<p><a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/2796-characteristics-modern-architecture-people-love" target="_blank">Modern architecture</a>, 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.</p><p>Here, we discuss the 8 popular construction materials shaping up modern architecture that helps in showcasing <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/2805-different-styles-architecture" target="_blank">different styles of architecture</a>.</p><h2><strong>1. Concrete In Modern Architecture</strong></h2><p>The <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/2931-7-materials-look-best-facade" target="_blank">material that's the backbone of modern architecture</a>, 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.</p><p><img src="https://planndesign.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/article/users/user96326/architecture-black-and-white-concrete-188975-min-compressed_0.jpg" alt="use of concrete in modern architecture"></p><p>Image source- <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/greyscale-photography-of-human-grave-188975/" target="_blank">Pexels</a></p><h2><strong>2. Brick In Modern Architecture</strong></h2><p>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.</p><p>Go through the <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/2894-10-unique-building-materials-are-perfect-modern-homes" target="_blank">10 Unique Building Materials That are Perfect for Modern Homes</a></p><p><img src="https://planndesign.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/article/users/user96326/arch-architecture-building-532856-compressed.jpg" alt="use of brick in modern architecture"></p><p>Image Source - <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/arch-architecture-art-building-532856/" target="_blank">Pexels</a></p><h2><strong>3. Steel In Modern Architecture</strong></h2><p>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.</p><p><img src="https://planndesign.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/article/users/user96326/architecture-black-and-white-building-175771-compressed.jpg" alt="use of steel in modern architecture"></p><p>Image Source - <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/low-angle-photography-of-metal-building-on-grayscale-175771/" target="_blank">Pexels</a></p><h2><strong>4. Glass In Modern Architecture</strong></h2><p>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.</p><p>Read <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/2747-importance-glass-architecture-design" target="_blank">Importance Of Glass In Architecture Design</a>, to know more about glass.</p><p><img src="https://planndesign.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/article/users/user96326/architectural-design-architecture-building-443383-compressed.jpg" alt="glass used in modern architecture"></p><p>Image Source - <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/architectural-design-architecture-building-business-443383/" target="_blank">Pexels</a></p><h2><strong>5. Aluminum In Modern Architecture</strong></h2><p>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 <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/2758-importance-form-architecture" target="_blank">form in architecture</a>. Transbay Transit Centre, San Francisco has updated its façade from glass to transparent aluminum.</p><p><img src="https://planndesign.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/article/users/user96326/aluminium-architecture-art-158571.jpg" alt="aluminum in modern architecture"></p><p>Image Source - <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/worm-s-eye-of-white-and-black-inside-basket-158571/" target="_blank">Pexels</a></p><h2><strong>6. Natural Stone In Modern Architecture</strong></h2><p>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.</p><p>Also, take a read to <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/2749-top-10-natural-building-materials-sustainable-architecture" target="_blank">Top 10 Natural Building Materials For Sustainable Architecture</a></p><p><img src="https://planndesign.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/article/users/user96326/architecture-building-design-164586.jpg" alt="natural stone in modern architecture"></p><p>Image Source - <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/stainless-steel-tubular-tool-164586/" target="_blank">Pexels</a></p><h2><strong>7. Wood In Modern Architecture</strong></h2><p>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.</p><p><img src="https://planndesign.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/article/users/user96326/apartment-architectural-design-architecture-323774.jpg" alt="use of wood in modern architecture"></p><p>Image Source - <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/apartment-architectural-design-architecture-balcony-323774/" target="_blank">Pexels</a></p><h2><strong>8. Tiles Design In Modern Architecture</strong></h2><p>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.</p><p><img src="https://planndesign.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/article/users/user96326/apartment-architecture-chairs-269218.jpg" alt="tiles design"></p><p>Lastly, take a read of the most important <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/2933-8-most-popular-materials-home-elevation-every-architect-must-know" target="_blank">8 Most Popular Materials for Home Elevation, Every Architect Must Know</a></p><p>And <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/2893-12-modern-building-materials-every-architect-must-know" target="_blank">12 Modern Building Materials Every Architect Must Know</a></p>

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There are many different types of building construction materials available today. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Read on to know about them!

