Advanced Composite Materials

Materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties, which remain separate and distinct within the finished structure. These materials are used to enhance strength, durability, and other properties. In construction, advanced composites often combine fibers (e.g., carbon, glass, or aramid) with polymer matrices, resulting in materials that offer superior strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility compared to traditional materials.

Source: National Composites Centre

Aerogel Insulation

A highly porous, lightweight material with excellent thermal insulation properties, used in building envelopes to reduce heat loss. Aerogels are created by removing the liquid component from a gel, leaving behind a solid structure of up to 99.8% air by volume. This unique structure gives aerogels extremely low thermal conductivity, making them highly effective insulators even in thin layers.

Source: Aspen Aerogels

Bamboo Construction

The use of bamboo, a fast-growing and renewable resource, in construction for structural and non-structural applications, known for its strength and sustainability. Bamboo's high tensile strength and rapid growth rate (up to 91 cm per day for some species) make it an attractive alternative to traditional timber. It can be used in various forms, from whole culms to engineered bamboo products.

Source: International Network for Bamboo and Rattan

Bio-based Materials

Materials derived from renewable biological resources, such as plant-based polymers, used in construction to reduce environmental impact. These materials can include products made from agricultural by-products, wood fibers, or algae. Bio-based materials often have lower embodied carbon and can contribute to healthier indoor environments.

Source: European Bioplastics

Bioconcrete

Concrete that incorporates bacteria that can produce limestone to heal cracks automatically, enhancing durability and reducing maintenance needs. The bacteria, typically Bacillus species, remain dormant in the concrete until cracks form and water enters. The bacteria then activate and produce calcium carbonate (limestone) to fill the cracks, potentially extending the lifespan of concrete structures.

Source: Delft University of Technology

Biofiber Composites

Composite materials made from natural fibers (e.g., flax, hemp) and a matrix (e.g., resin), used for their sustainability and mechanical properties. These materials offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to glass fiber composites, with lower embodied energy and often improved acoustic properties. They can be used in non-structural applications like interior panels and some structural elements.

Source: Bio-based Industries Consortium

Biomimetic Architecture

Design and construction practices inspired by nature's models, systems, and elements to create more efficient and sustainable buildings. This approach goes beyond mere imitation of natural forms to understand and apply the underlying principles of natural systems. Examples include building skins that regulate temperature like animal fur, or ventilation systems modeled on termite mounds.

Source: Biomimicry Institute

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP)

Composite materials made from carbon fibers and a polymer matrix, known for their high strength-to-weight ratio and used in structural applications. CFRPs offer exceptional strength and stiffness while being extremely lightweight. In construction, they're used for structural reinforcement, in bridge construction, for seismic retrofitting, and in high-performance architectural elements.

Source: Composites World

Carbon-negative Concrete

Concrete that absorbs more CO2 during its lifecycle than is emitted during its production, contributing to carbon sequestration. This can be achieved through various methods, such as using alternative binders that absorb CO2 as they cure, incorporating materials like biochar that sequester carbon, or designing the concrete to actively absorb CO2 from the air throughout its life.

Source: CarbonCure Technologies

Cellulose Insulation

Insulation material made from recycled paper products, treated for fire and pest resistance, and used for its thermal and acoustic properties. Cellulose insulation is typically blown or sprayed into place, making it effective for retrofitting existing buildings. It has a lower embodied energy than many synthetic insulations and can help to regulate indoor humidity levels.

Source: Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association

Circular Construction

Building practices that minimize resource consumption and waste production by focusing on recycling, reusing, and designing for disassembly. This approach aims to create buildings that can be easily deconstructed and their materials reused or recycled, supporting circular economy principles throughout a building's lifecycle.

Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation

CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber)

A type of engineered wood panel made by gluing layers of solid-sawn lumber together, used for its strength, sustainability, and versatility in construction. CLT offers a renewable alternative to concrete and steel, with lower embodied carbon and the ability to sequester carbon throughout the building's life.

Source: WoodWorks

Cob Building

A natural building method using a mixture of clay, sand, straw, and water, known for its thermal mass and sustainability. Cob construction uses locally available materials, has low embodied energy, and creates structures with excellent thermal properties, reducing heating and cooling needs.

