Materials Quality & Selection Assessments

One of the key decisions in the development of every commercial or residential project, is the selection of the material, or materials, of which it will be constructed.

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

Materials Selection and Assessnt Services in Crete, Greece
Photo by Mikita Yo on Unsplash
Materials Quality & Selection Assessment
Digital Technology Services and Innovation in Crete, Greece

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

Materials Quality & Selection Assessments

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

Material and process selection factors
Material and process selection factors
Materials Quality & Selection Assessments

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
Materials Quality & Selection Assessments

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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