8 Smart Materials to look for in the Design Industry!

As a designer, one is constantly on the look-out for newer, trendier, more sustainable and eco friendly materials to work with.

Smart technology advances have rendered better use of natural materials. There is constant research being done into developing resource and energy efficient methods in making materials more durable and elegant in the most optimum way.

Nature always remains an inspiration for materials in terms of textures, patterns and colour. Reclaimed wood, recycled furniture, plastics, paper, cartons etc are all making its way into the building industry, as structural, cladding and decor elements.

Let’s look at a few interesting futuristic materials for the design industry.

·       Paper Softwall

Taken from www.architonic.com 

·       Paper Softwall is a freestanding space partition. It has the flexibility to be shaped in any curved or linear form.

·       Made from layers of paper structured with flexible honeycomb geometry, this partition can be stored compressed to the thickness of a book and expanded to a length of 15 feet.

·       Each block has magnetic end panels as connectors which help to create longer panels.

·       This material can be used as space dividers or as sculptural elements to enhance a space.

·      ReWall Ceiling Tiles

Taken from www.elementalgreen.wpengine.com

·       ReWall produces 100% Upcycled green building material using recycled beverage cartons and cups.

·       They are moisture and mold resistant and also offer sound insulation.

·       The manufacturing process uses zero water and very little energy, making it a resource efficient material.

·       ReWall tiles can be used as false ceiling tiles, Interior wall boards or external cladding.

·      Aluminium foam

Taken from www.en.wikipedia.org

·       Aluminium foam is a cellular structure consisting of a solid metal with a large volume of gas filled pores.

·       Being light in weight, these sheets are apt to be used for light weight construction. Their porous nature provides thermal and sound insulation.

·       This is a 100% recyclable product.

·       Aluminium foam panels can be used as Interior feature walls, Partition walls and as cladding for facades

·      Bioreceptive Concrete

Taken from www.constructionnews.co.uk

·       Bioreceptive concrete is BiotA lab’s answer to – “What if facades are “bioreceptive”? So, instead of Paints and surface cladding materials that are specifically designed to resist growth of moss and lichens, this concrete is geometrically designed to promote the growth of mosses in selected areas.
·       Research is being done into making materials that can foster the growth of cryptograms and organisms like lichens and mosses. The idea is that ultimately they will be able to build structures onto which a variety of plants can grow.
·       This solution could even be a viable alternative to large-scale green walls, requiring very little maintenance, with the spores reactivating and the moss re-growing as the weather changes.

·      Light-Emitting Cement

Taken from www.inhabitat.com

·       Smart cement with the capacity to absorb and irradiate light energy is a very interesting concept developed by Dr. José Carlos Rubio Ávalos of the UMSNH of Morelia.
·       This could be used in any place that requires illumination and does not have access to electricity, as the material does not require an electrical distribution system and is recharged only with solar energy.
·       The durability of this light-emitting cement is estimated to be more than 100 years and its material components are easily recyclable. The pollution produced in manufacturing is low compared to other types of cement such as Portland or synthetic plastics.
·       This energy efficient material can be used in building facades and interior walls, swimming pools, Kitchens, Parking lots, highways etc. 

·      Prexury Labradorite

Taken from www.architonic.com 

·       Prexury slabs are one of a kind, that exude luxury. These elegant solid surfaces are made by combining natural semi-precious stones, petrified wood and unusual fossils
·       These natural elements are bonded with an epoxy resin, calibrated and polished. They act like any Granite slab and can be easily handled by stone workers.
·       An 'ASP' (Authentic Semi-Precious Stone) certificate of authenticity identifies each unique Prexury slab.
·       They can be used as counter tops for Reception tables, Kitchen and Bar work surfaces, Cladding on vertical surfaces etc

·      Woven Metal Mesh Partitions

Taken from www.neufert-cdn.archdaily.net

·       Woven metal mesh is an elegant, visually permeable material made with woven mesh and are light and flexible.
·       Materials used are stainless steel wire, bronze wire, copper wire and aluminum alloy.
·       When teamed with appropriate lighting accessories, they create appealing translucent dividers and screens.
·       They can be used in myriad applications such as a backdrop screens, Railings for stairs and balconies, Security barriers and Wall drapery apart from being a space divider. 

·      3D shaped Fibre Cement Facade material

Taken from www.neufert-cdn.archdaily.net

·       Fiber cement panels are surface enhancers which are through-coloured, showing the untreated texture of the fibre cement base material.
·       They are made in panels of 10’x4’ and can be cut into any shape and form using regular tools.
·       Perforated designs can be cut into it using CNC machines. They can be embossed and printed upon too.
·       It is a versatile cladding material for both Exteriors and Interiors.

Leaving you to ponder on these fabulous design solutions until next time ...

PRIYADARSHINI B S
PD DESIGNS