Woven; Timeless Materials, Modern Looks

By Jo Phillips

The architecture world has seen a number of interesting developments over the years. The use of new materials like carbon composite and aluminium are among those developments. These new technologies combined with the newer, more modern materials allow architects to achieve new things and play with designs that weren’t possible before.

Despite the new materials available to designers and architects, there are still timeless pieces made from materials we all know and love. Wood and steel are among those timeless materials that are still in use. Even better, these timeless materials are also benefiting from the more modern technologies available today, which means they are now used to create the same stunning, modern looks.

Glass Structures

In a previous article about the use of glass in architecture, we discussed how glass structures can be incredibly beautiful when combined with an abundance of natural light and a clear blue sky. Some of the most exquisite structures in cities like Paris and Tokyo are now made of glass.

The technology available for processing glass as an architectural material has been improving rapidly. Tempered glass is made stronger than ever thanks to newer chemicals and better processing. The thickness (or thinness) of glass used for architectural purposes can be fine-tuned to perfection.

The same can be said for the way glass can be shaped today. Rather than following the same limits that were imposed before, architects and designers can now mould glass into interesting shapes for even more beautiful glass structures.

The Basque Health Department in Bilbao, Spain, which we also featured in the previous article, is still the perfect example of how glass can now be used more freely. It is a truly timeless material; one that will continue to be the secret weapon of architects for years to come.

Wooden Elements

Wood is another timeless material that continues to benefit from new technologies. We may not have as many wooden structures as we did a few years ago, but that doesn’t mean wood has no place in architecture. In fact, some of the most beautiful elements seen in modern designs are crafted from wood.

The gorgeous Gare do Oriente in Lisbon, Portugal, is a marvellous sight on its own. The train station was designed to be a landmark that everyone remembers, and it does its job perfectly. Gare do Oriente combines wood with limestone, cast iron, and other old materials to create a truly modern structure.

Adding wood to your own property and creating a modern look with this timeless material isn’t as difficult as you think. In fact, you can see newer doors and other elements incorporating modern design lines. Browse through the catalogue of great value oak interior doors from top suppliers like that also offer additional services to ensure you get the best package. You willl find the perfect piece to add to your space in no time.

Woven Bamboo

Bamboo isn’t always the obvious material of choice when it comes to architecture, but that doesn’t mean this timeless material can be cast aside. Woven structures, usually made from reinforced wood or steel, are just as easy to find in today’s world.

Bamboo, when woven into different shapes, offers a long list of benefits that other materials don’t always provide. For starters, it is a material that can be very strong and flexible at the same time. Thanks to the improved technology and new weaving patterns specifically developed for bamboo, more can be achieved with this material.

The material also has an interesting texture and colour for architects and designers to explore. Entire structures can be made using bamboo as the main material, and they are beautiful. The Bambu Indah Hotel and Resort in Bali, Indonesia, has a reception area made using this material.

Steel Strength

Of course, we cannot talk about timeless materials without talking about steel. Sticking with woven structures, we are all too familiar with how the Bird’s Nest – the Beijing National National Stadium – in Beijing, China, and the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, rely on woven steel to get their majestic appeals.

Steel used to be a difficult material to work with, but that is no longer the case in modern architecture. In fact, steel structures are not only stronger, but lighter and more flexible too. New processing technologies and production methods have allowed architects more freedom when working with steel as their material of choice.

At the same time, the use of steel allows new structures to be built in less time and for less money. Pre-fabricated homes and modular architectural approach are made possible because there are now more ways to process steel for different purposes.

These timeless materials are here to stay. While there are composites and newer materials made available, timeless materials like bamboo and wood never lose their charms and appeals. They only get better with new technologies making it possible to use them in more ways than ever before.

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