The performance, longevity and atmosphere of a building are determined by the way its materials work together. Thoughtfully designed assemblies improve comfort, durability and ease of maintenance, while reducing embodied carbon, construction waste and costly failures over a building’s lifetime. By carefully evaluating how every layer performs as part of a whole, we create buildings that are resilient, healthy and built to age gracefully.
This stage focuses on researching, evaluating and developing the material systems that give a building its character and performance. We compare natural and contemporary construction methods, assess their environmental impact, source appropriate materials, and engineer assemblies that respond to climate, construction methods and long-term use. Every decision considers not only structural and environmental performance, but also repairability, availability, craftsmanship and the sensory experience of inhabiting the finished space.
At Laya, material selection is never an afterthought—it is a design discipline in its own right. Drawing on building science, traditional knowledge and close relationships with craftspeople and suppliers, we develop material strategies that balance technical performance, environmental responsibility and architectural expression.
Depending on the project, our work may include:
- Material Research & Evaluation
- Material Sourcing & Procurement Guidance
- Natural & Contemporary System Selection
- Assembly Design & Engineering
- Embodied Carbon & Life-cycle Assessment
- Building Envelope & Moisture Strategy
- Material Palettes & Spatial Experience
- Maintenance & Repair Strategies
→ Continue to Craft