Natural materials

An overview of projects, products and exclusive articles about natural materials

NewsNews • 19 Jan 2024

Taller Héctor Barroso designs orthogonal collection of homes on forested site in Mexico

Mexico City-based Taller Héctor Barroso has completed a collection of four houses in the lush lakeside mountain town of Valle de Bravo, central Mexico. Referred to as Los Helechos (or, 'the ferns') the 1,150 square meter project is located on a steep, forested site dense in greenery. The adjoining residences are staggered in plan and section in correspondence with the shape of the triangular plot and its varied topography. The architects organized the linear building to minimally impact its site by adapting to the terrain and reducing the displacement of earth. The homes are built of wood, concrete and stucco in homogeneous beiges and grays that are earthy and in keeping with the natural context. Taller Héctor Barroso... More

Project • By OZA DesignHousing

Cranleigh Lodge

“A new definition of luxury and calm in the centre of the city.’’ Project Brief and LocationIn Cranleigh Lodge every detail is designed to distil the project to its essence, to emphasize balance and harmony rather than a superficial shine. The feeling of a peaceful sanctuary is provided by emotional design and its application with ultimately sophisticated detailing. The house stands behind a door framed by a distinctive classical stone portal. Although it is invisible from the bustling street, it lies as a hidden gem at the heart of Chelsea. Edvinas Bruzas As soon as you enter the garden, you are taken to a tranquil oasis, far from the commotion and chaos of the surrounding metropolis.Originally built as a smal... More

NewsNews • 31 Oct 2023

Middle Avenue House by Rural Office amongst RIBA House of the year 2023 shortlisted entries

Welsh architecture and design practice Rural Office reveals that its newly completed residential project in Farnham, Surrey, has made it to the RIBA House of the Year 2023 shortlist, a prestigious award given to the best house designed by an architect in the United Kingdom. RoryGaylor   About the project: Nestled in a conservation area of the Surrey Garden suburbs, in the market town of Farnham, the Middle Avenue House is a 285 sqm family home that replaces an interwar bungalow.  The design stands out for its contemporary interpretation of the Surrey vernacular, coupled with the use of traditional materials inspired by the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement. RoryGaylor RoryGaylor   The dwe... More

Project • By Matthew Giles ArchitectsPrivate Houses

Oakwood Road

Matthew Giles Architects have created a striking 4-bedroom home that reflects the homeowners' appreciation for the textures of natural materials, and simple spaces, which act as a canvas for a rich and varied family life.   The home was built in the 1960s and its layout bears the hallmarks of that period – with a garage and guest room occupying the existing ground floor. The kitchen, dining and living room were located on the first floor with bedrooms on the second floor. By moving the main living spaces to the ground floor, there is a more welcoming transition from the public space to the home. © Lorenzo Zandri Beyond the lobby, the kitchen and music room have a connection and view through to the garden - a design m... More

Project • By LMNL officePrivate Houses

Veldhuis

Located on a historic road lined by old farms the Veldhuis seeks to be a contextually relevant modern home with traditional references. The typical Dutch barn typology, brick walls with a thatch roof, is modified to fit the needs of the family.  LMNL office The shape of the Veldhuis is an archetypal Dutch farmhouse, of which the height and width is lessened at the rear, allowing three stories in the front part of the house (bedrooms, study and attic) and one in the rear (living and dining).  The center of the house is made up of the kitchen, wet room, and garage. In order to bring more light into the middle of the living spaces the roof is cut and shifted outwards. The kitchen is pulled out into the garden, splitting the wra... More

NewsNews • 5 Jul 2023

Vincentre by Diederendirrix pays a spatial tribute to Van Gogh

In the historic village of Nuenen, Diederendirrix designed an extension to the Van Gogh Village Museum called the Vincentre. The design layers architectural allusions to the works of the peasant painter Vincent Van Gogh from his time in the village. Ossip van Duivenbode Context: Van Gogh returned to his hometown in 1883 to live with his parents at the vicarage on de Berg. The then 31-year-old, honed his skills as an artist by drawing inspiration from the rural life of farmers, workers and weavers. The place stands as a testimony to a quarter of his life’s work, including the notable Potato Eaters. The museum offers a captivating journey into the later years of Vincent Van Gogh's life. Previously housed in the town hall, th... More

Project • By LoCa StudioApartments

1859_Lopez Socas

After many years as a rental property, this apartment has been tailored to the requirements of the new owner, an independent woman who wants the space ready for her retirement near the beach. LoCa Studio LoCa Studio Pleasant natural materials help facilitate the entry of natural light through the patios, while the south façade is protected from the sun and covered in plants that can be viewed and enjoyed from the main bedroom. LoCa Studio LoCa Studio Team: Architects: LoCa Studio Collaborators: María Lordán, Aina Alemany, Daniel Ciritel, Botond Váradi, Andrea Botta LoCa Studio LoCa Studio Materials Used: Bosch: Range hood and microwave, CampanasFARO Barcelona: Lights, PLAT, INV... More
Tichelrij Sint Truiden - Architectenbureau Marlies Rohmer
Guldensporencollege Kortrijk - Abscis Architecten
cvo Miras Kortrijk - SumProject Architecture & Engineering

