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Three Still Popular Building Materials That Have Made History
26 May 2020
Complex and fascinating, the history of architecture is, surprisingly, centred around a few key building materials that have had a lasting impact on how people prefer to build their homes. Whether you plan on buying a home and renovating it, or building a new one, the construction materials are the most important clue when it comes to evaluating the quality and durability of any architectural structure. In construction, any mistake can be costly, so choosing the right materials is the first step in minimizing long-term risks.
Here are three materials that have made history in architecture and are still as popular today as they were centuries ago.
Bricks
Bricks have been enjoying massive popularity for millennia. They’re likely to remain a top choice for many construction projects of the future. Strong and highly durable, brick is a versatile material that can serve many functional and aesthetic purposes. Famous historic brick buildings, whether built in the 13th– or the 18th-century, still look immaculate thanks to the durability of this classic material.
Another aspect that makes brick so appealing is how easy it is to maintain over time. Made of a heated clay and water mixture, brick is extremely tough because clay particles get fused at high temperatures. This means bricks easily resist disintegration over time and are extremely weather-resistant. Brick buildings are also pleasing to the eye since this material comes in many shapes, colours and sizes.
Wood
Perhaps due to its wide accessibility, wood has occupied an important role in construction for much of human history. Still popular today, wood is used with caution as prolonged exposure to moisture can cause issues with it over time. Despite this limitation, wood is one of the strongest building materials available to us, which is especially impressive considering how easy it is to manipulate.
Although wood-framed buildings and homes might not survive through centuries as easily as brick constructions, proper insulation and respect for verified construction methods can significantly prolong their durability. In addition, wood is much less expensive than other construction materials. This means reparation and restoration are also cheaper.
Stone
For many, stone is not the first choice when it comes to building materials, but there’s an undeniable appeal to it. Most stone buildings today hold historical and cultural value and are a remarkable sight in our cities and towns. Although stone homes built in the last decades are now rare, this reliable and highly durable material is still used extensively in construction projects.
Due to its unmatched resistance to weather, stone will always remain a popular material, even if it’s relatively expensive. It takes a lot of labour and skill to bring its raw form to the right shape, but the benefits are worth it. Stone is the perfect material for exterior walls, facades or fencing. Widely present in decorative construction, it has an unusual look that makes it a striking design choice.
Architecture and design go through periodical reinventions, but some things remain eternally relevant. When it comes to building materials, some choices will be as safe today as they were for the first builders in human history. If you want your construction project to withstand time, choose traditional materials that have proved their durability thousands of times.
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