MATERIALS
The ideal is to use natural building materials
indigenous to a setting. However, some traditional
or natural building materials may be too expensive
or scarce to consider using today. Nevertheless,
the careful selection of materials creates buildings
that are more ecologically sound and a better
match for particular settings.
• Use natural, nontoxic building materials that
require little maintenance.
• Celebrate, but do not overuse, wood—especially
scarce species or sizes.
• Use materials that are energy-efficient to
produce and transport.
• Draw from local geology by using local stone as
a primary material or as an inspiration for
alternatives.
• Employ materials with integral colors that
weather rather than materials that must be
painted or stained.
• In appropriate settings, use
recycled materials such as
recycled, plastic-lumber
decking.
• When using synthetic materials,
select materials that resemble
natural materials, are durable,
and complement the ROS
setting.
• Consider wildfire potential
when selecting building
materials, especially roofing.