Decision-Making
for Alternative Materials

Our dedicated research in exploring decision-making methods for sustainable design in residential buildings in Crete, Greece strives for something higher.

But as new sustainable and energy-saving materials and manufacturing methods have proliferated, this decision has become more complex than ever.

Alternative Construction Materials - ARENCOS Architects and Engineers
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The Decision is in the Details

Selection of the right material or materials for any construction or renovation project has increased in complexity over time as new materials and manufacturing methods become available, and new energy-efficient and eco-friendly materials can help constructors do more in a shorter amount of time and meet additional clients' needs.

According to recent research, there are an estimated over 100,000 possible materials for a designer to select from, and this number is exponentially growing every year. Engineers and designers are then required to assess these materials based on a broad range of information, such as:

• Strength of the material
• Heat features
• Optical properties
• Recyclability
• Manufacturing methods available
• Corrosion properties
• Industry standards
• Form
• Potential suppliers
• Source location

Decision-Making for Alternative Materials

Experts in Our Field

Our research evaluates the ability of Critical Thinking Decision-Making (CTDM) methods to help architectural and design teams identify and select a sustainable alternative during residential building design.

Decision-Making Process in Residential Building Design

The decision-making process in residential building design is considered as a multi decision making context, in which many  internal  stakeholders and professionals are  involved  (owner,  architect, structural,  mechanical,  electrical,  etc. ).  Hundreds of decisions  are made  in  different  phases  of  the  due-diligence and design process  with  different  levels  of involvement and interactions.

Our decision-making in residential building design  can  be  categorized into  six main stages:

(1) Property owner’s needs & goals identification: The design team needs to identify the purpose of the decision.

(2) Specify & set design goals: The design team needs to transfer the client needs into design goals to facilitate decision-making.

(3) Identify or suggest alternatives: The design team  needs  to identify  or  suggest alternatives aligned with the design goals.

4) Data Collection: The  design  team  needs  to  collect relevant and reliable  data  in  order  to  realize the characteristics and features   of   the   alternatives.   This   data   can   be   quantitative   (e.g.,   technical   or environmental performance) or qualitative (e.g., durability, life-span, quality).

(5) Choose an alternative material: The design team needs to understand the main differences between alternative materials, the risks and uncertainties associated with them, and choose the  best  one  according to the design specifications, budget and availability.

(6) Reconsider: The  design  team  needs  to  assess  if  the  alternative materials  meets  the  goals and objectives  of the  design,  and  their context/interface with  other design parameters.

Alternative Construction Materials Decision Making
Alternative Construction Materials Decision Making
Decision-Making for Alternative Materials

The Design Requirements

Here is a list of the materials requirements we consider and assess when selecting a material for a project or function:

  • Performance requirements
  • Reliability requirements
  • Size, shape, and mass requirements
  • Cost requirements
  • Energy-Saving requirements
  • Industry standards
  • Government and EU regulations
  • Sustainability requirements
  • Handling and storage requirements
  • Nature of project requirements
  • After-sales support and service requirements
Decision-Making for Alternative Materials

Experts in Our Field

Years of experience allow us to understand the best materials for a construction project or function. Often, the material required is not a standard one and sometimes it is necessary to combine different materials and methods of construction to achieve a fully functional result.

We draw on the expertise and knowledge from our engineering and architectural team and partners to assess what’s needed and deliver exceptional solutions.

When we meet with a new client, chances are we have already worked with similar material. Our involvement in sustainable projects and net-zero property development, allow us to pick the best material and facilitate the decision-making of our clients.

What do we look for in choosing materials for our projects?

Function – what we need this material to do

Durability – the selected material should stand the test of time

Aesthetics – the fine balance between appearance, durability, energy-saving and cost

Cost – the balance between high-quality materials and keeping costs at an appropriate level

Operation & Maintenance – the balance between predictive maintenance and operational continuity

Locally Produced & Availability

Construction/Installation

Health and safety during construction/installation

Some materials such as cement products and chemicals release VOCs, dust, and other airborne pollutants that may be harmful to people during installation or application.

Ease of construction/installation

We select materials and systems for ease of construction and installation. Complicated installations with close tolerances can result in greater wastage or even rework being required.

Adaptability

The design of any building and the selection of the materials should consider the future use or reuse of the building and use materials that facilitate adaptation or future replacement. The more adaptable a material, the less waste will result from changing needs or tastes.

Performance

Health and safety during the life of the building

Some materials generate emissions or chemical releases that can be harmful to the health of building occupants.

Structural capability

Materials must be selected or designed for their ability to support the loads imposed by the building over the whole life of the building. An appropriate structural system and correct selection of structural materials can reduce excess material use and waste and increase the building’s adaptability for other uses.

Durability and maintenance

The Building Code sets minimum required levels of durability for different building elements, and this will be a primary driver for materials selection. Beyond this, durability and maintenance requirements should be considered together across the expected service life of the building.

Some materials that do not appear to offer high levels of durability may actually perform well over many decades with the right maintenance. Timber weatherboards are a good example – where painted every 8–10 years, they can perform well for 60 years or more.

Materials that require little maintenance are not necessarily a better choice from an environmental point of view, particularly if their manufacture involves the release of large quantities of greenhouse gases.

Features

Moisture resistance

Selected materials must be protected from moisture. Some materials have a natural moisture resistance while others must be fully protected from moisture.

Material deterioration/decay

Some materials deteriorate rapidly, particularly in a moist environment or if they are continuously wet, generally due to the growth of molds or fungi, or corrosion of some materials, so it is essential that the materials selected have the durability required for their area of use.

Thermal performance

Building design and material selection must contribute to good thermal performance and reduced energy demand by including insulation and thermal mass in the building.

Sound insulation

Building design and material selection must contribute to the sound insulation of the building, both from exterior noise and sound transmission within the building.

Fire performance

Building design and material selection must be in accordance with the requirements of the latest Greek and EU Building Codes and Fire Protection regulations. Materials must be selected for ignitability, surface spread of flame, fire loading, fire resistance, and stability.

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