Building Materials

Building Materials in Architecture: Innovations, Performance, and Applications

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.

We see materials as both tools and narratives. For inquiries or to submit product insights, contact our editorial team and be part of documenting the material intelligence that drives global architecture.

  • Blue Insulation Foam Board

    Overview Blue insulation foam board is a rigid, closed-cell extruded polystyrene (XPS) sheet used for thermal insulation in building and…

  • Shigeru Ban Uses Cardboard Tubes and Innovative Materials

    Japanese architect Shigeru Ban has employed a mix of unconventional materials, including cardboard tubes, laminated bamboo, and carbon-fibre reinforced plastic…

  • MC1 Asphalt Primer

    Overview MC1 asphalt primer is a medium-curing liquid asphalt-based material used as a primer or bonding agent before applying asphalt…

  • Hollow Core Polystyrene (Hordi Foam Board)

    Overview Hordi foam board is a lightweight expanded polystyrene (EPS) block used in slab construction systems, especially for creating voids…

  • Expansion Joint Foam Board

    Overview Expansion joint foam board is a lightweight, compressible material used in construction to absorb thermal expansion and contraction in…

  • Nails

    Overview Nails are simple fasteners used to join pieces of wood, metal, or other construction materials together. They are essential…

  • Steel Concrete Block Staircase (Reinforced Masonry Staircase)

    Overview A steel-reinforced concrete block staircase, often referred to as “Steel Block Stairs,” combines concrete hollow blocks with embedded steel…

  • AllSpace: Modular Shelters Offering Dignified, Sustainable Refuge

    Nigerian startup AllSpace is gaining international recognition for its innovative modular shelters made from recycled materials, winning accolades from both…

  • Binding Wire

    Overview Binding wire is a versatile construction material used primarily for tying rebars (reinforcing steel bars) in reinforced concrete structures….

  • Steel Flooring Mesh

    Overview Steel flooring mesh is a reinforcing material used in construction to enhance the strength and durability of concrete floors….

  • Steel Masonry Angle

    Overview A steel masonry angle is a structural component used to reinforce corners, edges, and connections in masonry construction. It…

  • Cartridge Gun (Caulking Gun)

    Overview A cartridge gun, also known as a caulking gun, is a tool used to apply sealants, adhesives, and other…

  • Technological Advancements in the Construction Sector: Latest Innovations in Formwork and Scaffolding

    The construction sector is witnessing significant technological shifts aimed at enhancing productivity and efficiency on job sites. At bauma 2025,…

  • Jinji Lake Pavilion by BIG in Suzhou, China

    A “single unifying canopy” connects the four volumes of the Jinji Lake Pavilion, designed by Danish studio BIG as a…

  • Casa Quinto Sol: A Coastal Haven Embracing Nature in Mexico

    Design Inspired by the Surrounding Landscape Mexican architecture firm Estudio Cristina Grappin has completed Casa Quinto Sol, a large stone…

  • Plaster Mesh (Steel)

    Overview Plaster mesh (steel) is an essential component used in construction for reinforcement in plastering applications. This material is designed…

  • Plaster Corner Bead (Steel)

    Overview A plaster corner bead (steel) is a construction accessory used to reinforce and protect plastered corners in buildings. It…