Next-Generation Materials That Are Transforming City Skylines

The construction industry and its efforts toward sustainability in different aspects of the building process have been progressing. When it comes to materials, architects and engineers have been broadening the range with a new generation of sustainable options. 

Next-generation, or next-gen, materials are innovative options designed to reduce the construction industry’s environmental impact. They are typically high-performing and adopt more novel methods than traditional materials and manufacturing processes, making them a worthwhile alternative for greener construction. Here are several sustainable next-gen materials making an impact. 

1. Mass Timber

Mass timber is a prefabricated solid-wood panel, often considered a sustainable engineered-wood product. Panels made from this material typically range from 5 to 12 inches in thickness to ensure durability. They are also designed to enable end-of-life disassembly and material repurposing, reducing waste. 

2. Cross-Laminated Timber

Cross-laminated timber is a mass timber product variant that glues together layers of wood planks. It makes construction more efficient and renewable while minimizing waste. Its structural strength also makes it a good candidate for taller building projects. 

3. Self-Healing Concrete

Self-healing concrete, or bio-concrete, is an emerging construction material that can reduce costs and increase durability. It can repair its own internal damage without human intervention, helping save time and resources in the long run. While further research is needed to assess its healing efficiency, it’s a promising material.

4. Hempcrete

Hempcrete is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional concrete that’s already fairly accessible for construction companies. Compared to self-healing concrete, it offers renewable and insulating properties, making buildings more sustainable and adaptable. It also offers effective humidity control, enhancing your indoor air quality.

5. Photovoltaic Glass

Skyscrapers and other high-rise buildings that make up the city skyline receive plenty of sunlight. Using photovoltaic glass can be an excellent way to generate renewable energy for the building. When using the material, builders must consider the building’s placement, shading patterns, and urban density to get the optimal energy output. 

How These Materials Are Used in Construction

Sustainable manufacturing methods, such as prefabrication, optimize resource use and minimize waste by assembling components off-site. This approach can also significantly reduce construction time, with typical buildings getting set up in 12 weeks instead of the standard 23-week timeline. 

Companies can also combine materials to create hybrid structural solutions and attain multiple benefits. For instance, hempcrete’s ability to regulate humidity, combined with the structural strength of self-healing concrete, can be helpful. 

Next-Generation Materials in Action

Next-gen materials have already been used in many projects worldwide. Here are several examples.

• The Edge: The Edge in Amsterdam was recognized as one of the most sustainable buildings in 2016, with a 98.36% BREEAM-NL sustainability score. It uses photovoltaic panels on the roof and other green design techniques, helping the building use 70% less electricity than other sustainable buildings. 

• Neighbourgood 84 Harrington: Neighbourgood 84 Harrington in South Africa is the world’s tallest hemp building, featuring 50 self-contained apartments. In addition to being the core of its architecture, hempcrete is incorporated into furnishings. 

• The Ascent MKE: The Ascent MKE in Milwaukee is the tallest apartment community made of mass timber in the world. Aside from the renewable materials, the building uses energy-efficient systems to create a planet-friendly home for people. 

The Blueprint for a Greener Skyline

Next-gen materials are becoming increasingly available as the construction industry transitions to building more sustainable projects. Advocacy and research on these alternatives help raise awareness and increase their use.