How to Discover New Building Materials Online

Every client wants the architect to select a fresh material palette for their project. This is because every project is unique and demands a distinct design approach. To support this need, architects resort to the concept of a moodboard.

A moodboard helps to visualize the material spread for a project. But, the process of making a moodboard is extensive. The architect has to flip through many brochures and material samples. Speaking to the vendors and visiting the market also help to discover new building materials. However, these traditional methods of material procurement are time-consuming.

It can cause delays in project submissions because of its labor-intensive nature. But with the advancements of technology, digital platforms are helping to overcome these shortcomings. It is now easier to source building materials online.

Learn about: 5 Challenges of Material Sampling in the AEC Industry

How to Source Building Materials Online?

There exist E-Commerce websites such as Archmozzo that make material sampling convenient. Archmozzo has a material variety ranging from wallpapers, tiles, countertops to plywood. With the help of digital tools, one can even visualize these materials on building surfaces in 3D software models. This helps to save time, energy, and money invested in conventional ways of material procurement. Hence, digitization is paving the way forward to source building materials online.

How does Digitization Help with Material Learning?

In today’s age, the fastest way to learn and grow is through digitization. The perks of having a digital presence have made giant global brands shift to the virtual world. Be it marketing and promotions, shopping, or designing, the shift from physical to digital has seen an upward trend.

Even in the case of the AEC domain, there are various blogs, digital publications, and podcasts that provide an extensive idea about materials and their application. Below is a description of digital channels that can help you explore and discover new building materials online.

Material Listing Websites

If you are a graphic-based learner, visiting a building material e-commerce store would be the perfect knowledge bank for you. Similar to popular e-commerce websites such as Amazon, building material websites list architectural products for materials sampling and purchase.

For instance, Archmozzo is a digital platform that allows you to discover and source building materials online. You can learn about material specifications, properties, and technology by reading the descriptions on their website. You can also reach out to their brand associations such as Orientbell, Wonderlam, and Realply to know more about their product range. The filtering options allow for better navigation throughout the website.

Verbose Research Material

If you are an avid reader, you can explore blogs, research papers, and media articles as a tool for material learning. E-Magazines such as ArchDaily and Dezeen provide excellent information on material procurement. These digital publications also feature editorial articles on topics such as sustainable materials, architectural products, and material trends. Researchgate is a platform from which you can source good research papers on building design and material sampling.

Podcasts

Podcasts are another great way to discover new building materials. Material Things is Archmozzo’s weekly podcast that focuses on exploring new building material concepts. The guests on the show are leading material manufacturers, suppliers, and designers from across India.

The podcast intends to educate the AEC Community about new building materials and techniques. It’s a session of 30-40 minutes that gives you material learnings, all encapsulated in a podcast.

Social Media Channels

Social media is an exceptional tool of expression and learning. Platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook are always high on trends and innovation. Today’s tech-savvy population consumes information via social networking websites. Hence, architects and interior designers can source building materials online by exploring materials on social media.

Archmozzo’s Instagram page provides a regular stream of material-based content to help the AEC community learn and grow. They share material-specific content helping the community to discover brands, new materials, and give them design inspiration.

Final Thoughts

Sourcing building materials online is not just a trend, it’s the onset of a new era. The future of material sampling and sourcing is virtual. The errors of communication can be avoided by buying new building materials online. The digital world is hassle-free and transparent, making it easier for buyers to reach out to verified suppliers. If you have explored materials online, let us know your experience in the comments. And, if you are yet to discover new building materials digitally, you can head over to Archmozzo’s website and get going now!