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Concrete Blocks in Architecture: How to Build With This Modular and Low-Cost Material

ArchDaily

Image © Nelson Kon Concrete blocks are prefabricated materials primarily used for constructing walls. These blocks are available in a variety of dimensions and textures, ranging from traditional smooth surfaces to fluted or rough finishes. Mipibu House / Terra e Tuma Arquitetos Associados.

Materials 344
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Turning Corn Waste Into an Innovative Bio-Based Material

ArchDaily

Adopting the spirit of the circular economy by harnessing agricultural waste such as corn cobs, rice straw, and sugar cane bagasse for building materials marks a fundamental shift towards sustainable practices, promoting a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and optimizes resource efficiency. Read more »

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How to Use Alternative Products and Materials to Reduce a Project’s Carbon Footprint

ArchDaily

Straw insulation offers the lowest carbon footprint across its entire lifetime than any other major insulation material. Image © 11H45 Working within the restrictions of a limited carbon footprint can be one of the hardest – but also most rewarding – parts of a modern architect’s role. Read more »

Materials 312
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Tohoku University researchers develop real-time stress monitoring materials for aging infrastructure

Archinect

A team of researchers from Japan’s Tohoku University has developed a new mechanoluminescent construction material they say can be used in infrastructure to monitor daily use stress information in real-time in order to avert potential future catastrophes that may result from its aging stock of bridges, roads, and dams. NbO3 (or LNNO).

Materials 276
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Exploring Local Material in Contemporary Architecture: PWDC Transforms Building Surfaces in Nigeria

ArchDaily

This design practice, Co-led by Adeyemo Shokunbi , aims to contribute to a Nigerian architectural language through the renaissance of local materials. These projects brought the Laterite finishing technique to life and now help build the case for a Nigerian architectural language. Read more »

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Step by Step: How to Specify Materials in an Architecture Project?

ArchDaily

Image © Parham Taghioff Just as fashion designers use pins, needles and textiles to bring their creations to life, architects rely on materials to shape our built environment. What does the material specification process entail? It’s as simple, yet as complex as that. Where does one begin? Read more »

Materials 246
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Swatchbox Offers Design Professionals Free Next-Day Delivery of Material Samples

ArchDaily

The rapidly growing material platform employs a team of architects and designers to curate a range of tile, brick, carpet, and paint finishes through their website and mobile app. Read more »

Materials 246