Since the earliest human settlements, natural materials have been the foundation for constructing habitable spaces. The Dogon Stone House in Mali is an example of how local materials and intelligent spatial configuration can ensure thermal comfort and reinforce a deep sense of community by reflecting the cultural beliefs of its inhabitants.
Today, we are witnessing a return to natural materials. This trend, if it can be called that, responds to people´s need to reconnect with nature and the benefits it brings to our physical and emotional well-being.
By looking to the past, we find sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions that, when reinterpreted with current advancements, allow us to build more consciously. Research in sustainable architecture has shown that natural materials such as wood, stone, earth, bamboo, cork, or plant fibers not only offer durability and require less maintenance but also foster an emotional and sensory connection between occupants and the space.
In addition, these materials provide a warm aesthetic and an inherent closeness to humans. In a context where the concept of biophilia is gaining importance, natural materials become a crucial tool for promoting healthy environments.
Why use natural materials in our project
There are many reasons, and all of them carry significant weight:
Sustainability and durability: Natural materials such as wood and stone have a lower environmental impact than processed materials and are highly durable, making them a cost-effective and responsible option.
Connection with nature: The concept of biophilia, popularized by biologist Edward O. Wilson, explains our innate tendency to connect with nature. Natural materials enhance our physical and emotional well-being.
Aesthetics and authenticity: The texture, color, and evolution of natural materials over time bring a unique character to spaces that synthetic alternatives cannot match.
Contemporary Architecture with natural materials
Throughout recent history, many architects have demonstrated the transformative power of natural materials in contemporary projects. Some notable examples include:
Peter Zumthor (Thermal Baths in Vals, Switzerland): Zumthor uses local stone to integrate his project into the natural surroundings, creating an atmosphere that interacts with the senses.
Shigeru Ban (Projects with bamboo and recycled paper): Ban is a pioneer in using recycled materials like bamboo, demonstrating how sustainability and innovative design can go hand in hand.
Kengo Kuma (Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center, Japan): Kuma is known for his use of wood, a material that brings warmth and a strong cultural connection to Japanese tradition.
At our studio, we understand the value of using natural materials, and we promote their use in each of our projects. The benefits of their use are numerous: they improve the quality of life of those who inhabit the spaces, reduce our environmental impact, and create spaces that evolve over time, generating a sense of harmony and connection with nature.
Do you need help selecting natural materials for your project?
In our next article, we will give you simple yet effective tips for making a selection that combines sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality.
Don’t miss it!
AGA Studio
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