Columbia Professor Takes a Down-to-Earth Approach to Building Materials
At the Natural Materials Lab, Lola Ben Alon gains inspiration from early building environments to develop future materials that will decarbonize construction
Hardening Structures in an Age of Worsening Wildfires
As the destruction from wildfires increases, so does the need for new approaches to help ensure structures survive blazes—and insurers continue to cover damage and loss
A New Foundation for Concrete: Used Diapers
Researchers at the University of Kitakyushu in Japan found that chopped up cleaned diapers can replace up to 10% of the composite material in a concrete mix for structural use in single-story buildings and as much as 40% in nonstructural and architectural components
This L.A. Lumber Yard Sources Only from Fallen Neighborhood Trees
Angel City Lumber has built a business on locally sourced wood, a trend founder Jeff Perry hopes will catch on elsewhere as the industry works to be more sustainable
Amsterdam Moves to Mandate Wood Building. Here’s Why.
Inspired by the environmental advantages of wood construction, the European city recently passed groundbreaking legislation mandating that all new buildings constructed after 2025 consist of at least 20% wood or other biobased material (from 2022)
Can Bamboo Construction Replace Timber and Steel?
Bamboo checks many of the boxes of an eco-friendly material, so some researchers are testing the material’s commercial viability in construction
This Unlikely Construction Material Also Tastes Great on Burgers
Say what now? That’s right—most would agree that mushrooms sauteed with onions atop anything is delicious. It turns out the ingredient may also be a game-changer as a building material that also helps reduce construction waste
Building Material Lead Times Are a Major Problem Right Now. Here’s Why.
Extended and uncertain lead times are turning bidding and building into a tiresome puzzle of constantly changing pieces—and it’s unclear when the headache will end
How Rising Interest Rates Are Confounding Construction
Higher interest rates have frozen owner-occupied residential construction and may soon scuttle commercial deals as the Federal Reserve continues to fight inflation with rate hikes
Green Building Materials for Sustainable Construction
Given the level of carbon emissions construction generates, the industry knows it has to smarten up its environmental act. Part of the sector’s response will be to embrace more green construction materials, while some, like timber, have been a part of the industry for centuries.
Lumber Prices Are Down Again—But for How Long?
Experts say a higher interest rate environment for the foreseeable future may crimp demand for the essential building material in the years ahead, capping a period of pandemic-induced volatility
Mini Materials Aims to Spark Construction Joy for Kids—And Adults
The company creates realistic construction toys for children, hoping the experience inspires them with dreams of working in the industry
The Most In-Demand Construction Materials Right Now
Shortages are pervasive across the industry, but experts say these materials are especially hard to come by—and may be for some time
Can Construction Solve Its Concrete Conundrum?
Concrete is the most common material used in construction, but manufacturing its primary binder—Portland cement—causes greenhouse gas emissions, putting pressure on the industry to find a more environmentally sustainable solution
Why Lumber Prices Are Sky High—Again
The price of the essential building material has been on a wild ride since the pandemic began. What’s behind the most recent spike?