8 Popular Construction Materials Shaping Modern Architectural Design

<p>Building a modern home means rummaging through the material and finishes options that can help in converting your dream to reality. While some people like to go with the flow and adopt conventional materials for their homes, some people like to adopt unique materials and techniques to build their dream projects. Being unique gives one an edge when it comes to aesthetics, it presents a way to explore material for unique finishes.</p>
<p>Does it have to be a new material in the market to qualify as being ‘Unique’?</p>
<p>Maybe or maybe not. One can certainly count the new materials and techniques as unique, however, there might be certain old materials and techniques that could be considered unique. It's all about how you use a material to give a unique appeal to your home. One should also try to contemplate the sense of uniqueness for oneself – what qualifies and what does not? Material selection is one of the most important steps in the process of building a home. Therefore, most sincere efforts should be put into the research of materials and their application. To take you a wee bit closer in your search for unique materials for your modern home, here is a list of 10 <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/3382-8-most-known-materials-used-modern-architecture" target="_blank">building materials</a> –</p>
<h2><strong>1. Bamboo - The Best Green Building Material</strong></h2>
<p>Bamboo is a material that has been used for centuries, but the interesting part is that it is now that people are exploring the potential of the material. With many architects and designers adopting the material as their primary choice, there have been numerous innovations in the field of construction with bamboo. Bamboo is being used as a structural material as well as for decorative purposes. The best part about the material is that it is a renewable source. A bamboo plant can be harvested in just 3 years, presenting it as a green choice for building material. One should not mistake the material to be fragile as it is being used to construct robust structures throughout the world. This material is truly unique when explored creatively. Moreover, the material gives a warm and rustic feel to the structure and space.</p>
<img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/pictures/patios/exteroir-elad-gonen-img~eaf1d1460cdcd1a0_8-2852-1-d606ae6.jpg" alt="Bamboo - The Best Green Building Material" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
<p><a href="https://www.houzz.in/hznb/professionals/photographers/elad-gonen-pfvwus-pf~402745267" target="_blank">Photo by Elad Gonen</a> - <a href="https://www.houzz.in/photos/patio-design-ideas-phbr0-bp~t_26478" target="_blank">More patio photos</a></p>
<h2><strong>2. Rammed Earth- A Traditional Yet Modern Building Material</strong></h2>
<p>Rammed earth is a combination of material and technique that has been in the brain pool of the construction industry for millennia. However, with the advent of technology and the discovery of materials, rammed earth construction lost its way. Though with the mindful building practices taking the forefront and heightened awareness for the use of <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/2749-top-10-natural-building-materials-sustainable-architecture" target="_blank">sustainable building practices,</a> rammed earth is steadily carving its niche. This material has a unique charm to it that can impart a rustic and rather urbane look to the space. The possibilities of forms and applications are endless with the material. A traditional building practice with modern explorations is sure to deliver a modern dream home.</p>
<img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/pictures/living-rooms/villa-terra-noel-cross-architects-img~0b6120f90ea4d345_8-3451-1-dddf001.jpg" alt="Rammed Earth Buliding Material" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
<p><a href="https://www.houzz.in/hznb/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/noel-cross-architects-pfvwus-pf~1132543914" target="_blank">Photo by Noel Cross+Architects</a> - <a href="https://www.houzz.in/photos/living-room-design-ideas-phbr0-bp~t_26341" target="_blank">More living room photos</a></p>
<h2><strong>3. Hempcrete- A Sustainable Choice</strong></h2>
<p>A bio-composite, hempcrete is a sustainable choice over concrete. It is a material that is gaining popularity steadily owing to its negative carbon footprint. The advantage is that it is extremely light in weight and highly durable. The material is being explored and innovated to its potential for green building practices. This is a material that is suitable for diverse locations due to its amazing thermal insulation properties. Exposed hempcrete surfaces can impart a nice aesthetic to the space.</p>
<img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/pictures/kitchens/marrickville-hempcrete-house-hemp-gallery-australia-pty-ltd-img~ad711da20a9f2f83_8-1588-1-57783af.jpg" alt="Hempcrete Building Material" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
<p><a href="https://www.houzz.in/hznb/professionals/upholstery-and-furniture-restoration/hemp-gallery-australia-pty-ltd-pfvwau-pf~1453610808" target="_blank">Photo by Hemp Gallery Australia Pty Ltd</a> - <a href="https://www.houzz.in/photos/kitchen-design-ideas-phbr0-bp~t_26043" target="_blank">More kitchen photos</a></p>
<h2><strong>4. Mycelium- A Sustainable and Environmental Friendly Materials</strong></h2>
