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Alternatives to brick and concrete: how new materials are changing the way we build - La Nacion Propiedades
Source:
www.lanacion.com.ar
November 19, 2025
Lighter, more efficient and sustainable, these systems reduce environmental impact and redefine the experience of inhabiting spaces
By Brenda Escudero
The change is not just visual, it also transforms the way we build and live
For years, brick and concrete were the cornerstones of traditional construction . However, the global landscape is changing : the pursuit of energy efficiency, the reduction of carbon footprints, and the use of renewable materials are driving a new way of building . In this context, materials like bamboo and wood are emerging as a sustainable and versatile alternative , capable of transforming both the aesthetics and functionality of buildings.
This change not only responds to international trends, but also to the local need to rethink the modes of production , costs and the relationship between architecture and environment.
“Today, construction is still very artisanal. The Mass Timber system , which includes technologies such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) or glued laminated timber (Glulam), proposes the complete opposite: an industrialized, more precise and professional process,” explains Santiago Fiorda Peña, co-founder and creative director of Experiencia Dogma, the country’s first media-driven architecture and urban planning studio.
Developers' interest in this type of construction is beginning to grow.
In Argentina, the shift towards this construction model seems to be slower than in the rest of the world: regulations to support the change, investment, and cultural impetus to abandon the artisanal approach that dominates the sector are still lacking. The main obstacle for Argentinians is the lack of regulations. “This system is already in use in Uruguay and Chile, but it's not yet regulated here. The building codes are still designed for another era,” explains the architect.
Developers' interest in this type of construction is growing. As Fiorda Peña explains, "Innovation has become a competitive advantage in the market, and high-end projects will be the first to incorporate these technologies." Over time, the model is expected to expand to include family homes and smaller-scale developments.
For the architect, change is inevitable . He believes that Argentina has the potential, resources, and knowledge necessary to join this transformation, although there is still a lack of decisiveness and greater professionalization within the sector. From his perspective, sustainable architecture is no longer “a passing trend,” but rather the path toward the future of construction.
This type of construction offers multiple benefits:
Tower complex with wooden structure
The Sara Cultural Centre stands out as one of the tallest wooden skyscrapers in the world . The project comprises a complex of timber-framed towers housing artistic and literary organizations side-by-side.
The hotel tower was built with prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) modules, arranged between two elevator cores that make up its main structure.
Mindfulness City
The proposed 1,000-square-kilometer urban development project, spearheaded by renowned Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, aims to integrate dimensions related to emotional well-being, health, education, quality of life, and time management. It also focuses on environmental resilience, cultural diversity, and strengthening local communities.
The buildings will be constructed using local materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo, and their design will draw inspiration from Bhutanese vernacular architecture. Furthermore, they will be built on paved roads with permeable surfaces that promote natural drainage.
Bamboo constructions
In Bali, a school gymnasium has become a model of sustainable architecture. Designed by the Ibuku studio, it was built entirely from bamboo and features a self-supporting, undulating roof. Its structure, formed by soaring arches and a tensioned net, was inspired by the shape of a ribcage.
Project for the world's largest wooden city in StockholmAtrium Ljungberg / Henning Larsen
In Sickla, south of Stockholm, construction is progressing on a wooden city that will cover 250,000 square meters . Driven by the developer Atrium Ljungberg, the project aims to create a model community focused on sustainability and well-being. All buildings will be constructed with local materials, primarily wood, and will feature their own and shared energy systems, with the goal of reducing environmental impact and improving the quality of life for its residents.
In places that are frequently affected by hurricanes or tornadoes of greater intensity, homes usually have a brick-built basement.www.pineca.es
In the United States, wood became the preferred building material for economic, historical, and functional reasons. Its wide availability and lower cost compared to brick or concrete make it a traditional and efficient choice for most buildings.
www.buysellba.com
Source:
LA NACION
Información confiable en Internet. Noticias de Argentina y del mundo - ¡Informate ya!
November 19, 2025
Lighter, more efficient and sustainable, these systems reduce environmental impact and redefine the experience of inhabiting spaces
By Brenda Escudero
The change is not just visual, it also transforms the way we build and live
For years, brick and concrete were the cornerstones of traditional construction . However, the global landscape is changing : the pursuit of energy efficiency, the reduction of carbon footprints, and the use of renewable materials are driving a new way of building . In this context, materials like bamboo and wood are emerging as a sustainable and versatile alternative , capable of transforming both the aesthetics and functionality of buildings.
This change not only responds to international trends, but also to the local need to rethink the modes of production , costs and the relationship between architecture and environment.
