1.Climatic conditions and thermal comfort

The climatic conditions may severely impact the selection of building materials. It is important to know the conditions of a region along with the behavior of particular building material in that climate. For example, thick mud walls have high thermal mass (thermal mass- the ability of a material to absorb and store and release the heat energy) and reduce indoor temperature fluctuation. Hence, they are preferred in hot and dry regions where the diurnal fluctuation (variation between a high temperature and a low temperature that occurs during the same day) is high.

 

Passive cooling in this climate is usually more effective. We cannot blindly suggest materials based on the macroclimate, rather we should analyze other factors such as micro-climate, average temperature, annual rainfall, humidity levels, Fog, Mist, and much more. Thus, the climatic conditions may even greatly influence your decision in regard to the selection of building materials.

​

We can scientifically understand thermal comfort by comparing the specific heat values of different materials :

Specific Heat is the amount of heat per unit mass required to raise the temperature by 1degree celsius

​

Specific Heat of Concrete: 0.75 J/kgK

Specific Heat of Glass :0.84 J/kgK

Specific Heat of Steel: 0.49 J/kgK

Specific Heat of Brick: 1.05 J/kgK

Specific Heat of Clay :1.26 J/kgK

​

2.Ease of Construction

According to each site's material availability, climate, Contours, Labour availability one can choose their desire method of Construction.

In places where there is a lack of skilled labour, Earthbag Construction is a go-to method. In a site of abundant mud availability, mud walls is a good option. According to the availability of water and skilled labourers, one can choose Wet Mud Methods like Cob, Adobe or Dry Mud Methods like Rammed Earth, Earthbag, Compressed Mud Blocks. 

Simpler methods can be chosen like Interlock brickwork or exposed Brickworks.

Availability of Stones in the vicinity will be a great virtue to use for foundations. Sometimes, skilled works like Madras Terrace Roof or Chettinad Plasters will require highly skilled labourers, who availability and costs are to be checked.

​

 

3.Strength and durability

The strength of a material is its ability to withstand load without any deformation. Every eco-friendly material needs to be stabilized in order to increase its compressive and tensile strength. Especially when we are building load-bearing structures we need to analyse the compressive strength of the materials. Again the strength also depends on how effective it responds to climate, the type of load that is to be experienced on the building, quality of the raw materials and the construction technique.

 

Durability of a building material is the capacity of a material to be functional without excessive maintenance and to perform well over its design lifespan. Their eco-friendly nature, doesn’t mean to compromise on its durability. It must last longer for the best energy conservation, waste removal and also for reducing the cost of rework and repair. A durable product will have lesser chances of getting spoilt which will improve your profit margin by preventing constant fixtures and replacements. For example, bamboo is one of the popular eco-friendly materials which is known for its light-weight and strength. Contradicting to this, untreated bamboo can last 2-6 years internally, and less than a year if exposed to rainfall. So, to increase the durability it needs to be treated to resist insect attacks and internal decaying.

​

4.Local availability of material
The products used must be locally produced as this will help in reducing the cost of transportation energy as well. Transporting goods from other areas will waste natural resources like petrol and diesel. It will also boost the economy of the local government as the goods are locally produced.