Concrete 3D Printing

The use of 3D printing technology to create concrete structures layer by layer, allowing for complex designs and reduced material waste. This technology enables more efficient use of materials, reduces construction time, and allows for greater design flexibility in concrete structures.

Source: ICON

Construction Waste Recycling

The process of recovering and reusing materials from construction and demolition projects to reduce waste and conserve resources. This practice helps to minimize landfill use, reduce the demand for new raw materials, and lower the environmental impact of construction activities.

Source: Construction & Demolition Recycling Association

Cradle-to-Cradle Design

A design philosophy that considers a product's entire lifecycle, aiming for products that can be fully recycled or safely returned to the environment. This approach seeks to create closed-loop systems where materials are perpetually recycled, eliminating waste and reducing environmental impact.

Source: Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute

Deconstruction

The systematic disassembly of buildings to recover materials for reuse, recycling, or repurposing, reducing waste and conserving resources. This process is more labor-intensive than traditional demolition but yields higher-quality recovered materials and significantly reduces waste sent to landfills.

Source: Building Materials Reuse Association

Design for Disassembly

Designing buildings and products so that they can be easily taken apart at the end of their life, facilitating recycling and reuse of components. This approach supports circular economy principles by making it easier to recover and reuse building materials, reducing waste and resource consumption.

Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Digital Fabrication

The use of digital technologies, such as CNC machines and 3D printers, to create building components with high precision and reduced waste. This approach allows for more efficient use of materials, greater design flexibility, and the potential for off-site manufacturing, reducing on-site waste and construction time.

Source: MIT Digital Fabrication Group

Earthbag Construction

A building method using bags filled with earth or other materials, stacked and compacted to form walls, known for its sustainability and thermal mass. This technique uses locally available materials, requires minimal specialized equipment, and creates structures with excellent thermal properties and disaster resistance.

Source: Earthbag Building

Engineered Wood Products

Wood products manufactured by bonding together wood strands, veneers, or fibers to create materials with enhanced strength and stability. These products offer improved performance, consistency, and resource efficiency compared to traditional solid wood, enabling their use in a wide range of structural applications.

Source: APA - The Engineered Wood Association

Ferrock

A sustainable building material made from recycled steel dust and other industrial waste, which absorbs CO2 during its curing process. Ferrock offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cement, with higher compressive strength and the ability to sequester carbon dioxide as it hardens.

Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

Concrete that includes fibrous materials to increase its structural integrity, reduce cracking, and improve durability. These fibers can be made from steel, glass, synthetic or natural materials, enhancing the concrete's tensile strength and impact resistance.

Source: American Concrete Institute

Geopolymer Concrete

A type of concrete made from industrial by-products such as fly ash or slag, offering reduced carbon emissions compared to traditional Portland cement. Geopolymer concrete provides comparable or superior performance to conventional concrete while significantly reducing the environmental impact of construction.

Source: Geopolymer Institute

Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC)

A type of concrete that incorporates glass fibers to enhance its tensile strength, flexibility, and durability. GFRC allows for thinner, lighter-weight architectural elements and offers improved resistance to cracking and weathering compared to traditional concrete.

Source: Rieder

Green Concrete

Concrete made with recycled materials, reduced cement content, or alternative binders to lower its environmental impact. Green concrete aims to reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects while maintaining or improving performance characteristics.

Source: Green Building Council

Hempcrete

A bio-composite material made from the inner woody core of the hemp plant mixed with a lime-based binder, used for its insulation properties and sustainability. Hempcrete offers excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, moisture regulation, and carbon sequestration capabilities.

Source: UK Hempcrete

High-Performance Glass

Glass that has been treated or coated to improve its thermal insulation, solar control, and acoustic properties, enhancing building energy efficiency. High-performance glass can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs while improving occupant comfort and reducing glare.

Source: Guardian Glass

Hybrid Timber Systems

Construction systems that combine timber with other materials, such as steel or concrete, to optimize structural performance and sustainability. These systems leverage the strengths of different materials to create more efficient, durable, and environmentally friendly buildings.

Source: WoodWorks

Hydrogel-based Materials

Materials that can absorb and retain large amounts of water, used in construction for applications such as self-healing concrete and soil stabilization. Hydrogels can improve the durability and performance of construction materials while offering innovative solutions for water management and environmental remediation.

