What Are the Benefits of Using Raw Materials in Office Spaces?
Ready to bring nature’s wild side into your workspace with raw materials and organic forms that showcase the true artistry of the natural world? Exposed bricks, raw metal, exposed concrete, and natural wood and their counterparts are making a chic comeback, and this time it is not just for the vibes. Incorporating raw materiality into office design has become a powerful way to communicate your company’s commitment to Authenticity, Resilience, and Sustainability.
Let’s take a quick look at how some of these raw materials can revamp your office design-
Raw Materiality: A Defining Element of Modern Workspaces
Another Brick in the Wall?
Exposed Bricks are visually stunning, but its benefits do not stop there.
• Longevity and Durability: Rest assured, you do not have to worry about exposed brick’s legendary long-lasting durability. Exposed brick’s durability means fewer renovations, a reduction in resource use, and associated emissions over time. Longer-lasting materials reduce the need for frequent repairs, leading to a 20-30% reduction in lifecycle emissions over 50 years (Environmental Protection Agency).
• Thermal Mass: Hot or Cold? Bricks can do it both! Bricks absorb and release heat, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing the need for heating and cooling. Thermal mass properties can contribute to a 10-15% reduction in carbon emissions from HVAC systems (Carbon Trust).
• Minimal Finishing Materials: Less is More with exposed bricks..Exposed brick eliminates the need for plaster, paint, or siding, potentially reducing material use by 50-75% for interior walls. By avoiding additional materials, the carbon footprint related to finishes can be reduced by approximately 40-50% (EBN).
• Locally-Sourced: Locally sourced bricks reduce transportation-related emissions, making the design more sustainable. It can cut transportation-related emissions by 20-30% compared to imported materials (USGBC).
Concrete with Conscience
Approximately 25% of employees in surveyed offices reported feeling that exposed concrete contributes to a more genuine and open work environment. Exposed Concrete brings to you a sleek, raw aesthetic that is not just trendy but also timeless!!
Some of its significant benefits are-
• Versatility: A study by ArchDaily highlights that concrete is one of the most versatile building materials, used in 60% of global construction projects. Innovative concrete types like bendable concrete, self-healing concrete, transparent concrete, and UHPC offer a range of versatile solutions for modern construction challenges, allowing for greater design flexibility, improved durability, and enhanced sustainability.
• Sustainability: Exposed Concrete is the Eco-Hero Design choice your office will love!! Your building can score LEED certification points, especially in the Material & Resources and Energy & Atmosphere categories. Plus, according to the US Green Building Council, this sleek material can help your space slash up to 9% of its operational carbon emissions. Exposed Concrete comes in many forms, from precast options that are reusable and locally produced to Grasscrete that boosts green space and storm-water infiltration, and Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) that minimize natural resource use and waste—all contributing to an eco-friendly, economical, and socially responsible construction approach.
• Low-Maintainance: The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association reports that concrete requires 30-50% less maintenance compared to other materials like wood or drywall. It keeps moisture, pests, and fire at bay with minimal upkeep
You ‘Wood’ Love it!!
The outdoors is finally here. The warmth and tranquility of Natural Wood designs creates an inviting atmosphere that feels both organic and timeless. The textures of such designs add a lot of character to a building.
Let’s take a look at other benefits-
• Versatility: From Flooring to Wall Paneling to Furniture to Decorative Elements, Natural Wood is unstoppable. It complements various design styles, from rustic to modern, making it a flexible choice for any aesthetic.
• Sustainability: Locally sourced Natural Wood is a renewable resource with a lower environmental impact compared to many other building materials. It can also be reclaimed and reused, further enhancing its eco-friendly credentials. Integrating salvaged and recycled wood into office design boosts sustainability by reducing demand for new timber and conserving forests. According to the National Wood Flooring Association (2022), reclaimed wood can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40%. This approach supports the circular economy, and reduces waste.
• Enhances indoor air quality: Breathe better while you work with Natural Wood designs!! Wood does not emit harmful chemicals and can even help regulate humidity levels in a space, contributing to better indoor air quality and a healthier environment.
• Acoustic Benefits and Biophilic Connection: Natural Wood can help you tap into your zen zone while you work. Wood has natural sound-absorbing properties, making it an excellent choice for improving acoustics in a space by reducing noise and creating a more serene environment. Incorporating natural wood in design fosters a biophilic connection, which has been shown to enhance well-being, reduce stress, and improve productivity in workspaces.
