8 Popular Construction Materials Shaping Modern Architectural Design

8 Popular Construction Materials Shaping Modern Architectural Design

Modern architecture, a consequence of the industrial revolution evolved in response to new industrialized materials and technologies resulting in the plane and sleek facades shunting ornamentation and rejecting earlier traditional styles, materials, and techniques of construction. The material helps in attaining the physical form of a design. Building materiality is the only factor that is tangible in nature. And this tangible component offers a variety of intangible emotions and feelings that can be controlled by selecting the right material. For instance, the warm feeling offered by wood, an emotion of joy and comfort, or the cold feeling offered by the metals, or the raw feeling offered by concrete. Selection of appropriate material holds an equal share in designing when compared with aesthetics and functionality. Materials can transform the way space makes you feel.

Here, we discuss the 8 popular construction materials shaping up modern architecture that helps in showcasing different styles of architecture.

1. Concrete In Modern Architecture

The material that's the backbone of modern architecture, concrete is composed of cement, fine and coarse aggregates bonded together in a fixed ratio. The compound can be easily molded into the desired form using the appropriate scaffolding, forming a column, beam, slab, foundation etc. The brutal material inspired one of the greatest architects Le Corbusier. Further research about concrete has led to the development of more materials like durable concrete, high-performance concrete, self-healing concrete, translucent concrete and bendable concrete.

use of concrete in modern architecture

Image source- Pexels

2. Brick In Modern Architecture

The brick blocks are like the Lego blocks which can be combined together to form creative masterpieces through innovative thinking and skilled craftsmanship. Despite the rigid form of a brick block, they have shown a wide variety and resulted in the formation of beautiful specimens over a course of time. Researchers these days are working towards transforming the small building material into a sustainable units of building construction.

Go through the 10 Unique Building Materials That are Perfect for Modern Homes

use of brick in modern architecture

Image Source - Pexels

3. Steel In Modern Architecture

Steel is a construction material that can be used as a structural material as well as a visible material. Its property of withstanding tensile forces makes it an effective structural material, as an R.C.C. reinforcement as well as structural materials such as space frames, I-section beams, trusses etc. Additionally, it is used as window and door frames, handrails, balustrades, door handles, etc. Steel as a building material possesses the qualities like durability, strength, lightweight, can be recycled, can withstand the variance in climatic conditions.

use of steel in modern architecture

Image Source - Pexels

4. Glass In Modern Architecture

The modernistic material used to achieve transparency and light, the glass, is the most common façade element which offers both visibility as well as protection from the changing climate. The architecture specimens, the Farnsworth House by Mies van der Rohe and the Glasshouse by Phillip Johnson justify the extent of the application of glass as a building material. The researchers have been able to develop the glass with a lower U-value, high thermal insulation property, which suits the environment and helps in decreasing the energy requirement of a building.

Read Importance Of Glass In Architecture Design, to know more about glass.

glass used in modern architecture

Image Source - Pexels

5. Aluminum In Modern Architecture

Aluminum is a non-ferrous metal abundantly available. It is not readily available and is to be extracted from the bauxite ore. Possession of qualities like a high strength-to-weight ratio, airtightness, ease in fabrication and assembling, low handling and transportation cost, high reflectivity, corrosion resistance and its behavior at extreme temperatures, makes it an appropriate construction material. Usually, the glass façade of modern buildings is supported by a sturdy and lightweight aluminum frame. The building industry has developed a new material called the ‘transparent aluminum’ which offers excellent transparency as well as form in architecture. Transbay Transit Centre, San Francisco has updated its façade from glass to transparent aluminum.

aluminum in modern architecture

Image Source - Pexels

6. Natural Stone In Modern Architecture

Stone being used since the time of the evolution of mankind is still a trendy building material. Despite its heaviness and bulkiness, it is appreciated in the building industry because of its large variety of textures, colors, and sizes. The material is durable and naturally available.

Also, take a read to Top 10 Natural Building Materials For Sustainable Architecture

natural stone in modern architecture

Image Source - Pexels

7. Wood In Modern Architecture

The only renewable building material whose addition in the building gives not just a warm feeling but an emotion of joy and comfort shared in design when compared with aesthetics and functionality. These specific materials can transform any space. Its high tensile strength, sound absorption and other features like heat resistance and electrical resistance make it an exceptional material to be used in modern architecture.

use of wood in modern architecture

Image Source - Pexels

8. Tiles Design In Modern Architecture

A modular unit, made up of hard materials such as ceramic, stone or even glass, applied as a covering material over floors, walls, tabletops etc. is an efficient finishing material commonly used in modern buildings. Easy transportation, easy repair, and availability of comfortable sizes and a variety of colors and textures make it a popular choice among designers. The tile industry these days is working towards the concept of recycling in order to attain sustainability goals.

tiles design

Lastly, take a read of the most important 8 Most Popular Materials for Home Elevation, Every Architect Must Know

And 12 Modern Building Materials Every Architect Must Know

If this post inspired you, share it with others so that they can be inspired too!!

Relevant Articles

Urban Design Problems, Architects Should Address while Designing

Urban Design Problems, Architects Should Address while Designing

Architects should always be aware of the urban design problems that can happen when designing a cityscape, and learn how

How to Choose the Right Building Material for Your Project

How to Choose the Right Building Material for Your Project

Choosing the right building material for your project is a crucial decision. Use this guide to help you make an

Trends That Would Shape the Future of Architecture

Trends That Would Shape the Future of Architecture

What do you think is the future of architecture? Know the upcoming big trends driving it.

10 Essentials Soft Skills Every Architect Must Have

10 Essentials Soft Skills Every Architect Must Have

Soft skills are the key to success as an architect – learn about the ten essentials your career needs and

8 Popular Construction Materials Shaping Modern Architectural Design

8 Popular Construction Materials Shaping Modern Architectural Design

There are many different types of building construction materials available today. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Read

Architect's Guide- How about Changing the Design due to Financial Crunch?

Architect's Guide- How about Changing the Design due to Financial Crunch?

Wondering how to change your design due to financial constraints? Well, don't worry, because this guide has got you covered!

Most Viewed Articles

8 Challenges You will Face as Young Architect

8 Challenges You will Face as Young Architect

Young architects face many obstacles as they start out on their career path. Learn about the most common problems and

How to Find the Right Architect for Your Home

How to Find the Right Architect for Your Home

Whether you're looking to build a new house or renovate an old one, hiring an architect is key to making

How to design a bedroom

How to design a bedroom

Bathroom is one of the essential space in a house. The space is used by multiple people but it still

11 Beautiful and Colorful Kitchen Decor Ideas that Looks so Inviting

11 Beautiful and Colorful Kitchen Decor Ideas that Looks so Inviting

The white is the new trend, the most common choice while selecting the <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/blogs/kitchen" target="_blank">kitchen

Design Ideas To Make Your Hotel “A Pleasant Stay”

Design Ideas To Make Your Hotel “A Pleasant Stay”

Hotels are all around you, but finding the right one that fulfils your needs and that makes you feel at

Celebrity Lookbook: The Extravagant Tales Of SRK & Gauri’s Abode

Celebrity Lookbook: The Extravagant Tales Of SRK & Gauri’s Abode

Letting the world into their homes via Architectural Digest, Gauri and Shahrukh Khan presented an untold tale that their home