This section tracks the evolution of building materials and their impact on contemporary architecture, design, and construction. From engineered wood and carbon-reinforced concrete to thermal insulation and low-impact coatings, ArchUp documents material shifts that shape how projects are built and perceived.
Our editorial team curates insights for architects, contractors, and interior designers, presenting case studies, expert interviews, and trend analyses across global practices. Explore our growing database of material datasheets, dive into sustainable alternatives, or view award-winning material usage in competition-winning buildings.
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Introduction: The Timeless Material of ConcreteConcrete, a composite material of remarkable durability, has served as a cornerstone of human innovation for millennia. First developed in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, its foundational composition—comprising water, cement, aggregate, and sand—has remained largely unchanged…
Introduction: Bridging Aesthetics and Functionality in Modern ArchitectureModern architecture demands a delicate balance between visual appeal and practical utility. While aesthetics shape the emotional response, functionality ensures a structure serves its intended purpose efficiently. Architects must navigate the interplay of…
Introduction to Fire-Resistant and Durable MaterialsFire-resistant and durable materials play a critical role in ensuring safety and longevity in modern construction, manufacturing, and design. These materials are engineered to withstand extreme conditions, including high temperatures, mechanical stress, and environmental exposure….
Introduction to Sustainable Building Materials in 2024The construction industry in 2024 continues to embrace sustainable building materials as a core strategy for reducing environmental impact. Innovations focus on materials that are renewable, durable, and energy-efficient while minimizing carbon footprints. Key…
A Sustainable Revolution in GoaArchitecture Discipline, a studio based in New Delhi, has unveiled India’s first mass-timber home in Vagator, Goa. This sea-facing residence is constructed using 11 prefabricated glued laminated timber (glulam) portal frames, making it a pioneering project…
Studio Ellsinger has designed Hee House, a small holiday cabin situated near the beach at Heestrand on Sweden’s west coast. Characterized by a distinctive hat-shaped aluminium roof, the cabin reflects an innovative approach that maximizes its small footprint while harmonizing…
Designer Rob Diaz has crafted a custom-built residence in Studio City, Los Angeles, that draws heavy inspiration from Mallorcan villas. This four-bedroom, five-bathroom home reflects a commitment to natural materials and earthy interiors, blending the outdoors seamlessly with the indoors.Natural…
Spanish architecture studio Takk has reimagined residential living with a mobile child’s bedroom made from recycled materials within their industrial loft in Barcelona. Designed by studio founders Mireia Luzárraga and Alejandro Muiño for their six-year-old daughter Roma, the space merges…
CAN, an architectural studio, has extended and redesigned a Stoke Newington home in London, incorporating wood and hemp with a distinctive curved window that reconnects the house to its lush garden. Named Verdant House, the project expands the terraced home…
Dutch designers Suzanne Oude Hengel and Joris de Groot have introduced an innovative shoe concept called Welded Loop, created entirely from a single material: thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). This recyclable material enables the production of every shoe component, including knitted uppers,…
In recent years, the relationship between architecture and cryptocurrency has grown increasingly intertwined, particularly within the luxury sector. The volatile nature of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has created ripple effects across multiple industries, including real estate and high-end construction projects….
Porcelain tiles are a popular choice for finishing projects due to their durability and versatile designs. However, selecting the appropriate tile size and accurately calculating waste are critical steps to achieving a professional finish while minimizing costs. This article explores…
In Wimbledon Village, London, Jason Good Architecture has created a two-bedroom home that balances respect for the area’s architectural heritage with a bold, modern approach. With its dark patinated copper roof and unique “top hat” form, the house captures the…
In 2023, Mexican design studio Centro de Colaboración Arquitectónica (CCA) completed an ambitious project aimed at revitalizing public life in Jálpa de Mendez, Mexico. The project, led by Bernardo Quinzaños, revolves around a sports complex and a baseball stadium, designed…
Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza has completed the Colien House, a striking three-storey concrete home embedded in a hillside overlooking a beach in Barcelona. Designed with a thoughtful connection to the natural landscape, this residence reflects Siza’s mastery in balancing architectural…
Architecture studio Bureau des Mésarchitecture has unveiled its latest project in Leiria, Portugal: a striking apartment block wrapped in concrete and gold aluminium shutters. Situated at the meeting point of Leiria’s old and new neighbourhoods, the building is a modern…
Canadian architecture studio Lemay has completed a sustainable chalet prototype in Potton, Quebec. Designed with a sloped green roof and large expanses of glazing, the chalet reflects Lemay’s commitment to eco-friendly architecture. This 2,500-square-foot structure is an extension of the…
Local studio Max Núñez Arquitectos has designed a concrete care home in Chile, featuring open interiors that promote reduced maintenance, a connection with a nearby park, and a strong sense of community for its elderly residents.Project OverviewSet in a suburb…
A stunning greenhouse, framed by a wooden pergola, crowns the top of this home in Muiden, Netherlands, designed by local studio Moke Architecten in collaboration with landscape practice LA4Sale.A Blend of Nature and DesignKnown as Wooden House, this home is…
Studio Gang, a Chicago-based architecture firm, has completed the Verde tower, a striking 23-storey skyscraper wrapped in green-glazed ceramic tiles for San Francisco’s Mission Rock development. As the final tower completed in the first phase of the 28-acre Mission Rock…
Japanese architect Keiji Ashizawa drew inspiration from traditional Kyoto townhouses when designing the House in Aoyama, a concrete residence in Tokyo intended to offer privacy and a sense of seclusion.Location and MaterialsLocated in the bustling Aoyama area, the home caters…
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