Modern architecture: What are the sustainable materials of the moment?

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21st century architecture must be “sustainable”, that is, respond to present needs and provide modern solutions for all, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. All while achieving an ecological balance. A real challenge? A very complex equation which involves both a more restrictive legislative environment, significant developments on the part of suppliers, and a total commitment from everyone. Architects must find solutions to make buildings sustainable, whatever their size or function (residential buildings, commerce, warehouses, factories, etc.). In particular, it is the materials used that can provide architects with the determining ingredient. Economically, socially and ecologically viable materials already exist in the smart city . Here are some of them.

The return of natural materials

Since the city of tomorrow will have to integrate nature to be truly sustainable, why not do it using construction materials.

Sustainable cement

Among all the types of concrete on the market , many emit large quantities of C02 during their manufacture. Cement is a key element. Like many other construction materials, cement emits carbon. Widely used, its composition which uses limestone, silicon, iron or even aluminum is not always clean. Added to water, sand or gravel, cement makes it possible to produce concrete, a material very present in construction. Is it possible to make this element greener? Yes ! Today there are concretes without cement or even fabrics which are impregnated with concrete and which harden at the time of installation . Two solutions which still make it possible to modernize traditional materials and thus place them in the future of construction .

Sustainable materials for modern architecture are numerous today and will be ever more accessible tomorrow. With a small ecological footprint, resulting from healthy and sustainable management of the resource, favoring local development where possible, they will logically be required for a new, clean and sustainable building to emerge.

Their generalization is essential to be able to guarantee a healthy habitat for occupants without toxic emissions during their life cycle and beyond. Long life to sustainable materials, for prosperous architecture.

Earth

Building with earth is one of the oldest sustainable construction techniques, allowing for the erection of sturdy structures. A section of the Jiayuguan Great Wall is built from dusty loess soil . This is a technique which consists of combining soil with a binder to form layers. Everything is then pressed and applied to create a hard surface. Conventional masonry can be replaced by this solution by using earth blocks that come from quarry waste.

The earth makes it possible to create spectacular walls or even floors which provide excellent thermal performance. During the day, the sun's rays can heat the earth which will then slowly release heat during the cool evenings. Using earth to replace the concrete on our roads could thus effectively combat soil artificialization .

Bamboo

Bamboo might just be the perfect sustainable alternative to wood. Aesthetically close enough, bamboo is actually a member of the grass family, meaning bamboo regenerates very quickly compared to trees . Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet. An element that makes it a durable material, but not only that. Used for construction, bamboo can be cut every three years, while you sometimes have to wait 25 to 50 years (depending on the species) for wood. This explains why bamboo can be used for terraces, counters and other elements outdoors or indoors, but also for construction and cladding elements.

Used for construction, bamboo can be cut every three years, while you sometimes have to wait 25 to 50 years for wood.

Straw

What if you built with straw? Does building with straw bales seem old to you? However, straw is one of the great sustainable materials of the moment. This is also a technique which is not recent, but which has been greatly modernized. Thick, well-insulated straw walls offer a very high R value – the insulation capacity. Housing can retain heat in winter and stay cool in summer thanks to this material, which is more modern than it seems. And contrary to what one might believe, straw bale houses are fire resistant. No fear there.

Wool

In the world of construction materials, insulation should not be overlooked . And in this family, we find sheep's wool. This wool has an insulation factor that is sometimes better than materials such as glass wool, which is much more widespread. It is capable of absorbing, retaining and releasing moisture while maintaining its thermal properties . Wool is a natural material that can also help improve indoor air quality by removing harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide. Wool is also naturally flame resistant, sound-absorbing, non-toxic and biodegradable at the end of its life.

The choice of futuristic materials

In parallel with natural materials whose contribution is essential to building a futuristic and clean city , we also find sometimes unknown materials which will radically transform construction methods. Many manufacturers and construction players invest significant sums in research and development to innovate.

Cross-laminated timber

When you think of a modern material, you don't immediately think of wood? Yet this building material, which has been used for hundreds of years, continues to be modernized. This is the case, for example, with the cross-laminated timber technique composed of small pieces of softwood laminated to form large elements. The assembly is done by pressure so that the wood has significant resistance. The advantage is being able to create tailor-made wooden panels and having compact structures for all types of projects. A real alternative to concrete or even steel that we sometimes even find in skyscrapers!

Shape memory steel

Whether it is the renovation of large structures or the construction of major infrastructure, it is now possible to use shape memory steel. Concretely, shape memory steel is made of iron-based alloys that contract during melting . There is also a technique which allows steel reinforcements to be prestressed under hydraulic tension. This material provides rigidity and unfailing solidity.