<p>Mycelium is derived from mushroom root fiber. It completely supports the sustainable movement and promotes the use of environmentally friendly materials as building blocks. It offers strength greater than concrete and is a lightweight solution for construction. This can easily be used to replace foam, timber and plastics in the construction of a house. Mycelium offers high resistance towards moisture, mould and fire in addition to insulative properties. This material is under research and innovation to make it a mainstream material. It sure is a unique material! Mushroom to construction material for home!</p>
<img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/18f13f330dd51db2_8-7863/home-design.jpg" alt="Mycelium Building Material" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
<p>By <a href="https://www.houzz.in/user/giuliazappa" target="_blank">Giulia Z8+appa </a> - See more <a href="https://www.houzz.in/photos/home-design-photos-phbr0-bp~" target="_blank">Home Design Photos</a></p>
<h2><strong>5. Smart Glass- Amazing and Unique Material</strong></h2>
<p>With everything around us getting ‘smart’ it is about time to adopt the ‘smart’ concept to our building materials. One such amazing and unique material is smart glass. Smart glasses are based on certain technologies that make the glass reactive towards a factor such as electricity, light, heat, etc. These glasses can change their transparency based on the technology (electrochromic, photochromic, thermochromic, suspended particle, micro blind, and polymer dispersed liquid crystal) they are based on. Moreover, these can be used to construct climatic adaptive structures.</p>
<p>With these glasses in place, one can certainly build a glasshouse at a whim!</p>
<p>Read <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/2747-importance-glass-architecture-design" target="_blank">Importance Of Glass In Architecture Design</a>, to know more about glass.</p>
<img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/1c11ef7804960afa_8-9357/home-design.jpg" alt="Smart Glass Building Material" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
<p><a href="https://www.houzz.in/hznb/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/smart-glass-inc-smart-glass-manufacturer-pfvwus-pf~882067413" target="_blank">Photo by Smart Glass Inc | Smart Glass Manufacturer</a> - <a href="https://www.houzz.in/photos/home-design-photos-phbr0-bp~" target="_blank">Search home design design ideas</a></p>
<h2><strong>6. Engineered Wood- The Most Preferred Building Materials</strong></h2>
<p>Wood has been one of the most preferred building materials for constructing and decorating homes. While we all like to use wood in our homes, the resources for the same are limited and depleting. To counter this and restrict our use of hardwood, the solution is engineered wood. Engineered wood or manmade wood has carved a niche in the building industry today. From wall panels to furniture elements, designers and carpenters have taken up engineered wood as their choice of material. These materials give ample flexibility when it comes to design, application, techniques and aesthetics. Common examples of engineered wood include - plywood, particleboard, blockboard, MDF board, etc.</p>
<img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/pictures/living-rooms/rsa-residence-purple-studio-img~7e9168c70a46be62_8-2745-1-6560dcc.jpg" alt="Engineered Wood Building Material" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
<p><a href="https://www.houzz.in/hznb/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/purple-studio-pfvwus-pf~1579282456" target="_blank">Photo by PURPLE STUDIO</a> - <a href="https://www.houzz.in/photos/living-room-design-ideas-phbr0-bp~t_26341" target="_blank">Search living room pictures</a></p>
<h2><strong>7. Bricks from Waste- A Sustainable and Environmental Friendly Materials</strong></h2>
<p>Being mindful and conscious while constructing your home can lead you to unique materials, that are made out of industrial and agricultural waste. Bricks made of fly ash, cigarette butts, rice husk, straw, etc. are materials that are gaining popularity in the modern construction industry. These bricks are strong and help in curbing dumping in wastelands, thus promoting sustainable practices. There are a lot of waste materials that can be used to create bricks with structural strength more than conventional bricks.</p>
<p>Bricks made from extracted carbon, recycled plastics, various fiber, sawdust, etc. are being made and tested upon to efficiently use waste for construction.</p>
<p>If you adopt such materials, you can definitely boast of being an energy-conscious house owner!</p>
<img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/b65173c70aeb3c23_8-5796/home-design.jpg" alt="Bricks from Waste Material" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
<p>By <a href="https://www.houzz.in/hznb/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/shristi-nangalia-pfvwus-pf~1638130875" target="_blank">Shristi Nangalia Brahmapur</a> - See more <a href="https://www.houzz.in/photos/home-design-photos-phbr0-bp~" target="_blank">Home Design Photos</a></p>
<p>Go through the <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/3382-8-most-known-materials-used-modern-architecture" target="_blank">8 Most Known Materials Used in Modern Architecture</a></p>
<h2><strong>8. Ferrock- A Great Alternative for Concrete</strong></h2>
<p>Ferrock is a carbon-neutral material. It is a great alternative for concrete and is made using recycling scrap from the steel industry. It can be easily applied to spaces and elements that are cast from concrete. It provides the structure with enhanced strength as compared to concrete. Ferrock has an interesting property of trapping carbon dioxide during the drying and hardening phase. However, the availability of the material is dependent on the volume of waste from the industries, thus limiting its application in large-scale projects. But, if you can get your hands on this material, it is one of the sustainable and unique products to choose for your home.</p>
