Lesson - Architectural Materials and Finishes

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY - DASMARIÑAS
ARCHITECTURAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS 4

VISUAL TECHNIQUES 2
LESSON: ARCHITECTURAL MATERIALS AND FINISHES
1. CONCRETE
Concrete can be used as a finish material in architecture to create a modern and

minimalist aesthetic. When used as a finish, the concrete is typically polished,
sealed, or coated to provide a smooth and uniform appearance. The natural
variations in color and texture of the concrete can also be highlighted or subdued
through staining or other surface treatments.
2. WOOD
Wood is a popular architectural finish material that can add warmth, character, and
natural beauty to a space. It is a versatile material that can be used in a variety of
applications, such as flooring, walls, ceilings, doors, and furniture.
Wood finishes can range from natural and rustic to refined and modern, depending
on the type of wood, the finish technique, and the design intent. Natural wood
finishes can be left untreated or sealed to enhance the wood's natural grain and
color, while stained or painted finishes can provide a wide range of colors and
textures.
3. STEEL
Steel is a popular architectural finish material that can provide a sleek, modern,
and industrial look to a space. It is a durable, strong, and flexible material that can
be used in a variety of applications, such as walls, ceilings, roofs, doors, and
furniture.
Steel finishes can range from polished and shiny to rough and textured, depending
on the type of steel, the finish technique, and the design intent. Stainless steel, for
example, is a popular finish that has a high resistance to corrosion and staining,
while corten steel is known for its weathered and rustic appearance.
4. PLASTIC
Plastic is a versatile and affordable architectural finish material that can be used in a variety of
applications, such as windows, doors, walls, roofs, and furniture. It is a lightweight and durable
material that can be molded into various shapes and sizes, and can be customized to match
different colors and textures.
Plastic finishes can range from clear and transparent to opaque and colored, depending on the
type of plastic and the design intent. Acrylic and polycarbonate, for example, are popular plastic
finishes that have a high transparency and are commonly used for windows and skylights. PVC
and polyethylene, on the other hand, are opaque and are commonly used for wall panels and
roofing.
5. STONE
Stone is a natural architectural finish material that has been used for centuries to
create durable and beautiful structures. It is a versatile material that can be used
in a variety of applications, such as walls, floors, countertops, and facades. It is
available in different types, colors, and textures, each with unique properties and
characteristics.
6. TEXTILES
Textiles are versatile architectural materials that can add warmth, texture, and
color to a space. They can be used in a variety of applications, such as upholstery,
curtains, wall coverings, and acoustic panels. Textiles are available in a wide
range of materials, such as cotton, wool, silk, and synthetic fibers, each with
unique properties and characteristics.
7. GLASS
Glass is a versatile architectural finish material that can provide transparency,

reflectivity, and texture to a space. It is a durable, strong, and transparent material
that can be used in a variety of applications, such as windows, doors, walls, roofs,
and partitions.
8. BRICK
Brick is a popular architectural finish material that has been used for centuries to
create durable and aesthetically pleasing structures. It is a versatile material that
can be used in a variety of applications, such as walls, floors, fireplaces, and
facades.
9. KEVLAR
Kevlar is a high-strength synthetic fiber that is often used in architectural

applications for its durability and resistance to impact, abrasion, and heat. It is
commonly used in protective gear and bulletproof vests, but has also been used
as an architectural finish material in recent years.
10. BAMBOO
Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable architectural finish material that has

gained popularity in recent years for its eco-friendly and aesthetic qualities. It is a
type of grass that grows quickly and can be harvested without causing damage to
the environment.
Bamboo finishes can be applied in a variety of ways, such as flooring, wall

coverings, ceilings, and furniture. Bamboo finishes can have a range of natural
colors and patterns, and can be treated or stained to achieve different finishes.
11. CARBON FIBER
Carbon fiber is a high-performance synthetic material that is known for its strength,
durability, and lightweight properties. While it is commonly used in industries such
as aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment, it has also been used as an
architectural finish material in recent years.
Carbon fiber finishes can be applied in a variety of ways, such as laminates,

panels, and coatings, depending on the desired performance and aesthetic
qualities. Carbon fiber finishes can have a range of natural colors and patterns,
and can be treated or painted to achieve different finishes.
12. PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
Photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells, are an architectural finish material
that can be integrated into the design of a building to generate renewable energy
from sunlight. They are commonly used on roofs, walls, and facades of buildings
to provide sustainable energy and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources.
13. EARTH
Earth, also known as soil or clay, is a natural and traditional architectural finish
material that has been used for thousands of years. It can be used in various
forms, such as rammed earth, adobe, cob, or earthen plaster, to create durable
and sustainable buildings that blend with the natural environment.
14. WASTE
Using waste materials as architectural materials is becoming an increasingly

popular approach to sustainable design. This involves reusing or repurposing
waste materials that would otherwise be discarded as landfill to create functional
and aesthetically pleasing structures or finishes.
There are many types of waste materials that can be used in architectural design,
such as recycled plastic, glass, metal, and wood. Some examples of waste
materials being used as architectural finishes include reclaimed wood flooring,
recycled glass tiles, and repurposed metal cladding.
15. STRAW
Straw is a natural and renewable material that has been used for centuries as a
building material, particularly in rural areas. When used as an architectural finish,
straw can be combined with other materials to create a variety of finishes, such as
straw bale walls, thatch roofing, or straw-clay plaster.
16. LIVE PLANTS
Using live plants as architectural finishes is becoming increasingly popular as

designers seek to create healthier and more sustainable indoor environments.
Plants provide a variety of benefits, including improving air quality, reducing stress,
and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a space.
There are several ways live plants can be used as architectural finishes. One way
is to incorporate green walls or living walls, which are vertical gardens made up of
plants growing in a soil or hydroponic system. Green walls can be used indoors or
outdoors and can be custom-designed to fit a specific space. They provide a
natural aesthetic and can also improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants
and increasing oxygen levels.
END
REFERENCE:
https://www.archdaily.com/801545/16-materials-every-architect-needs-to-know-
and-where-to-learn-about-them

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NATIONAL UNIVERSITY - DASMARIÑAS

ARCHITECTURAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS 4

Concrete can be used as a finish material in architecture to create a modern and

Glass is a versatile architectural finish material that can provide transparency,

Kevlar is a high-strength synthetic fiber that is often used in architectural

Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable architectural finish material that has

Bamboo finishes can be applied in a variety of ways, such as flooring, wall

Carbon fiber finishes can be applied in a variety of ways, such as laminates,

Using waste materials as architectural materials is becoming an increasingly

Using live plants as architectural finishes is becoming increasingly popular as

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