The Art of Materiality
We do not just pick materials. We study how site waste like granite off-cuts or old brick can become the very walls of your home. Explore our experimental process where texture meets purpose.
We are always exploring ways to use waste materials. Here, we are testing a new type of wall cast using wood waste from a furniture factory, with wood chips substituting for aggregate.
The process of grinding down the surface of our experimental wood-waste concrete block to expose the wood chips embedded within. This creates a unique, terrazzo-like finish.
A close-up of the finished wood-waste concrete. The random pattern of wood chips creates a warm and tactile surface, turning a waste product into a beautiful architectural material.
The outer face of the experimental block is cast against formwork made of waste wood strips, creating a ribbed texture. This exploration allows for different finishes on the interior and exterior of a single wall.
For a new project at the base of Nandi Hills, we are using waste off-cuts from nearby granite processing facilities. This pile of discarded stone will become the load-bearing walls of the house.
A local artisan works on a mock-up wall for the Nandi Hills house, carefully laying the thin granite off-cuts. This process relies on the skill of local craftspeople.
A full-scale mock-up of the load-bearing wall for the Nandi Hills house. The stacked granite off-cuts create a highly textured, monolithic surface that is both sustainable and deeply connected to its location.
We created mock-ups to study how to introduce jaalis into the monolithic stone walls of the Nandi Hills house. This screen is made from stacked granite off-cuts, creating openings for light and air.
A detail of the granite off-cut jaali, showing how the simple act of stacking and spacing the stone creates a complex and beautiful screen.
The finished texture of the Nandi House wall, built from waste granite off-cuts. The horizontal lines create a strong graphic quality against the lush green landscape.
About The Art of Materiality
Before we finalize any material, we build full-scale mock-ups on-site. Whether we are testing how lime plaster catches the morning sun or verifying the structural integrity of granite off-cuts, these 4ft tests allow us to refine texture and finish long before the main construction begins.
For us, architecture is not just about the final structure; it is about the story within the materials. We often look to site waste to define the building’s character and environmental footprint. For our Nandi Hills project, instead of ordering standard stone, we sourced off-cuts from local granite processing plants. By stacking these thin, irregular strips, we created a monolithic, textured load-bearing wall that feels deeply grounded in its landscape.
We also experiment with wood waste from furniture factories. By casting this waste into concrete, we create surfaces with embedded textures that are entirely unique to that specific project. This requires deep collaboration with local craftspeople to ensure the mortar mix is right and the final finish holds up to the climate. We do not just want a wall that works functionally; we want a wall that adds life and warmth to the space. Whether it is a jaali screen for ventilation or a bamboo canopy for shade, every material choice we make serves both the structure and the atmosphere of the room.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
11
Natural Materials and Craftsmanship in Design
9
Handcrafted Materials and Architectural Detail
8
The Craft of Sustainable Construction & Local Materials
17
The Art of Materiality in Architecture
28
Reimagining Materials and Architectural Form
Building with Nature: Sustainable Materials & Methods
Looking for a different design style?
Find specific projects or services across our portfolio.
More from Architectural Design by CollectiveProject
More services by CollectiveProject