Hyperloop Construction

The development of infrastructure for high-speed transportation systems using low-pressure tubes and magnetic levitation. This innovative technology aims to provide fast, efficient, and sustainable transportation by propelling pods through vacuum tubes at very high speeds, potentially revolutionizing long-distance travel and freight transport.

Source: The Boring Company

Inflatable Concrete Canvas

A construction material that can be inflated and then hydrated to form a hard, durable concrete structure, used for rapid deployment in emergency situations. This versatile material allows for quick construction of shelters, barriers, and other structures in challenging environments or disaster relief scenarios.

Source: Concrete Canvas

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)

Forms made of insulating materials that are used to shape and support poured concrete walls, providing both structural strength and thermal insulation. ICFs offer improved energy efficiency, durability, and faster construction times compared to traditional building methods.

Source: ICF Builder Magazine

Kinetic Architecture

Buildings and structures designed to move or change shape in response to environmental conditions, enhancing energy efficiency and adaptability. This approach allows buildings to optimize their performance by adjusting to factors like sunlight, temperature, and wind, potentially reducing energy consumption and improving occupant comfort.

Source: Alubuild

Light-transmitting Concrete

Concrete embedded with optical fibers or translucent materials, allowing light to pass through while maintaining structural integrity. This innovative material combines the strength of concrete with the ability to transmit light, creating unique architectural possibilities and potentially reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Source: Litracon

Living Building Materials

Materials that incorporate living organisms, such as bacteria or algae, to provide self-healing, air-purifying, or energy-generating properties. These bio-based materials represent a frontier in sustainable construction, offering potential benefits like reduced maintenance needs and improved indoor air quality.

Source: PennState University

Mass Timber Construction

The use of large, solid wood panels for structural components in buildings, offering sustainability and reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional materials. Mass timber construction can sequester carbon, reduce construction time, and provide aesthetic and wellness benefits associated with exposed wood.

Source: WoodWorks

Material Passport

A digital set of data describing the characteristics of materials in a product, facilitating recycling, reuse, and resource management. Material passports enhance the circularity of buildings by providing detailed information on the composition, quality, and potential for reuse or recycling of building components.

Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Metamaterials

Materials engineered to have properties not found in naturally occurring materials, used in construction for applications such as soundproofing and electromagnetic shielding. These advanced materials can offer unique solutions to construction challenges, potentially improving building performance in areas like acoustics and energy efficiency.

Source: UK Meta Materials Network

Microbially-Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP)

A process that uses bacteria to precipitate calcium carbonate, strengthening soil or concrete and providing self-healing properties. MICP has potential applications in soil stabilization, concrete repair, and creating more durable and sustainable construction materials.

Source: Geosyntec Consultants

Modular Construction

A construction method where buildings are manufactured in sections (modules) off-site and then assembled on-site, reducing construction time and waste. This approach allows for greater quality control, faster project completion, and reduced disruption at the construction site. Modular construction can be used for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, offering flexibility and efficiency.

Source: Modular Building Institute

Mycelium Materials

Materials made from the root structure of fungi, known as mycelium, used for their biodegradability, insulation properties, and potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. Mycelium materials can be grown into various shapes and forms, offering a renewable and compostable option for construction and packaging.

Source: Ecovative Design

Nanomaterials in Construction

The use of materials with nanoscale dimensions to enhance the properties of construction materials, such as strength, durability, and thermal performance. Nanomaterials can improve concrete strength, provide self-cleaning surfaces, and enhance insulation, contributing to more efficient and sustainable building practices.

Source: Nanowerk

Natural Fiber Composites

Composites made from natural fibers (e.g., flax, hemp, jute) and a matrix (e.g., resin), offering sustainability and improved mechanical properties for construction applications. These materials provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic composites, with applications in non-structural and some structural elements.

Source: Tricel Composites

Net-Zero Energy Building Materials

Materials used in the construction of buildings designed to produce as much energy as they consume, minimizing their environmental impact. These materials support the creation of highly energy-efficient buildings that integrate renewable energy systems to achieve net-zero energy consumption.

Source: Net Zero Energy Coalition

Off-site Manufacturing

The production of building components in a factory setting, which are then transported to the construction site for assembly, improving efficiency and quality control. Off-site manufacturing reduces construction time, minimises waste, and enhances precision and consistency in building components.

