9 standout building materials and technologies to watch

The standout building materials of recent years are changing how we build: stronger, lighter and friendlier to the environment. The common thread is a return to materials that are naturally sourced or recyclable — the upfront cost may be higher, but the payoff is better performance in use and a longer building lifespan. Below are nine material groups and technologies worth knowing about.

1. Prefabricated laminated timber

Prefabricated laminated timber is regarded as the “wood of the future”: more water-resistant and rigid than ordinary timber, it can replace part of the concrete-and-steel structure in tall buildings to cut carbon emissions. Several high-rise projects around the world have used it for structural framing, notably Collins House in Melbourne, Australia.

2. Self-healing concrete

This concrete is seeded with bacteria that activate on contact with water; when a crack appears, the bacteria produce calcite that seals it. The benefits are lower structural maintenance costs, a significantly extended building lifespan, and less newly manufactured cement — a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.

3. 3D graphene

3D graphene is being researched as a partial replacement for steel: many times lighter yet with very high mechanical strength. If adopted at scale, it would allow taller, slimmer structures, and it also has uses in the lighting industry and in fuel-efficient vehicles.

4. Transparent aluminium

In reality a hard ceramic alloy, nearly twice as hard as sapphire, resistant to corrosion, radiation and oxidation. It can be used for ultra-durable windows, domes or high-pressure structures in place of ordinary glass.

5. Aluminium foam

Created by injecting gas into molten metal to form a porous material — strong, light and 100% recyclable. Aluminium foam is well suited to durable facade cladding panels and decorative details.

6. Nanocrystal glass

Glass embedded with nanocrystals makes “smart windows” smarter: it admits natural light while blocking heat. It is ideal where plenty of daylight is wanted alongside indoor temperature control, easing the load on air conditioning.

7. Invisible solar cells

Transparent solar cells generate electricity by channelling light wavelengths to cells at the edges, turning glazed doors, windows and building surfaces into power sources without bulky panels — helping cut electricity bills.

8. Bioreactor facades

These are algae-infused wall panels that photosynthesise to generate energy and regulate the building’s temperature. It is a sustainable materials direction for buildings aiming at better thermal balance and greater energy self-sufficiency.

9. Synthetic spider silk

Synthetic spider silk has very high tensile strength and good resonance properties, and is being researched for variants used in acoustic bricks and laboratory spaces.

Choosing materials: balancing technology against a real budget

Not every advanced material suits every project. For mainstream housing and interiors in Vietnam, most of the value comes from choosing materials that are durable, safe, readily supplied and within budget — rather than chasing expensive technology. See also interior materials of the future and green building materials to weigh the right options.

AIC works to a single-point design-build model, with over 10 years in the trade (since 2016 under the predecessor Nhan Viet; AIC was founded in 2019) and two in-house factories (1,200 m² and 600 m²). From a floor plan, AIC can produce a BOQ estimate within roughly 4 working hours, complete with a materials take-off, so owners can size their budget; projects are handed over with a warranty of up to 24 months. See our apartment interior design and build service.

Frequently asked questions

Are sustainable building materials more expensive than conventional ones?

The upfront cost is usually higher, but many sustainable materials compensate with long lifespans, low maintenance and operating energy savings. Evaluate them on whole-life cost rather than purchase price alone.

How does self-healing concrete work?

Self-healing concrete contains bacteria that activate on contact with water. When the concrete cracks and water seeps in, the bacteria produce calcite that seals the crack — reducing maintenance and extending the structure’s lifespan.

Should laminated timber replace concrete?

Prefabricated laminated timber suits certain structural elements and projects aiming to cut carbon emissions, thanks to its light weight and good water resistance. Replacing concrete and steel, however, requires structural calculations and compliance with building codes, so consult a structural engineer.