by taking the MT Copeland course, Building Construction with Wood Materials, taught by professional builder Jordan Smith.
Stone
Natural stone is a common construction material that can add beauty and durability to any building. Expert builders look at several aspects and characteristics of rock before deciding on a particular type to use.
Igneous rocks like basalt can provide a wide array of colours and are tough enough to resist severe weather conditions. They can be used for paving, cladding, and even as aggregates in concrete. They can also be sculpted into curved or rounded forms for benches and seats.
Sedimentary rocks like limestone are versatile and come in many colours. They can be carved and shaped into load-bearing walls or sandstone floors. They can be carved into intricate patterns and textures to create an organic feel. They can also be layered together to make a travertine roof or floor.
Granite is another popular option for cladding and worktops. It is a metamorphic rock that is composed of alternating layers of different coloured minerals. It can be sourced in a range of colours from greys to coral-red and is incredibly durable. Icelandic studio Innriinnri used green granite to make a trio of their sculptural Spun chairs while Snohetta used a grey variety for almost all the surfaces of their Aesop store in Tokyo (above).
Rare or unusual stones can add a sense of uniqueness to a building. Lava rock, for example, becomes porous as it cools so it’s easy to bond with mortar and can be carved into a textured pattern. The Hulihee Palace in Hawaii was built from lava rock that was carved and dressed with scribed mortar joints for a classic block appearance.
Metal
Despite its utilitarian origins, metal is now used to create visually striking and highly functional structures. The versatility of the material allows architects and builders to design buildings that suit a wide range of architectural styles.
Prefabricated steel buildings are an increasingly popular choice among commercial and industrial property owners. They are incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from warehouses to retail stores. Their customizable features and accessories allow owners to create a space that perfectly suits their specific needs.
Metal buildings are also more cost-effective than other types of construction, especially in Colorado. They are constructed using standard parts, which reduces labor costs and speeds up the construction process. Additionally, they are more energy-efficient than traditional buildings, resulting in lower heating and cooling bills.
The versatility of metal building construction extends to the interior as well. Clients can work with architects to create unconventional layouts that maximize space and align with their aesthetic preferences. For instance, they can incorporate open-concept workspaces or unique room divisions.
Additionally, the durability of steel framing eliminates the need for frequent termite treatments and other costly repairs often associated with wood framing. Moreover, it is fire-resistant and can withstand extreme weather conditions. As a result, a steel structure is a long-term investment that can provide protection and security for years to come.
Mud & Clay
Mud is the most basic of building materials and a very eco friendly option for construction. It is readily available in many parts of the world and can be used for a wide range of buildings. It can be made into blocks, shaped into walls and vaults or domes and then joined with mud mortar.
Mud brick is an earthen building technique that has been around for millennia. It can be used to build free-standing houses or as infill for timber frames, either wattle-and-daub (most common in Africa and Asia) or cob (developed from the wattle-and-daub process to make walls of a uniform width). It is often used for temporary shelters by nomadic peoples.
Using pure mud for a brick is labour intensive and the walls can be fragile unless stabilised. Cement is sometimes added to reduce permeability and stiffen the walls. This increases the embodied energy of the building but does improve the strength and durability of the structure.
For a mud brick building to be load bearing, it is important that the mortar beds are quite thick and that the mud bricks are laid in the traditional manner of masonry with returns on the sides of the wall to buttress them against sideways forces. The mortar should not be smoothed as this can promote moisture problems.