Source: Offsite Construction Expo

Papercrete

A composite material made from paper pulp and cement, used for its lightweight, insulating, and sustainable properties. Papercrete offers a low-cost, environmentally friendly building material with good thermal and acoustic insulation properties.

Source: Papercrete

Passive House Construction

A rigorous standard for energy efficiency in buildings, reducing their ecological footprint by minimizing energy use for heating and cooling. Passive House construction focuses on high-performance insulation, airtightness, and ventilation systems to achieve significant energy savings and enhanced indoor comfort.

Source: Passive House Institute

Permeable Pavements

Paving materials that allow water to pass through, reducing runoff and promoting groundwater recharge. Permeable pavements help manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and improve water quality by allowing rainwater to infiltrate the ground.

Phase Change Materials (PCMs)

Materials that absorb and release thermal energy during phase transitions, used in construction for thermal management and energy efficiency. PCMs help regulate indoor temperatures by storing and releasing heat, reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling systems.

Source: Phase Change Materials

Photocatalytic Concrete

Concrete that contains photocatalysts, which help break down pollutants in the air, improving air quality and reducing maintenance needs. This innovative material uses light-activated catalysts to decompose organic pollutants, providing a passive way to clean urban air and maintain building facades.

Source: Global Cement and Concrete Association

Photovoltaic Glazing

Glass integrated with photovoltaic cells, allowing windows to generate electricity from sunlight while maintaining transparency. This technology enables buildings to harness solar energy without compromising natural light or aesthetics, contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability in architecture.

Source: Onyx Solar

Prefabricated Building Systems

Building components manufactured off-site and assembled on-site, reducing construction time, waste, and environmental impact. This approach improves quality control, increases efficiency, and allows for more precise resource management in construction projects.

Source: PrefabNZ

Rammed Earth Construction

A building technique that uses natural raw materials, such as earth, chalk, lime, and gravel, compacted to form solid walls with excellent thermal mass. This ancient method is experiencing a revival due to its sustainability, durability, and energy efficiency properties.

Source: Rammed Earth Works

Recycled Plastic Building Materials

Building materials made from recycled plastics, offering sustainability and reducing waste in construction. These materials provide a second life for plastic waste, reducing landfill burden and offering durable, low-maintenance alternatives to traditional building materials.

Regenerative Design

A design philosophy that seeks to create systems that are restorative and regenerative, enhancing the health and vitality of ecosystems and communities. This approach goes beyond sustainability to actively improve the environment through design and construction practices.

Source: Regenerative Design Institute

Responsive Facades

Building facades that can change their properties, such as transparency or insulation, in response to environmental conditions, improving energy efficiency. These dynamic systems adapt to sunlight, temperature, and other factors to optimize building performance and occupant comfort.

Reversible Building Design

Designing buildings so that they can be easily disassembled and their components reused or recycled, promoting circularity in construction. This approach facilitates future adaptations, reduces waste, and supports the circular economy in the built environment.

Self-healing Concrete

Concrete that can automatically repair cracks and damage through the use of embedded capsules or bacteria that produce healing agents. This innovative material extends the lifespan of concrete structures, reducing maintenance needs and improving durability.

Self-repairing Materials

Materials that can repair themselves after damage, extending their lifespan and reducing maintenance needs. These advanced materials incorporate mechanisms to heal cracks or restore properties, improving durability and reducing the need for replacements or repairs.

Smart Bricks

Bricks embedded with sensors and technology to monitor structural health, energy use, and environmental conditions, enhancing building performance. These smart bricks can provide real-time data on a building's condition, helping to optimize maintenance, improve energy efficiency, and ensure the safety and longevity of the structure.

Smart Windows

Windows that can change their properties, such as tint or insulation, in response to environmental conditions, improving energy efficiency and comfort. Smart windows use technologies like electrochromic or thermochromic materials to automatically adjust their transparency, reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating or cooling.

Solar Tiles

Roofing tiles integrated with photovoltaic cells, allowing buildings to generate electricity from sunlight while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Solar tiles blend seamlessly with traditional roofing materials, providing a visually appealing way to harness solar energy and reduce reliance on grid electricity.

