Considering Choice of Materials in Buildings

Over the years, as I transited from working on the interiors of jets to buildings, I've seen countless designs and materials across both industries. From the most simplistic to the most sophisticated that one can find it hard to imagine. Whatever it is, a good design is only achievable with quality materials that allows it to stand the test of time... keeping the 'Wow' in the art.

Materials are the solution to a good functioning design and the quality of construction is highly dependent on the materials used. What you pick will clearly define the overall durability, endurance, and character of the space or building.

The most beneficial means to decide materials that suit your requirements is by analyzing the stability, maintainability, aesthetics, and cost of each material.

I tend to consider the following (but not limited to):

1. Cost : The rates of various construction materials vary extensively, but as a rule of thumb, it is not always desirable to look for the most affordable products. Take account of the life span or utility of the products. Imagine buying a substandard product, you may end up having to restore or replace them often, and this end up being costly (low capital expenditure but high operating or maintenance expenditure). Getting building materials that serve you well for a long time will end up being cost efficient even if the initial capital cost is alittle higher.
2. Climate : This is a significant aspect of the selection of materials. Determinants like the extent of heat, cold, humidity and the amount of direct daylight are some things to consider. The material should respond to the climate and context of use.
3. Durability : Some materials lasts longer and are more resistant to corrosion, moisture and other environmental challenges/conditions. The most suitable material for use requires considering the climate and the operating condition it is built for, and its ability to adapt to these conditions. Some materials tend to degenerate quickly in high humidity setting. The selection must therefore have the durability and strength required for the specific area and condition of use. It is hence desirable to get materials that demand as limited maintenance and replacement so they can last through the actual life of the building or the space it's intended for.
4. Availability : Easily available materials helps in the cost and time for installation to be completed. Certain are locally available for some countries, but unfortunately for Singapore, alot of them are procured from overseas and are a challenge to transport via air or sea freight. This increases the cost of shipping and also usually experiences unforeseen delays. It is therefore essential to look at alternative manufacturing processes that provides the same material, but made easy to ship and still maintains its durability and aesthetics.
5. Sustainability : With the evolution of the construction industry, the requirement for building materials is growing and is also accountable for the surge in carbon footprint, i.e. use of cement raises the carbon emission. Hence using eco-friendly and sustainable construction materials like earth, bamboo, fly ash, metakaolin, silica fume, rice husk ash, etc are beneficial rather than the use of cement or concrete. The best materials are those that can be reused because they reduce the demand for new materials to be produced in the future. How these materials are installed and fixed can also influence the capacity to reuse them. Locally found materials also reduce the transportation hassle and thus reduce the emissions. Of course even in the luxury retail and private arena, natural resources like marble or onyx are often used in their sophisticated designs, but how do we look at sustainability while not having to use porcelain tiles? The high tech of stone veneering and bending becomes the next best thing to be further explored. Of course, if possible, alternative look-alikes would still be a greener approach.
6. Maintenance : The most suitable materials are those that are effortless or easy to maintain and manage. Maintenance will aid to preserve the building looking good and new for a long time. Good quality building materials normally require less maintenance than standard and cheap materials. One needs to study the life and quality of the building to ensure good construction. Maintenance is an important selection basis for building material because good materials are those which are easy and inexpensive to maintain. They add value to the building.
7. Aesthetic Appeal : Everyone has diverse tastes, specifications, and needs. Hence if one person considers something charming and attractive, it may not interest the other. Only you know what kind of quality of home/construction/building you would like to live in. For instance, the type of flooring material you select can transform the look of the house or apartment. You select a flooring material that not only suits your tastes but also fits into your budget such as vitrified tiles, ceramic tiles, granite, marble, Kota stone, wood, and the list goes on. When choosing these elements, you need to consider the appearance you want. The type of roof you prefer will change the expression of the house. You may like a particular type of roofing material, or maybe you like stone masonry buildings. The choices you make, as well as your budget, climatic conditions, and various other factors will determine the materials and the appearance or look of the building that one desires.??
8. Performance : Choose materials that have the structural potential to sustain and bear the building loads. When determining the roofing materials, for example, one needs to make sure that the building structure can completely support the roof material, for the complete life of the building. These materials selected should also make it possible for inhabitants to live comfortably without any unfavorable effects like those caused by harmful chemical emissions by some materials. The choice of material is a great arrangement in construction and it should be cautiously done as it has a direct effect on the user. One significant concern that governs the choice of material is the nature or function of the project. The nature of the project means how it is going to be used as- residential, commercial, gathering space, etc. The material used defines the built space. It also leads to other key factors like budget, durability, and aesthetics.

#ChoosingMaterials #BuildingDesigns&Aesthetics