Sustainable construction in Argentina
In Argentina, construction has always been characterized by the prominence of brick and concrete, materials associated with safety and durability. But new environmental demands and the need to optimize resources are driving a paradigm shift. Increasingly, local projects are beginning to explore sustainable alternatives .“Today, construction is still very artisanal. The Mass Timber system , which includes technologies such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) or glued laminated timber (Glulam), proposes the complete opposite: an industrialized, more precise and professional process,” explains Santiago Fiorda Peña, co-founder and creative director of Experiencia Dogma, the country’s first media-driven architecture and urban planning studio.
Developers' interest in this type of construction is beginning to grow.
In Argentina, the shift towards this construction model seems to be slower than in the rest of the world: regulations to support the change, investment, and cultural impetus to abandon the artisanal approach that dominates the sector are still lacking. The main obstacle for Argentinians is the lack of regulations. “This system is already in use in Uruguay and Chile, but it's not yet regulated here. The building codes are still designed for another era,” explains the architect.
Developers' interest in this type of construction is growing. As Fiorda Peña explains, "Innovation has become a competitive advantage in the market, and high-end projects will be the first to incorporate these technologies." Over time, the model is expected to expand to include family homes and smaller-scale developments.
For the architect, change is inevitable . He believes that Argentina has the potential, resources, and knowledge necessary to join this transformation, although there is still a lack of decisiveness and greater professionalization within the sector. From his perspective, sustainable architecture is no longer “a passing trend,” but rather the path toward the future of construction.
This type of construction offers multiple benefits:
- Reducing environmental impact : Wood is a renewable resource that acts as a carbon sink. Its use drastically reduces the environmental footprint compared to concrete or steel. “It is one of the most carbon-efficient construction methods. In Europe and the United States, it is becoming a viable alternative for achieving climate neutrality,” explains Santiago Fiorda Peña.
- Faster construction time : The industrialized system allows parts to be manufactured in the workshop and assembled on-site. This shortens construction times by up to 20% or 30% compared to traditional construction.
- Greater precision and less waste: Each component is digitally cut and assembled with millimeter accuracy. This eliminates errors and reduces waste generated on-site, a key point in terms of sustainability and resource efficiency.
- Comfort and well-being for residents: Wood has thermal and acoustic qualities that enhance the living experience. “Spaces built with wood are warmer, reduce stress, and improve concentration. Living surrounded by natural materials has a proven positive effect,” emphasizes Fiorda Peña.
- Less maintenance and high durability: Contrary to the myth that wood "doesn't last," industrial laminate systems are resistant to moisture, fire, and the passage of time. "There are buildings of more than ten stories in Sweden or Norway that demonstrate their durability in extreme climates," says the architect.
World constructions that embraced change
Sara Cultural Centre, Sweden
Tower complex with wooden structure
The Sara Cultural Centre stands out as one of the tallest wooden skyscrapers in the world . The project comprises a complex of timber-framed towers housing artistic and literary organizations side-by-side.
The hotel tower was built with prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) modules, arranged between two elevator cores that make up its main structure.
Mindfulness City in Gelephu, Bhutan
Mindfulness City
The proposed 1,000-square-kilometer urban development project, spearheaded by renowned Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, aims to integrate dimensions related to emotional well-being, health, education, quality of life, and time management. It also focuses on environmental resilience, cultural diversity, and strengthening local communities.
The buildings will be constructed using local materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo, and their design will draw inspiration from Bhutanese vernacular architecture. Furthermore, they will be built on paved roads with permeable surfaces that promote natural drainage.
The gymnasium at the Green School in Bali
Bamboo constructions
In Bali, a school gymnasium has become a model of sustainable architecture. Designed by the Ibuku studio, it was built entirely from bamboo and features a self-supporting, undulating roof. Its structure, formed by soaring arches and a tensioned net, was inspired by the shape of a ribcage.
Wooden City, Stockholm
Project for the world's largest wooden city in StockholmAtrium Ljungberg / Henning Larsen
In Sickla, south of Stockholm, construction is progressing on a wooden city that will cover 250,000 square meters . Driven by the developer Atrium Ljungberg, the project aims to create a model community focused on sustainability and well-being. All buildings will be constructed with local materials, primarily wood, and will feature their own and shared energy systems, with the goal of reducing environmental impact and improving the quality of life for its residents.
Wooden houses, United States
In places that are frequently affected by hurricanes or tornadoes of greater intensity, homes usually have a brick-built basement.www.pineca.es
In the United States, wood became the preferred building material for economic, historical, and functional reasons. Its wide availability and lower cost compared to brick or concrete make it a traditional and efficient choice for most buildings.
www.buysellba.com
