Since there were buildings and houses, and since they were builders and architects, the construction involved the preservation of a series of scales; The balance between form and function, between design aspirations and financial constraints, and between artistic expression (as evident in the work of the architects) and the practical concerns of the construction sector.
To these, in 2021, we have to add the demands placed on the construction industry by climate change, the need to meet carbon emissions targets, and sustainability in general.
Whether they are used on the roof, facade, or indoors in the bathroom, building materials have an important role in maintaining these different balances. Modern building materials are always arriving on the scene, along with promises that they will help architects meet their design aspirations, help builders translate these aspirations into reality, and aid the industry in its quest to meet its emissions reduction commitments.
So, what is this modern building material? Here is a selection of the best.
The best types of modern building materials available today
1. 3D graphene
We’re told that the material, hailed as ten times stronger than 3D steel graphene, will revolutionize 3D printing. In addition to its strength, this material also has antibacterial and thermal properties to make it more flexible and durable for its strength. This is one of the modern building materials with huge future potential.
2. Concrete
If we are talking about modern building materials, then we should start with concrete. Not only is this ubiquitous material the most widely used building material on earth, it has also been a staple of modern architecture for a long time. While on the plus side, its popularity derives from the truth but can be shaped at will, it does have its downsides. For example, concrete is responsible for 5% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Steel
As with concrete, it would certainly be impossible to discuss modern building materials without mentioning steel. The skylines of the cities we all know would be impossible without them. But the story doesn’t start and end with structural steel, of course. Strong, lightweight and durable, it is also a great material for window and door frames, door handles, hand rails, etc. It is an increasingly common feature in all types of buildings.
4. Glass
What would architecture be today without glass? Without windows that allow us to maintain our connection with the outside world. One thing to note is that not all windows are the same. Research and development efforts have led to the introduction of glass materials that improve things like U-value and thermal efficiency, etc. After that there has been news of efforts to develop “smart” glass.
5. Timber
Although it is also one of the oldest building materials in the world, timber and timber definitely deserve its place in any list of modern building materials. The indomitable popularity of this material, perhaps derived from the fact that it is organic, seems to indicate that wood will never go out of fashion. Sustainability is clearly a concern and all efforts to put an end to deforestation deserve support, but it seems that wood will always have a place in architecture. The rise of engineered timbers is a worse step forward than observing them.
6. Plastic
While when produced in the forms we know a lot (like plastic bags, packaging, etc.) plastic has rightly received a lot of negative pressure, this ubiquitous material has a lot of interesting architectural potential. 3D printing is one path that comes to mind as a fun way to go, as is the field of bioplastics.
7. Carbon fiber
Carbon fiber, a material reputed to be five times stronger than steel but much lighter than steel, clearly has tremendous potential in architectural contexts. When it comes to carbon fibres, the best advice is definitely – “Watch this space”.
8. Organic matter
As with the previous entry on our list, the advice for considering organic materials in an architectural context is to “Watch this space.” As the planet falters frighteningly through environmental crises, and our understanding of organic matter grows, these methods of research are certainly reasons for hope. As a species and a planet, what do we have to lose?
Modern building materials in use
Plastics at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing
The site where the swimming and diving events for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics were held, the National Aquatic Center (also known as the Watercube) features a skin made of ETFE, a durable plastic often used as a roofing material.
Steel at Otley Station
This contemporary steel bridge at Oatley Train Station in Sydney is reminiscent of the old steel bridges across Sydney’s rail network.
Wood in a bar/restaurant in Adelaide
This property is located just on St in Adelaide, a well-known and vibrant part of the city, and highlights the contemporary use of wood.
A glass office building in North Sydney
Located in the northern Sydney suburb of Macquarie, this office building looks like a glass box at first glance, and also houses many other modern building materials such as wood and aluminum on the outside.