Materiality

Materiality

Lesson Summary

• Materiality covers everything from flooring to wall-coverings, textured fabrics and metals.
• 2LG start with the floor as a base layer, it serves as a strong connecting point.
• You should be playful and inquisitive in your material choices.
• Flooring is a big expense with an enormous impact, so it's important to get it right in the beginning.

How Do You Choose the Right Materials?

Be Inquisitive

• Research, research, research! Get to know the materials better. Specifically, the qualities of material and where they would be best used.
• Consider the function of the space and the properties that would therefore be required of the materials.

Floors

• Jordan and Russell prefer a floor that is versatile and can be used throughout rooms.
• This helps to create a seamless transition from room to room.

Walls

• Consider the traffic in space. Is this a high traffic space? A low traffic space? These considerations can help you shape any paint or wallpaper selections.

Surface Materials

• Think again about the function of the space. For example, in a kitchen, you need materials that are stain proof, waterproof and heatproof. Consider this when selecting materials.

Tiling

• Tiles come in many finishes and shapes. What type of shape do you like your tiling to be? What finish makes the most sense for the function? Can you play about with matte and gloss tiles? What colour grout are you going to use? Do you want the grout to stand out?

Hardware

• This includes everything from light switches to plug points, cupboard openings and door handles. Be intentional with your hardware selection, as these are elements you interact with daily.

Soft Finishes

• Soft finishes can help you make a large impact and add an element of luxury to your space.

Material Checklist

• Does the material need to be durable?
• Does the material need to be waterproof?
• What is the function of the space where the material is to be used?
• Will the area where the material is being used need frequent cleaning?

Flooring

• There are many types of wooden flooring including; solid wooden flooring, and engineered wooden flooring.
• Solid hardwood flooring is manufactured from a single piece of wood.
• Engineered flooring made up of layers of plywood that are bonded together.
• Tile is great for a hall is way, bathroom, and utility room.
• Vinyl and carpet are softer finishes
• Where possible 2LG like to unify a home with a one-floor finish as this creates a seamless open-plan living space and transition space.
• Having one consistent type of flooring is a very visual way to connect spaces.

Case Study- Perry Rise Kitchen

The washed oak flooring has a grounding impact. Mosaic Del Sur Zellige tiles are used in the kitchen. They have an uneven glaze so the tiles can create a bouncing light effect.

In Perry Rise, washed oak flooring serves as a grounding experience.

Get Inquisitive

• Think about the materials in your home, office and in the local shops.
• Looking at finishes outside a residential setting might spark inspiration.
• Texture can be used tonally, a seamless way to change the vibe of a space.

Mixing Materials

• Jordan and Russell have no problem with mixing materiality within their space, especially with metal finishes.
• For a more glamorous feel, you may go to shinier metals like chrome, brass or gold.

Sustainability

• Jordan and Russell work sustainable choices into their designs.
• You can add sustainable choices to your home by using vegan alternatives and using recycled plastics.
• Using sustainable material isn't a compromise.

Suitability

• You want to pick products that are suitable for the task at hand.
• For example, a worktop that can withstand stains.
• A bathroom material needs to withstand water and bleach.
• A great way to find out the suitability is by speaking to suppliers and getting inquisitive.
• If a product doesn't fit the function, perhaps you can use it elsewhere.
• Marble is an expensive material that can stain easily. Caesarstone or Silestone is a great marble alternative.
• Tile can be a great functional material. Used in an unexpected place, it can be exquisite and can add layers to a space.
• Tile can be a great way to tie spaces together.
• Try to bring tile right across the wall in a bathroom, simplifying the lines in the bathroom. This gives an element of extravagance.
• You can change the way you form patterns with tile.
• Coloured grout is increasingly popular and interesting. It's another to add colour to your space.

Recycled Plastic Finishes

• You can purchase recycled plastic sheets from Smile Plastics.
• A cool alternative to a workshop or tabletop is recycled plastic finishes.
• You can have things made bespoke and use a plastic countertop as dining tabletop.
• This product doesn't respond well to heat, so shouldn't be used near a cooker.

Architecture and Period

• A nice way into pattern and materiality is the period of the architecture you are working with.
• Researching the era can help you find fantastic architecture, connecting you to the history of your home.

Contrasting Textures

• Create interest within a room and create a different feeling.
• Matte and gloss is a great way to create interest. Placing a glossy tile next to a brushed wooden floor creates a great contrast.
• In painted areas, a matte painted wall with a glossy painted ceiling is a great pairing.
• The way light plays around in a glossy ceiling is very fun and playful, adding depth and tonality.
• A painted stripe in a matte and gloss adds a different dimension.
• Playing with soft and hard materials helps to balance your space.
• Hard materials echo and softer materials absorb sounds.
• A soft space can benefit from hard edges, for example, you can soften a kitchen with paper lighting or upholstery.

Your Assignment

Undertake some material research, order samples from suppliers, and get creative. For each material, you analyse, note the properties of the material and where it is best used. A great starting point for learning about sustainable materials is Architecture & Design Scotlands website and Smile Plastics.

Case Study- The Stanley Table

The table was designed in collaboration with Olivia Aspinal, a jesmonite artist. Jesmonite is a resin mixed with concrete. Each marble nub is made individually and contains polished brass within the marbling. The table is in their studio space and functions as a workspace. It is a durable product and a key piece of their home.