Strange structures and smarter designs

Modern architecture is known for challenging building norms. While traditional construction has its place, new-age architects are experimenting with unusual materials. This embrace of the unconventional has revolutionised contemporary designs, blending it with sustainability.

Unusual materials in modern architecture

The built world has undergone significant changes over the last few years, especially as people grow more aware of construction's impact on the environment and climate change. As such, architects are using these six unusual materials in modern designs.

Bamboo

Bamboo is becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable construction material. Plantations only take seven to ten years¹ to start and are ready for harvesting every three to five years. Conversely, traditional timber requires 40 years of growth before it's usable.

In addition to its durability and versatility, bamboo is aesthetically pleasing. Architects like using it to enhance natural designs, even if it's still less common. It delivers warmth and blends well with various styles. Additionally, bamboo is lightweight, allowing for innovative construction and function.

Recycled plastics

Recycled plastic is another sustainable and versatile material choice. Repurposing waste in construction boosts conservation and lowers the building industry's carbon footprint.

When using recycled plastic, architects have a wide range of colours, formations and textures to choose from. The material is also very lightweight and durable. This enables designers to adapt it to different architectural needs.

Taos-based architect Mike Reynolds uses recycled plastic in his New Mexico Earthships. These off-grid structures are highly sustainable, with unconventional designs—fitting of their unlikely materials.

Ferrofluids

Ferrofluids are making their mark in modern construction. Architects mainly use them in designing unique structural facades.

Thanks to technological advancements, this unusual material is responsive and interactive, changing colour, shape, and transparency depending on the magnetic field. The result of these evolving properties is a captivating and futuristic appearance. It is most ideal for forward-thinking designers.

Ferrofluid walls are also energy-efficient, improving indoor comfort. They don't require heating or cooling approaches and adapt to temperature fluctuations.

Mycelium

Mycelium—derived from mushrooms—is lightweight, insulating, and eco-friendly. This is due to its biodegradability and assorted growth shapes. Many architects use it to create organic-looking structures.

Several prominent architects have used mycelium in their designs. The Hy-Fi Pavilion is one example—a temporary structure for New York's Museum of Modern Art. Architectural firm The Living used mycelium bricks to create the tower.

The Netherlands' Growing Pavilion also used mycelium panels in its roof and walls. Because of this, the structure had excellent thermal insulation and noise reduction capabilities. The Growing Pavilion was recognised as a working laboratory for using bio-based materials in buildings.

A few challenges arise when working with this unusual material. For one thing, varying environmental conditions—such as moisture—may compromise mycelium's structural integrity. Likewise, it may not meet specific construction codes and regulations as a new building material might.

Transparent wood

Transparent wood is what's left after removing light-absorbing lignin. The remaining cell structure then allows light to pass through. Fortunately, the process doesn't reduce the wood's durability and grain patterns.

Architects might use this novel product in facades and windows, delivering a blend of natural light and privacy. It's a different aesthetic for more organic structural designs—a cross between innovative construction and traditional comfort.

Terrazzo

Terrazzo isn't necessarily unusual, but it isn't often a first-choice material. As a composite tile, it combines marble, granite, and stone, held together by epoxy resin. Unlike conventional flooring materials, terrazzo doesn't contain volatile organic compounds. It also has a 40-year life span² for long-lasting durability.

Architects must consider colour and aggregate size when selecting terrazzo. Different finishes—such as polished or brushed—are also available. Terrazzo also requires some upkeep. In addition to regular cleaning, it should be repolished and resealed occasionally. This helps protect it from stains, moisture, and wear.

Architectural designs using unconventional materials

Architects' embracing of unexpected elements has resulted in striking structures. Worldwide, residential and commercial spaces are leaning into unique materials to enhance construction's aesthetic appeal.

Bottle Sail, Vietnam

The Bottle Sail project in Haiphong, Vietnam, was built in 2014. Its primary purpose is to help community members with HIV/AIDS become more social while boosting agriculture. Although it only measures 172 square feet, it uses 3,000 recycled plastic bottles, covers 10,000 tomato seedlings yearly, and is a space for farmers and students to relax.³

The structure is located in a place that experiences an average of 12 typhoons annually. As such, it required a durable design capable of withstanding heavy wind and rain. Even winds between 40 and 57 miles per hour⁴ can cause moderate damage. The recycled bottle design is constructed to ensure maximum durability throughout the inclement weather experienced during the year.

The Arc at Green School, Bali

The Arc at Green School in Bali is a spectacular bamboo structure—the first of its kind. It also serves as an example of lightweight, sustainable construction.

According to ArchDaily, The Arc has 14-metre high bamboo arches 19 metres apart—nearly 46 feet tall, spanning 62 feet. This engineering achievement in organic architecture is as refined as it is stunning, taking months of research and planning to get it right.

Crema Lab, Brazil

Architects created the world's first mycelium facade for the Crema Lab in Curitiba, Brazil. This unusual material bridges aesthetics with environmental friendliness. For instance, the texture resembles an ice cream cone, while the panels are made from sustainable agricultural waste.

Engineers had to ensure resistance to weather-related wear. Architectural experts even tapped into biotechnological materials to achieve the structure.

Unusual materials for contemporary flair

The more unlikely the building material, the more modern and intriguing the design. Unconventional components are often a greener alternative to traditional construction, encouraging architects to think outside the box.