Unveiling NEXUS: A Journey Through the Finalization of the Ultimate Material Library for Architects

Lapis Bureau
Aug 12
4 min read

Updated: Aug 15

As architects, we've always been captivated by the materials that shape our built environment. The textures, colors, and unique properties of construction materials can turn a simple design into a stunning work of art. After months of hard work and dedication, I am thrilled to announce the completion of NEXUS, the ultimate material library designed specifically for architects, designers, and professionals in the construction industry.

In this blog post, I'll guide you through my journey of finalizing NEXUS, showcasing its features, benefits, and how it can transform the way we select materials for our projects.

The Vision Behind NEXUS

NEXUS originated from a strong need for a centralized resource that simplifies the material selection process for architects. In my years of experience, finding the right materials often felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. I envisioned a physical space as a platform that would house not only a wide variety of construction materials while offering detailed insights into each, such as sustainability ratings, performance characteristics, and aesthetic qualities, but also provide reliable suppliers and know how for construction, as well as a space for sharing, gathering and networking with other professionals.

With this vision in mind, we aimed to create a material library that would serve as an essential tool for architects and designers. Made from the perspective of an architect rather than from the standpoint of a salesman developing a showroom. Imagine having all the information you need about materials at your fingertips, making it easier to choose the right elements for your designs.

Eye-level view of a modern material library showcasing various samples — NEXUS : a modern material library filled with diverse construction samples.

The Development Process

Creating NEXUS was a significant undertaking. It required thorough research, collaboration with manufacturers, and a deep understanding of architect needs. We began by sourcing a diverse range of materials, from traditional options like wood and stone to innovative products such as recycled composites and smart materials.

For instance, I discovered that using bamboo, a fast-growing plant, can reduce environmental impact by up to 50% compared to traditional timber. Engaging with fellow architects and industry professionals was crucial during this phase. Their feedback helped shape the library's features and ensure it met the everyday needs of its users.

As our team partners compiled materials, we focused on designing an intuitive user interface that simplifies navigation through a physical space. The goal was to enable architects to discover materials based on specific criteria, such as sustainability, cost, and visual appeal.

Key Features of NEXUS

NEXUS is crafted specifically for architects. Here some features that make it unique:

Comprehensive Material Database: NEXUS boasts an extensive collection of construction materials, each with detailed descriptions, specifications, physical samples and digital images. This feature empowers architects to make informed decisions based on project requirements. For example, architects can quickly assess durability ratings and variety of finishes when selecting flooring materials.
Sustainability Ratings: Today, sustainability plays a crucial role in material selection. NEXUS provides sustainability ratings for each material, assisting architects in choosing options that align with their environmental goals. Research shows that the building sector contributes to 39% of global carbon emissions, making these choices even more critical.
User-Friendly Interface: The spatial layout and its platform's design allows for quick searches and material filtering based on various parameters. This efficiency saves architects valuable time throughout the design phase.
Inspiration Gallery: NEXUS will include an inspiration gallery featuring projects that have successfully utilized materials from the library. This sparks creativity and provides real-world examples of material applications. For example, seeing how recycled glass was incorporated into a café’s interior design can inspire similar uses in future projects.
Collaboration Tools: Recognizing that architecture is often a team effort, NEXUS includes features that allow users to share material selections and ideas with team members. This promotes a more integrated and collaborative design approach.

Close-up view of a sample board displaying various textures and colors of construction materials — The importance of testing a variety of textures and colors for construction materials under different lights.

The Impact on Architectural Practice

Completing NEXUS is a significant milestone in our architectural journey. We genuinely believe this material library will greatly influence architectural practices. By offering easy access to a wealth of information, NEXUS allows architects to make better-informed choices. This leads to improved design outcomes, seamlessly blending aesthetics with functionality.

Moreover, the focus on sustainability within the library responds to the growing demand for eco-friendly architecture. As architects, we must be aware of the environmental impacts of our material decisions. NEXUS fosters this responsible approach to our work.

Future Developments

Although NEXUS is almost complete, our vision for the platform continues. We are dedicated to constantly updating the library with new materials and features based on user feedback and emerging industry trends.

In the upcoming months, we plan to introduce educational resources such as webinars and articles that explore material selection and sustainable design practices. By building a community of architects and designers, we can collectively elevate the standards of our profession.

A New Era for Architects

Finalizing NEXUS has been both a challenging and rewarding experience. We are proud to present a material library that meets the needs of architects and inspires creativity and innovation in design.

As we advance in an ever-changing industry, access to a comprehensive resource like NEXUS will enhance our ability to create beautiful, functional, and sustainable spaces. We invite you to come and explore NEXUS yourself and discover the endless possibilities within its virtual walls.