Natural materials
|
The term ‘natural materials’ refers to those substances that are found in nature and which can either be used directly for some particular building function or require human intervention (e.g processing) to make them usable.
How much processing will depend on the material in question; some materials require more processing than others. For example, wood (or ‘timber’) can be used to build with very little human intervention – a tree can be cut relatively easily into smaller components that can be used to construct a building. Conversely, clay is also a natural material but requires more labour to turn it into bricks in a process that typically includes winning, shaping, firing and drying.
Typical materials regarded as ‘natural’ and used in construction include:
- Wood
- Clay
- Stone (including marble, slate etc)
- Lime (for mortar)
- Wool (carpets)
- Straw (insulation)
- Coir (for mats)
Some of these materials have good aesthetic qualities (including variability which results in myriad colour and texture variations) and an association with nature that can promote wellbeing - see Biophilia for more information.
It should be noted that ‘natural material’ is a conceit that has resulted from wilful and romanticised interpretations as there are some materials which occur abundantly in nature and are used in construction but are not regarded as ‘natural’. This includes:
- Iron (building structures)
- Diamond (diamond saws and other cutting tools)
- Aluminium (doors, window frames etc).
- Sand (glass, concrete etc.)
The reasons for this may be because these materials are:
- Inorganic
- Require so much processing that the finished product does not resemble the natural occurrence.
- Have few, if any aesthetic qualities.
- Often have a machined, industrial appearance.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Biomaterial.
- Birch wood.
- Carpentry.
- Cedar.
- Chip carving.
- Choosing stone.
- Clay
- Engineered bamboo.
- Glulam.
- Hardwood.
- Kentish ragstone.
- Lime wood.
- Masonry.
- Modern Stonemasonry.
- Modified wood.
- Mortar
- Natural stone cladding.
- Natural stone for Interiors.
- Natural stone.
- Physical Properties of Wood.
- Roof slates.
- Softwood.
- Terracotta
- The differences between hardwood and softwood.
- Timber preservation.
- Timber vs wood.
- Timber.
- Types of timber.
Featured articles and news
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.