Project • By Isolco BVSecondary Schools

Tichelrij (school)

The number of children is increasing in several northern European countries, so is the need for good childcare institutions. It is important to include the children's perspective in the design of the new institutions, and that the architecture supports the development of body and mind.Read the full product experience here: https://stertekt.nl/ Or download our Brochure: https://stertekt.nl/upload/a411bc_2024-v1_Sterktekt_Brochu.pdf Maria Bax Fotografie According to Mille Sylvest, PhD in environmental psychology and partner at the consultancy Human Studio, new buildings should meet the specific needs of the institution in question - and not follow a universal template. She also points out that the architecture of a good childcare instit... More

Product • By FabriTRAK®FabriFELT™

FabriFELT™

The world's oldest known textile is one of today's top interior trends.   Create Distinctive SpacesFabriFELT™ by FabriTRAK Systems Inc. is an eco-friendly material that is DECLARE certified and suitable for LEED v4 projects. FabriFELT™ is suitable for walls and ceilings and can be easily inserted into the FabriTRAK and GeoTRAK profiles. The material is versatile and durable while providing a natural warmth and excellent sound absorption. FabriFELT™ is 100% pure wool felt and is available in 23 standard heathered and solid colors. The felt is 100% recyclable and made without the use of harmful chemicals. More

NewsNews • 14 Dec 2022

LAAB Architects refurbish the Asia Art Archive public library in Hong Kong

Hong Kong-based art non-profit and library Asia Art Archive is a platform for new concepts focusing on historically marginalised art knowledge and histories. Revamped by local architecture studio LAAB Architects, the library, home to more than 120,000 historical art materials, seeks to identify itself as a nurturing, inviting and inclusive space for people, books, and everything in between. Otto Ng of LAAB The renovation involves replacing the walls with floor-to-ceiling glass panels, allowing abundant natural light inside and transforming the library into an inviting and spacious space. Additionally, removing the non-structural walls and lining them with a wooden shelving system allowed room for community engagement.  O... More

NewsNews • 26 Oct 2022

Mud House by Sketch Design Studio redefines modern vernacular in Alwar in Rajasthan

A single-storey structure located in the heart of a permaculture-inspired farm in Alwar, Rajasthan, Mud House is an ode to artisanal skills, natural materials and green architecture. Designed by an emerging young practice, Sketch Design Studio, the house expresses the firm’s vision of revitalizing ancient artistic traditions and craft techniques. Jeevan Jyot A 185 square-metre house made out of mud, reclaimed stone and thatch; the project uses ancestral techniques employed by artisans of the region. With its longitudinal sides facing the north and south directions, the structure effortlessly adapts to extreme climates. A south-facing patio becomes a spot for sunbathing in winter, while the outdoor spaces in the north are use... More

Project • By BuildEXTOffices

Bosch winter garden

A transition space for recharging Robert Bosch Ltd. planned to redevelop office and laboratory space in its existing properties and existing leaseholds. The investments were carried out in two phases in 2019, with Phase 2 works being carried out at the former location of the departments that were moved out after the completion of Phase 1. The customer engaged our office as a professional partner for the preparation of the design plans for the conversion works to be carried out and, following the selection of the contractors, for the execution of the works and the handover. The transitory, indoor-outdoor spaces are inherently conducive to relaxed contemplation. Caption   AT HOME IN THE WORKPLACE Changing workplace demands Our... More

NewsNews • 8 Aug 2022

Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre by Rizvi Hassan is an ode to indigenous way of living

Located on a hilltop in the middle of a refugee camp area, The Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre, designed by Rizwi Hassan is a repository of culture, values, art and stories of displaced communities. The design followed a participatory approach where the indigenous communities shared their knowledge of the art of shelter-making through numerous design discussions and hands-on workshops.  Rizvi Hassan The roof is made of a natural material called Nipa Palm leaves, using a typical Rohingya technique in which the roof structure and materials are crafted given the local climatic conditions. Designed to withstand winds and collect rainwater when needed, the roof is a manifestation of the community’s symbiotic relationship wit... More

Project • By Cartelle DesignOffices

Coworking DELO

Modern comfortable interior - lots of light, natural materials, timeless solutions. We tried to create a project with a modern interpretation of the Dagestan identity. To create a fusion of contemporary design, technological solutions and local culture. Office for young professionals who have gained freedom thanks to information technology Caption Caption Caption Caption Caption Caption Caption More

NewsNews • 13 Jun 2022

Thoughtful and understated Sereneco by Carpenter and Mason takes cues from its raw Brooklyn context

In a relaxed neighbourhood of Brooklyn, Sereneco by Carpenter and Mason is located on the ground floor of Greenpoint, also known as Brooklyn’s historic Pencil Factory building. Nicole Franzen The studio explain their design process for Sereneco was highly intuitive, feeling out a space that would be reflective of owner Billy van Dolsen – thoughtful yet understated, and taking cues from the existing raw space of the Greenpoint location. Nicole Franzen Designed shortly after the quarantine lockdown ended in New York, the restart prompted the designers to look into local architecture and prioritize the relationship between architecture and the natural environment. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian community served as a... More