Source: Tesla Solar Roof

Straw Bale Construction

A building method using bales of straw as structural elements and insulation, known for its sustainability and thermal performance. Straw bale construction offers excellent insulation properties, is cost-effective, and uses a renewable resource that is often a by-product of agriculture.

Source: Straw Bale Innovations

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Panels made of an insulating foam core sandwiched between two structural facings, used for their strength, energy efficiency, and ease of construction. SIPs provide high thermal performance, reduce construction time, and improve building envelope integrity.

Source: Structural Insulated Panel Association

Superhydrophobic Coatings

Coatings that repel water, used to protect building materials from moisture damage and reduce maintenance needs. These coatings create a surface that resists water and dirt, helping to keep buildings clean and dry, and extending the lifespan of construction materials.

Sustainable Concrete Admixtures

Additives used in concrete to enhance its performance and sustainability, such as reducing water content or increasing strength. Sustainable admixtures can improve the durability and workability of concrete while reducing its environmental impact by lowering the need for cement and other resources.

Source: Green Building Council

Textile Reinforced Concrete

Concrete reinforced with textile fibers, offering improved strength, flexibility, and durability compared to traditional reinforcement methods. Textile reinforced concrete is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and can be used in thin, complex shapes, making it suitable for a variety of architectural and structural applications.

Thermally Modified Wood

Wood that has been heat-treated to improve its durability, stability, and resistance to decay, used as a sustainable alternative to chemically treated wood. Thermally modified wood offers enhanced performance without the use of toxic chemicals, making it an environmentally friendly choice for construction.

Source: Thermally Modified Wood

Transparent Aluminum

A ceramic alloy that is transparent and has high strength and durability, used for applications requiring both transparency and protection. Transparent aluminum is used in advanced construction applications, such as security glazing and protective barriers, where both visibility and strength are essential.

Transparent Wood

Wood that has been processed to remove its lignin and replace it with a transparent polymer, used for its unique optical and mechanical properties. This innovative material combines the strength and sustainability of wood with light-transmitting capabilities, offering potential applications in construction and design.

Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)

A type of concrete with exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors, used for demanding structural applications. UHPC offers superior performance compared to conventional concrete, allowing for thinner, lighter structures and longer-lasting infrastructure.

Urban Mining

The process of reclaiming compounds and elements from products, buildings, and waste, including the recovery of metals and other valuable materials from electronic waste and construction debris. Urban mining supports circular economy principles by reducing the need for virgin resource extraction.

Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIPs)

Highly efficient insulation panels that use a vacuum between layers to minimize heat transfer, providing excellent thermal performance in a thin profile. VIPs offer superior insulation properties compared to traditional materials, allowing for better energy efficiency in buildings with minimal space requirements.

Source: International Energy Agency

Vertical Forest Architecture

Buildings designed with integrated vegetation, such as trees and shrubs, to improve air quality, reduce urban heat island effects, and enhance biodiversity. Vertical forests combine architecture with nature, creating living buildings that contribute to urban greening and ecosystem services.

Source: Stefano Boeri Architetti

Waste-based Building Materials

Building materials made from waste products, such as recycled glass, plastics, and industrial by-products, promoting sustainability and reducing landfill waste. These materials support circular economy principles by giving new life to waste streams and reducing the demand for virgin resources.

Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Water-absorbing Concrete

Concrete that can absorb and retain water, used for applications such as reducing runoff and promoting groundwater recharge. This innovative material helps manage stormwater in urban environments, reducing flood risks and supporting sustainable water management.

Source: American Concrete Institute

Weathering Steel

A type of steel that forms a stable rust-like appearance after exposure to weather, providing corrosion resistance and eliminating the need for painting. Weathering steel is used in architectural and structural applications, offering durability and low maintenance requirements.

Source: American Institute of Steel Construction

Wood-Plastic Composites

Materials made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic, offering durability, low maintenance, and sustainability for construction applications. These composites provide an alternative to traditional wood products, often using recycled materials and offering improved resistance to decay and weathering.

Zero-carbon Buildings

Buildings designed to produce zero net carbon emissions, achieved through energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, and carbon offsetting. Zero-carbon buildings represent the highest standard of sustainable construction, minimizing their environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.

Source: World Green Building Council