The usage of materials in their natural forms in the material architecture reveals the desire for the material to interact with the user and the context. Using materials in their natural or original state fosters a connection with the environment and accentuates the material’s rooted character. The authentic character of the utilised is most visible in situations where only locally accessible materials are used. For example, by looking at mud huts, tree houses, and other structures, we can see how the constructed environment blends with nature. It is not always intentional that a wonderful work is left unfinished, as in Schubert’s 8th Symphony or Mozart‘s Requiem. However, there are situations when the beauty of raw or unfinished materials becomes apparent throughout the creative process. The question in the case of houses and other structures is whether or not to show components that are normally hidden, such as structural steel, bare concrete, and shadeless light bulbs.
Concrete | Material Architecture
To build an environment that talks to the user in the way that the architect desires, multiple hierarchical places for materials are presented based on how they express themselves. Among these places is concrete, which is extensively utilized in buildings as a façade material. Even though it is man-made, leaving the natural grain speaks more to the surroundings and context than covering it with a second coat. Raw concrete is such a versatile material that it may be used for everything from prefabricated panels to polished concrete kitchen worktops.
Concrete has advanced several finishes in its exposed form, the main among them the raw exposed ones that provide building occupants with a distinctive experience. Concrete is exposed to show off its uniform internal texture and create a distinctive visual effect for the building. It performs as a crucial component of the building while also serving as an aesthetic improvement to construction.
For the material to express itself more fully over history, it has undergone a great deal of change. It was exhibited in many ways and through various architectural movements and geographical areas throughout the world. Several architects used various visualisation techniques to bring their imaginations to life while closely observing the surrounding environment’s visual flow.
A simple decor also works nicely with concrete. It has a bareness about it that begs for isolated pieces of art or furniture. The variations in surface colouring complement other materials that are organic or flawed in some way, such as antiqued materials. The distinctive way it tries to connect with space and the users is through its physical qualities, which in their unique ways produce an aesthetically pleasing, comfortable space and living condition, or through the strong impact that is perceived mentally and emotionally in the users through the material
In the works of Sri Lankan architect Palinda Kannangara, exposed concrete is frequently blended with other materials, such as wood, to give the environment a more natural feel. Exposed concrete has been used in various ways by other architects, including Le Corbusier, Carlo Scarpa, and several other Indian architects, to create beautiful environments.
“One of the first principles of art so clearly seen in primitive work is true to the material; the artist shows an instinctive understanding of his material, its right use and possibilities.” – Henry Moore
Timber
https://www.pricemyers.com/projects/eleanor-palmer-science-lab-30
Exposed oak beams in Harmondsworth Barn. Completed in 1427, it predates Gutenberg’s printing press by 12 years and remains the largest intact medieval timber-framed barn in England. [building] from architecture
The appearance of exposed raw wood in a home conveys truly live energy because it creates the sense that natural elements are being brought inside.
Oak beams, particularly structural oak beams, add a lot of character to a room. Dark woods are excellent for producing a framing effect against clean, white walls and ceilings, which is ideal for distinguishing areas of an open-plan space. For a unified aesthetic, include cherry and lighter woods with wooden furniture, floors, and stairwells.
Brick
Why abandon your structures when the “No-makeup-look” is in? The “RAW and NATURAL,” which is unfiltered, unconcealed, and unplastered is a top choice. Today, the exposed-brick building is valued for more than just its aesthetic appeal. The rusty red and orange colours look great as a feature wall or as an envelope. There is no clear definition for the hypnotic allure that this style of architecture has over you.
Bricks and mortar have a hard, chilly appearance that is not what comes to mind when building a cosy living room. However, exposing brickwork, particularly on a focal wall, has considerable design merit. With some skillfully positioned lighting, like the low table lamp that produces a warm glow in this warehouse-style apartment, minor imperfections in texture and colour may truly come to life.
If your dwelling is fortunate enough to have an attractive internal brick wall, you can treat and seal it using clear or coloured products that can be purchased at any builders’ supply store.
Exposed brickwork in structures throughout the world has a rustic appeal that has long fascinated people. Any construction gains a distinctive personality from the hues and textures of exposed stone.
Exposed brickwork was strongly advocated by architect Laurie Baker, who sought to spare his clients the extra costs associated with painting and plastering a building’s outside. Such distinctive and characterful constructions shouldn’t be plastered over, according to his comment on bricks.
Exposed masonry is a testament to the skill required in masonry coursework as well as to the history of a building. To let in light and ventilation, brickwork can also be artistically placed to form patterns of solid and empty latticework.
Exposed façades have various advantages, including reducing costs because less material is needed, preventing pollution from the production of extra material, and increasing exposure for art. Similarly, if the raw ceiling finish is done effectively utilizing high-quality formwork, a plaster cover on the ceiling can also be avoided. Without the additional plaster coating, the paint may always be added to provide level coverage.
Steel | Material Architecture
With floating staircases, split-level mezzanines, and other architectural feats, steel is a wonderful material for what it enables us to accomplish in architectural design.
To give an interior a wonderful industrial twist, structural steel might be left exposed. Similar to exposed ducting, this is a bold appearance that will work best if you make a point of emphasizing it.
Similar to the ones mentioned above, there are several other materials that when used in their raw nature enhance the beauty of a well-designed space.
Focus can be increased during the design process by taking the principal structure’s material composition into account at the conceptual stage. When working with exposed structural systems, this is especially important because the materiality has a direct impact on the aesthetics. To maintain control over the design consequences when exposing a structure, the architect must possess much more technical knowledge. To maintain control over the design consequences when exposing a structure, the architect must possess much more technical knowledge. This involves having a thorough understanding of span restrictions, fire safety regulations, fabrication techniques, connection detailing, and building procedures.
EXAMPLE
Alembic city Vadodra | Material Architecture
The Alembic city of Vadodara is an appealing architectural example with a magnificent blend of numerous materials in their natural form, increasing the design’s beauty.
Materials and Main Features:
The choice of materials in material architecture is quite delicate, with exposed materials enhancing the character of the room.
The first-ever Alembic industrial building in Vadodara has undergone numerous surgical procedures throughout its 112 years of existence. Like many historic factory structures, the structure changed as the facility’s initial use evolved. With auxiliary areas for a library, an AV room, and a café, the area is intended to serve the Alembic Museum, art studios, display and exhibition space, and other uses.
The goal of the architecture was to preserve the original materials and physical qualities of the space while treating it as a sculpture with defects, such as partially collapsed walls and rusted steel embedded in the floors.
Lintel-height partition walls were used to divide spaces, and they were painted white without any plaster, giving the space an unfinished appearance. The multipurpose room, which is the primary area, contains exposed brick and peeling plaster. The industrial building’s contemporary yet traditional design is highlighted by the peel-off plaster.
Roof as the primary component:
One of a kind in this industrial building is the roof’s design.
It’s one of the qualities that everyone notices.
Roof trusses are riveted rather than welded. Additionally, they are still in excellent shape.
However, some Mangalore tiles, the current roof covering, need to be modified.
The existing trusses’ purlins and rafters are still visible, giving them a rough, industrial appearance.
References
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349569494_Assessing_the_link_between_Architecture_and_Nature_through_Exposed_Concrete_-_Elvin_Abyhttps://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/homes-and-gardens/how-to-use-exposed-brick/article23455154.ece
- https://www.houzz.in/magazine/dare-to-bare-your-exposed-finishes-stsetivw-vs~78006094
- https://scholarworks.umass.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1006&context=btes
- https://thearchinsider.com/adaptive-reuse-the-alembic-factory-vadodra/