<img src="https://rqnj0mo0em-flywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Ferrock_FB-1.jpg" alt="Ferrock: A Stronger, Greener Alternative to Concrete?" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
<h2><strong>9. Stainless Steel- Versatility at Its Best</strong></h2>
<p>Stainless steel is a material that is unique in its varied forms to build your perfect modern home. The material with its diverse applications and versatility can be used from structure to surface in a house. The material can be innovatively and creatively used to build or decorate a space. The gloss finish of the metal imparts elegance to a space, depending on the application and usage. Steel can be used to create drama on the<a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/2931-7-materials-look-best-facade" target="_blank"> façade</a> or the interiors. However, with steel one should keep the motto – ‘Less is More’ in mind.</p>
<img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/pictures/decks/modern-is-modern-again-in-portola-valley-mark-brand-architecture-img~3961e96d0127a381_8-6627-1-dad78df.jpg" alt="Stainless Steel Building Material" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
<p><a href="https://www.houzz.in/hznb/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mark-brand-architecture-pfvwus-pf~276918943" target="_blank">Photo by Mark Brand Architecture</a> - <a href="https://www.houzz.in/photos/terrace-and-balcony-design-ideas-phbr0-bp~t_26476" target="_blank">Search terrace &amp; balcony design ideas</a></p>
<h2><strong>10. Salvaged Materials- Adopt the Old, Get Unique!</strong></h2>
<p>If one is looking for a truly unique abode, then there is nothing better than to explore salvage elements and materials. Salvaged or reclaimed materials open up a host of possibilities for creative explorations to impart a ‘one in a kind’ look to your home. To exploit this possibility, one has to be observant enough to identify and transform the trash into treasure. This is not a single material and encompasses an array of materials and elements like shipping containers, old doors or windows, stone, timber, etc. However, one should be certain about the condition of the element to determine the life of the element to be reclaimed or repurposed. This is a route not taken by most people, yet gives amazing results (both cost-wise and aesthetically). One has to certainly wear creative caps to work with salvaged elements.</p>
<img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/pictures/huse/cph-container-2-cph-containers-img~3841abb5087c8d7f_8-4893-1-164ac43.jpg" alt="Salvaged Building Material" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
<p><a href="https://www.houzz.in/hznb/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cph-containers-pfvwdk-pf~1260724118" target="_blank">Photo by CPH Containers</a> - <a href="https://www.houzz.in/photos/exterior-design-ideas-phbr0-bp~t_26580" target="_blank">Search exterior design ideas</a></p>
<img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/pictures/exteriors/the-glass-house-lilah-horwitz-img~48e1bf1102784609_8-1532-1-7623e94.jpg" alt=" Salvaged Building Material" style="height: 334;width: 500">
<p><a href="https://www.houzz.in/hznb/professionals/not-specified/halfcuttea-com-pfvwus-pf~1259036066" target="_blank">Photo by halfcuttea.com</a> - <a href="https://www.houzz.in/photos/exterior-design-ideas-phbr0-bp~t_26580" target="_blank">Search exterior pictures</a></p>
<p>To conclude I would say that the uniqueness of the house is a sum total of materials selected, design and execution. The aforementioned are 10 unique materials that can be chosen to build that perfect modern home. While this is a list of materials, one should bear in mind that a unique look can be imparted with conventional materials as well, depending on the design and application. Quite a few materials chosen for the list conform to the sustainable or eco-friendly sentiment being carried around the world. Materials are a segment of the construction industry that is ever-evolving, a material might evolve today and a new material might be discovered tomorrow. Similarly, the choice of materials is also ever-evolving!</p>
<p>We would certainly love to read about your thoughts and experiences regarding the material choice for your home. Please feel free to share them with us in the comments below!</p>
<p>Lastly, take a read to the <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/2893-12-modern-building-materials-every-architect-must-know" target="_blank">12 Modern Building Materials Every Architect Must Know</a>!</p>
<p>and <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/2931-7-materials-look-best-facade" target="_blank">7 Materials That Look The Best On The Facade</a></p>


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Getting your home built or renovated? Wondering about unique materials to help you build your dream home? Rummaging the sources for unique materials to give an urbane and chic look to your home?
Fret not! We got you covered with a list of 10 unique building materials to get that perfect modern home!  

10 Unique Building Materials That are Perfect for Modern Homes

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8 Popular Construction Materials Shaping Modern Architectural Design

10 Unique Building Materials That are Perfect for Modern Homes