Building materials are vital to a structure’s success. As the story of the three little pigs proves, choosing quality materials ensures your structure will be able to withstand the elements.
Metal is durable, strong and flexible, and can withstand a lot of strain. It’s also lightweight and a good insulator.
Modern
The backbone of modern construction is concrete, a compound of cement and coarse and fine aggregates bonded together in a fixed ratio. This material is easily molded and can be used to form columns, beams, slabs and foundations. It is also a great choice for visual elements and helped inspire one of the most iconic modernist architects, Le Corbusier. Researchers have been working on making new building materials that are more durable, flexible and sustainable. Some of these innovations are already being utilized and others are still in the process of being developed.
Another common modern construction material is glass, a versatile material that offers transparency and high levels of natural light. It is now available in a range of smart glass that helps decrease energy consumption and protects against changing climatic conditions.
Many modern builders try to minimize the amount of coatings and paints that are applied to their structures, letting the beauty of the materials they use speak for themselves. This allows the unique characteristics of each material to shine through and can also help save on maintenance costs. Modern homes are often constructed with the local environment in mind, using materials that are easily sourced from the area and can withstand the weather conditions that are common there. This approach can be more sustainable and eco-friendly than previous approaches.
Traditional
A safe and pleasant place to live is one of the fundamental human rights. Throughout history, houses have been constructed with various materials depending on the locality of the construction and the environment around it. Mud, clay, bamboo, wood, rock, etc. have been the main building materials in traditional architecture for a long time while steel has become the body and skin of contemporary skyscrapers, reinforcing almost all properties.
Traditionally, building materials were locally available and easy to shape. Incorporating traditional elements such as construction techniques and motifs into modern designs bridges the gap between old and new, resulting in visually appealing and aesthetically stimulating compositions. This approach also promotes sustainability by incorporating energy-efficient technologies and enhancing the resilience of buildings to withstand varying climatic conditions.
Stone: The Inca were renowned for their stonework, using ashlar masonry to precisely fit and cut stones to create massive walls in structures like Sacsayhuaman and Machu Picchu. When stones weren’t readily available, they used adobe and mud bricks made from mixing mud with water and straw or other organic material then sun-drying them.
Iron and steel were a common construction material for industrial and Victorian-style buildings due to their strength, durability, and affordability. Glass was a popular window material during the Romanesque and Gothic periods for its capacity to showcase intricate designs, narratives, and details in churches and cathedrals. Decorative tiles and plaster were often used as finishing materials in buildings with Mediterranean or Spanish Colonial influences.
Cob
While cob may be a new building material to many, it has been around for thousands of years. It is being recognized again as a high quality, sustainable and durable construction material. Cob is a natural material that can be mixed by hand or with machinery. This makes it more democratic, allowing everyone to get involved in the process and make a contribution.
The materials used in cob are sourced locally and can be recycled. This is important from an ecological standpoint as it reduces the carbon footprint and construction waste generated by building. Furthermore, because there is no need to heat the raw material, energy consumption in a cob home will be significantly reduced.
Cob can be sculpted into various shapes and designs, which gives builders great creative freedom and flexibility. It can be molded to accommodate steps, windows and other architectural features. Its pliable nature also allows it to withstand the impact of heavy equipment.
In general, the walls of a cob house will be covered with lime plaster, which can help protect them from rain and wind. However, it is still a good idea to have wide roof eaves and a solid foundation for the building, especially in areas that experience frequent storms. Once the building is no longer occupied, it will eventually disintegrate back into the earth, leaving no trace of the structure that once stood there.
Steel
Steel is a key component of many structures. It’s used in bridges, piers and other foundations as well as buildings that require long-spanning interiors such as gymnasiums and warehouses.
Steel also offers greater design flexibility than other materials like wood. This is especially useful in industrial buildings where columns can impede on the building’s usable space. With steel’s ability to stretch further distances without the need for interior support columns, architects can let their creative juices flow and construct buildings with more open interiors.
Building stone is another popular construction material. It’s often sourced locally and has the advantage of withstanding weather conditions that might damage other materials. Stone is sturdy and aesthetically pleasing, and can be shaped to create unique buildings.
Whether you’re designing a new commercial business, warehouse or other industrial structure, you may want to consider using steel building materials to increase your design flexibility. In addition to providing a wide range of customization options, steel buildings are incredibly cost-efficient compared to traditional building materials. You’ll also benefit from premium paint coatings and finishes that protect your building and extend its lifespan. For example, Metal Depots’ Galvalume® Plus panels offer a 40-year finish warranty, protecting your investment from the elements and weathering. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your steel building will serve its purpose for decades to come.