Discussion: New Developments in Materials
The words "new" and "intelligent" frequently occur in architectural discussions of innovative surface finishings today. In most cases, these involve newly developed hybrid products or new techniques for treating existing materials. The majority of these have been in use for some time in other branches of high-tech industry and are subsequently applied in architecture as "spin-off" products. Composite and sandwich materials with a honeycomb or foamed core promise to be light in weight and provide stability plus good insulating properties. Products of this kind can consist of quite different components. Aluminium coatings, resin-impregnated paper, polycarbonate, polythene or even wood-veneers can be combined with core materials of various thicknesses, allowing products to be tailor-made in terms of their appearance and stability. They are light in weight and easy to work; and in a translucent form, interesting visual effects can be achieved.
