By CAD Architects
Last month, we shared a blog article about the myriad uses of glass in architecture, including the latest smart glass, which can change its transparency or colour with the touch of a button or in response to environmental conditions.
Following on from that article, here is a brief overview of just some of the other cutting-edge materials redefining what is possible in architecture and construction.
Advances in technology are creating a vast range of new materials, enabling architects to create structures that are more sustainable, efficient, and visually striking.
We hope you find exploring the range and depth of these exciting new possibilities just as inspiring as we do, at CAD Architects.
- Transparent Wood
Wood has been a staple building material for thousands of years, but now there is a revolutionary new version of this classic material. Transparent wood is developed through a process of removing lignin (the substance that gives wood its colour and rigidity) and replacing it with a transparent polymer. This material retains the strength of wood while allowing light to pass through. Ideal for energy-efficient buildings, it can replace traditional glass in windows while offering better insulation. Its eco-friendly manufacturing process makes it a sustainable alternative to glass and plastics. - Self-Healing Concrete
Concrete is a widely used construction material, but its susceptibility to cracking has been a drawback. Self-healing concrete is an innovation that uses bacteria embedded in the material to seal cracks when they appear. When exposed to water, the bacteria activate and produce limestone, effectively repairing the damage. This can extend the lifespan of concrete structures such as bridges, roads, and buildings, as well as reduce maintenance costs and the environmental impact associated with repairs. - Graphene
Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, has remarkable properties: it’s stronger than steel, lightweight, and an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. Its versatility makes it a game-changer for architectural applications. Graphene-infused composites can reinforce traditional materials like concrete and steel. Thin graphene coatings on windows can enable smart glass technologies, including energy-efficient temperature regulation and solar power generation, and as a structural component, graphene allows for thinner, lighter, and more futuristic designs. - Aerogels
Often called “frozen smoke” due to their translucent appearance, aerogels are incredibly lightweight materials with high thermal insulation properties. Made by removing the liquid from a gel and replacing it with gas, aerogels are mostly composed of air. They are excellent for insulating buildings without adding significant weight to the structure. So they can be used in energy-efficient designs to reduce heating and cooling costs. With their unusual airy look, they can also add to the visual impact of architectural projects. - Bioplastics and Bio-Composites
The quest for sustainability has driven the development of bioplastics and bio-composites, made from renewable materials like corn starch, sugar cane, or cellulose. These materials are biodegradable, reducing environmental impact compared to traditional plastics.
Bio-composites made from materials like hemp or flax can be combined with resins to create sustainable alternatives to fiberglass or carbon fibre. Their organic look and feel resonate with eco-conscious architectural trends and they can be used for creating lightweight panels, decorative elements, and even structural components. - Phase-Change Materials (PCMs)
PCMs are materials that absorb and release heat as they change from solid to liquid and vice versa. Integrated into building materials, they can regulate indoor temperatures by storing excess heat during the day and releasing it at night. PCMs can enhance the energy efficiency of buildings by reducing reliance on HVAC systems. They are commonly used in walls, ceilings, and floors for passive temperature control. - Mycelium-Based Materials
Derived from the root structure of fungi, mycelium-based materials are biodegradable, lightweight, and strong. They are grown rather than manufactured, making them a low-energy, sustainable option. They are grown in moulds, enabling unique, organic shapes. They can be used for insulation, partition walls, and even furniture. Their natural look complements biophilic design principles, creating spaces that feel connected to nature. - Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP)
CFRPs are lightweight, strong, and durable. Widely used in aerospace and automotive industries, their introduction into architecture enables the creation of bold and innovative structures. They are ideal for cantilevered or free-form designs that are difficult to achieve using traditional materials. They are also used to reinforce existing structures or building components like beams and panels. They offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, reducing the material required and associated costs. - ETFE
Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) is a lightweight, transparent plastic film that can be inflated to create cushion-like structures. It’s becoming popular in modern architectural designs, especially for large-scale projects. For example, it is used in stadium roofs, greenhouse coverings, and façades. It provides excellent light transmission and thermal insulation and is highly durable and self-cleaning, reducing maintenance costs. - Metal Foam
Metal foam is a lightweight yet strong material made by introducing air pockets into metal. It offers excellent energy absorption and fire resistance. Used in fireproof structures, it enhances the strength of walls and roofs without adding significant weight. It also provides a futuristic aesthetic, ideal for cutting-edge designs. - Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)
Cross-laminated timber is at the forefront of sustainable construction. Made by layering timber in perpendicular directions, it offers strength comparable to steel and concrete while being far more eco-friendly. It is renewable, lightweight, and capable of sequestering carbon. A flagship high-rise building made of CLT is the Mjøstårnet Tower in Norway, the tallest timber building in the world. - Hempcrete
Hemp fibres, lime, and water are combined to create hempcrete, an environmentally friendly building material. It is manufactured from hemp, a fast-growing, renewable plant that grows with little help from fertilizers, herbicides, or water. Furthermore, hemp is a carbon-negative substance since it absorbs a large amount of carbon dioxide during growth. Hempcrete construction material has superior qualities for thermal insulation, which increases the energy efficiency of structures. Moreover, hempcrete’s porous nature helps it to control humidity and temperature. Because of the natural insulation, less mechanical heating and cooling is required, which saves energy and lowers carbon emissions. Because hempcrete construction material is permeable and permits moisture to pass through, it also inhibits the growth of mould and mildew. (Hempcrete’s legality differs by nation and area.)
As society evolves to deal with key issues such as population growth, rapid urbanization, climate change, and changing consumer expectations, advances in technology are leading to the development of many innovative materials which, if properly developed and deployed, can help to meet these demands on a global scale.
At CAD Architects, we aim to stay abreast of all the very latest developments in construction materials so that we can ensure your own project is at the forefront.
Contact us on studio@cadarchitects.co.uk