‘Metallic’a your Office
If you are looking to give your office an edgy, industrial look, raw/reclaimed Metal designs are what you need to look out for. Metal’s sleek and reflective surfaces bring a sense of timeless elegance to spaces. It can adapt to changing design trends while maintaining its sophisticated allure.
Some of its important benefits are-
• Longevity and Durability: Research by ArchDaily in 2020 showed that the use of raw metal in workplace design increased by 20% over the past five years, driven by its durable nature and industrial aesthetic. Metal withstands wear and tear, and can thus be used in both structural and decorative elements. This durability contributes to sustainability by decreasing the frequency of material turnover and associated environmental impacts.
• Reduced Waste and Energy Efficiency in Production: Raw/Reclaimed Metal is a high profile member of the circular economy. Using raw metal with recycled content in design helps minimize waste at every stage of the material’s life cycle, from production to eventual disposal. This aligns with the principles of a circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible. Also, by opting for raw metal in design that incorporates recycled content, the overall carbon footprint of a project can be significantly reduced.
• Versatility in Application: Weld, Bend, Finish- you can create bespoke metal pieces to complement your office aesthetic. From exposed beams and railings to furniture and accent pieces, raw/reclaimed metal’s versatility allows it to complement different materials like wood, glass, and concrete, creating a balanced and cohesive design.
The Perks of Raw Material in Your Workspace
Aligning Aesthetics with Corporate Identity
You can judge this ‘corporate’ book by its cover! The materials used in an office space are a direct reflection of the brand’s ethos. For example, a tech startup using sleek, raw materials might signal innovation and a forward-thinking approach, while a more established company might use them to emphasize stability and long-term commitment.
The physicality of the building becomes the representation of the brand values, and helps communicate the latter to its clients, partners, and employees alike. While raw materials have a timeless quality, they are also frequently used in modern, innovative design contexts. Incorporating these materials can signify a company’s commitment to innovation, forward-thinking, and staying ahead of industry trends. For tech companies or creative industries, this alignment is particularly strong, as it reflects their focus on cutting-edge solutions and continuous improvement.
Whether a company is aiming for a minimalist, industrial, or rustic aesthetic, raw materials can be used in ways that evolve with the brand. This flexibility ensures that as the company grows and changes, its physical spaces can continue to accurately reflect its evolving values and mission.
Impact on Employee Experience and Productivity
Raw Materials in Workspace Design integrates natural elements, which is proven to significantly impact how engaged employees feel. The use of raw/reclaimed materials creates an inspiring and stimulating environment, which can increase creativity and productivity.
Employees are likely to feel more motivated and invested in their work when their surroundings reflect the company’s commitment to quality and sustainability. Additionally, working in a space that aligns with values—like environmental responsibility—can increase job satisfaction and reduce turnover.
Sustainability: A Competitive Advantage
Sustainability is the second name of this whole article!! Many raw materials are sustainable, especially when sourced locally or reclaimed from other uses. By integrating these materials into office design, a company visibly demonstrates its commitment to environmental responsibility. This approach aligns with the growing demand for green building practices, as evidenced by the 2022 Green Building Council report, which found that 78% of businesses believe incorporating sustainable materials enhances their brand’s reputation.
Furthermore, using recycled and repurposed materials helps reduce waste and conserve natural resources, reinforcing the company’s image as a responsible and eco-conscious entity. This not only resonates with stakeholders who prioritize sustainability but also meets regulatory standards for green building certifications, such as LEED and BREEAM, further solidifying the company’s commitment to long-term environmental responsibility.
Some Last Words….
Your office design is more than just a physical makeover; it shapes the culture, values, and sustainability of your company. By embracing raw materials, you’re not just keeping up with trends—you’re setting the stage for innovation and sustainability.
Let your workspace speak your story. Contact us today to start your design journey.
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Why Material Matters in Workplace Design?
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A content strategist by profession, Mouli is an aficionado for great conversations over a good cup of coffee. With a keen eye for detail and a love for meaningful conversations, she enjoys exploring the intersection of pop culture, politics, and poetry. When not immersed in her work, Mouli can often be found catching up on the latest web series or engaged in lively discussions with friends.
