Welcome to the ACAN Natural Materials Detail Library
Materials specification is climate action!
What are Natural Materials? *
Materials that are abundant or renewable, with minimal processing and therefore low-embodied energy.
Materials that are sourced responsibly, with minimal ecological damage and preferably part of a regenerative land stewardship.
Materials that are healthy, non-toxic and part of a continuous life-cycle: easily reused, recycled or returned to the earth.
*As per defined by the ACAN Natural Materials Group
The ACAN Natural Materials group seeks to educate and inform students, professionals and the general public on the multiple benefits of natural materials in construction. We believe natural materials should be the first choice for new construction and refurbishment. Natural materials provide healthy, low carbon, low impact, resilient, local and beautiful construction resources.
We developed the Natural Materials Detail Library in response to conversations over the last 5 years. This will be a continually growing resource.
Youtube: We host regular webinars on Natural Materials in construction. The back catalogue is a rich, freely available resource online.
WhatsApp: Our group is a live source of excellent information with access to brilliant practitioners from across the construction industry. Join us and introduce yourself.
Events: We visit universities and conferences, introducing natural materials in construction. We occasionally organise group tours to exemplar projects. If you’d like to know more or want us to visit, please get in touch.
