Materials and Design
Materials and Design
Materials and Design
The materials we build with shape both the character of a space and its environmental impact. Beyond their appearance and tactile quality, it is increasingly important to consider how materials are sourced, manufactured and used as we work to reduce emissions and build more sustainably.
Our approach carefully considers both embodied carbon — the energy used to produce materials and construct a building — and in-use carbon, the energy required to operate it over time. By balancing design quality with environmental performance, we create architecture that is thoughtful, efficient and enduring.
Natural materials such as stone and clay have shaped the built environment for centuries, sourced directly from the earth and crafted through simple, enduring methods. As societies evolved, so too did the techniques used to extract and manufacture building materials. The industrial age introduced steel, glass, and concrete — materials that came to define much of 20th-century architecture and enabled entirely new ways of building.
While these materials have transformed modern architecture, they also carry a significant embodied carbon cost. Although it is not always practical to avoid them entirely, there are many opportunities to reduce their use and explore more sustainable alternatives. Below are some reflections on how we can thoughtfully reconsider carbon-intensive materials and embrace more environmentally conscious approaches to construction.
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Timber structures, particularly when FSC-certified, can often provide an excellent alternative to steel while bringing warmth, texture, and a natural character to interior spaces. When responsibly sourced from managed forests, timber is both renewable and highly versatile, making it one of the most sustainable materials available in contemporary construction.
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Concrete foundations can, in some cases, be reduced through the use of modern piled systems or thinner reinforced raft foundations. Foundation design remains one of the greatest challenges in reducing embodied carbon, largely due to structural and building control requirements. Nevertheless, exploring ways to minimise the amount of concrete used below ground can have a meaningful environmental impact.
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Gypsum plasterboard, which relies heavily on cement-based production, may be substituted with alternative sheet materials that are often more natural in appearance and can even help reduce construction costs. Timber-based sheet materials, in particular, can contribute warmth, texture, and a more tactile quality to the atmosphere of a home.
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The use of mineral wool and wood fibre insulation boards in place of PIR or EPS rigid insulation offers a more natural and breathable approach to thermal performance. While these materials may come at a slightly higher cost and often require greater thickness to achieve the same insulation values, they can contribute to healthier building fabric and reduced environmental impact.
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Reusing existing materials is one of the most effective ways to lower the carbon footprint of a project. Architectural salvage yards offer a wealth of reclaimed timber flooring, bricks, and other characterful materials that not only reduce waste but also bring depth, history, and authenticity to new buildings.
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Glass remains an essential part of contemporary architecture, and in many cases there is no true alternative. Its ability to connect interior spaces with nature, introduce natural light, and create a sense of openness is fundamental to well-being within the home. Large areas of glazing do, however, require careful balancing with highly insulated building elements, as glass transfers heat and cold far more readily than insulated walls, roofs, and floors. Triple glazing is often a worthwhile investment and is now more accessible than many expect.
Below we look at a few materials/products we have used and have proved to be remarkably resilient. These focus on creating healthy homes in that they are safe non-toxic and sustainably produced.
FORESSO Timber Terrazzo
This amazing product is made from a high proportion of waste material and has a low VOC (volatile organic compound) The company has an impressive policy of source materials and sustainable production.
It can be used for kitchen work surfaces and splashbacks, dining tables, bathrooms and for making fitted or free standing furniture.
Acoustic timber/bamboo wall panels and
Douglas Fir sheet material used for internal walls.
BAMBOO Plywood
Bamboo is now widely used for many products and as a building material. This company uses no Urea-formaldehyde and so the sheet material can safely be used for all types of application with good indoor air quality.
Bamboo, and other timber sheet materials, such as birch ply and Douglas fir plywood, can be used in interiors in place of gypsum plasterboard and skim plaster.
NATURAL CLAY PLASTER
Clayworks Clay Plasters are unique blends of unfired clays mixed with minerals and pigments to provide healthy, breathable finishes for internal walls and ceilings.
Manufactured in Cornwall from abundant raw materials, they are amongst the most low carbon and healthy wall finishes available.
The clay can regulate interior relative humidity and allow buildings to breathe, and absorb toxins, odours. The finish has a wonderful texture and reflects light in a soft glowing way that painted walls rarely can.
LINOLEUM Forbo Marmoleum
We have used this flooring product a number of times and its one of the most hard wearing and inexpensive materials we know for a superb looking floor. Its mainly a commercial product and is used in locations of high foot-fall such as museums.
Linolem is made from compressed linseed oils, 98% natural raw materials It has a hessian backing. it comes in large rolls and is bonded to the sub-floor. Joints are heat welded in the same colour. It really is tough and sustainable.
It comes in many colours and patterns but we recommend the range of solid hues which work very well with domestic contemporary homes.
BUILDING PRODUCTS
Many standard products used in construction can now be substituted with products that use less embodied carbon, more natural raw materials and are often healthy alternatives.
INSULATION
Alternative insulation materials are widely available. There are many although mineral wool instead of PIR rigid sheets is a good alternative.
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)
A fantastic versatile material but its made with Formaldehyde which is not healthy and can lead to poor air quality. Medite have a board that is Formaldehyde free, which means the VOC’s are kept to a minimum.
CONCRETE BLOCKS
Many floors are block and beam construction, its the go-to solution but its cheaper and more enviromentally sound to use a timber suspended floor which with the right joists size and spacing can be extremely solid and use no concrete at all. There are now concrete blocks that are cement free.
