Materiality and Interior Construction

This is the perfect reference guide for interior designers and architects.  Choosing the perfect material for your project is the most important part of the project itself, but many people don’t know that.  This book will help you learn more about the materials that matter and how they will affect the look and feel of your project.  Materials can affect your architecture, architectural design, and detailing.  

Table of Contents

Why Materials Matter

1. Design Intentions
The Design Concept
Human Factors
Health, Safety, and Welfare
Historical Overview
Chronology and Technological Development
What It’s Made of and How It’s Made
Material Extraction
Environmentally Sustainable Design Considerations
Biomimicry
Carbon-Neutral Design
Certifications
Downcycling
Embodied Energy
Life-Cycle Assessment
Local Materials
Natural and Synthetic Materials and Components
Rapidly Renewable Materials
Reclaimed/Repurposed Materials
Recycled Materials
Upcycling
Volatile Organic Compounds
Material Properties and Performance Characteristics
Absorption Coefficient
Acoustics
Aging and Weathering
Cellular Structure
Compressive and Tensile Strength
Density
Dimensional Movement
Ductility
Durability
Elasticity
Emissivity
Fire Ratings
Stability
Surface Attributes
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Transmittance
Workability and Joinery
Applications
Installation Methods
Existing Conditions
Construction and Fabrication
Substructures and Assemblies
Maintenance Requirements
Green Cleaning Policies and Products
Relative Material Cost
Resources and Sources

2. Flooring
Design Intentions
Human Factors
Health, Safety, and Welfare
Purpose and Performance
Structural Integrity and Engineering
Circulation and Conveyance: Stairs, Ramps, and Slopes
Stairs: Accessibility and Egress
Ramps and Slopes: Accessibility and Egress
Subfloor Preparation Methods
Installation Methods
Adhesion and Bonding
Asbestos Abatement Issues
Installing Floating Floors
Installing Tiles
Maintenance Requirements
Relative Cost of Materials for Flooring
Flooring Materials
Bamboo
Brick
Carpet
Cementitious Top Coatings
Ceramic Tile
Composite Floor Tiles (Bio-Based, ESD, MCT, MVT, Polyester Resin-Based, PVC-Free, Resin, VCT)
Concrete (Cast-in-Place, Precast, and Concrete Finishes)
Cork (Laminated Plank, Sheet, Tile)
Glass
Leather (Tile)
Linoleum (Laminated Plank, Sheet, Tile)
Metal (Flooring, Decking, Grating)
Rubber
Stone
Terazzo
Vinyl
Wood
Design Intentions
Acoustics and Sound Transmission
Dimensions: Height, Thickness, and Depth
Function and Use
Incorporation of Building Systems
Partitioning Space/Spatial Order
Structural Integrity/Load Bearing

3. Walls and Partitions: Construction and Fabrications Types
Load Bearing, Non-Load-Bearing
Lateral Bracing
Modular Construction (CMU, Stacking, Masonry)
Wood and Metal Framing (Channel, Plate, Runner, Stud)
Integral and Integrated Assemblies
Structural Integrated Panels
Adhesives and Bonding
Hardward (fasteners and Mechanical Attachments for Walls and Partitions)
Relative Cost of Materials for Walls
Walls, Partitions, and Vertical Components: Materials
Bead Board
Brick Masonry(Brick, CMU)
Cement Fiberboard
Ceramic Tile
Compressed and Rammed Earth
Concrete
Fabric-Wrapped Panel Systems
Glass/Glazing
Gypsum Wallboard
Leather
Metal
Paint and Decorative Finishes
Plaster
Plastics
Stone
Wallcovering
Wood

4. Ceilings
Design Intentions
Acoustics and Sound Transmission
Defining and Partitioning Space
Fire Protection, HVAC, Lighting, MEP, and Acoustic Systems Integration
Ceilings: Construction and Fabrication Categories
Intermediate Floor Assemblies
Suspended and Nonsuspended Ceilings
Relative Cost of material for Ceilings
Ceiling Materials
Acoustic Ceiling Tiles
Ceramic Tile
Concrete
Glass/Glazing
Gypsum Wallboard and Gypsum Fiber
Metal Systems
Plaster
Plastics
Stone
Wood and Wood Systems

5. Millwork
Design Intentions
Construction Space
Function, Purpose, and Use
Durability
Relative Cost of Materials for Millwork
Interior Millwork: materials
Agglomerates
Concrete
Glass
Linoleum
Metal
Plastics
Plastic Laminate
Solid Surface Materials
Stone
Wood and Wood Composite Boards
Interior Millwork Finishes
Aniline Dyes
Fire-Retardant and Resistant Finishes
Nitrocellulose and Precatalyzed Lacquer
Oil-Based Finishes
Polyurethane-Spar Varnish
Shellac
Stains
Varnishes
Waterborne
Finishes
Hardware
Catches and Locks
Hinges
Screws
Washers
Nails
Metal Connectors
Drawer Glides
Edge Profiles
Beads and Channels
Running and Standing Trim
Resources and Sources
Wood Joinery