Natural materials and human wellbeing. From vernacular principles to contemporary architecture enhancing aesthetic experience
The usage of natural materials is widely recognized, from the extensive resource potential, and low energy production to the possibilities of recycling in the building construction. This article aims to provide a systematic review of the correlation between the sustainable characteristics of the building material and its influence on the aesthetic experience, or the rather overlooked character of the material that significantly determines the spatial atmosphere and sensory perception of the architectural building. Precisely, to determine an interaction of criteria and indicators of materiality, wellbeing, and aesthetics. Natural building materials, besides providing a sustainable eco-friendly solution through a highly aesthetic appearance and material properties contribute to a multisensory experience, wellbeing, restorativeness, and human comfort. The application of natural materials in building construction recalls traditional principles enriched with contemporary demands, and resembles a conceptually expanded built natural environment that heightens the proven potential of this unlimited resource, from energy consumption to architectural experience. The integration of nature, environment, and overall natural resources into a symbiotic link with the architectural building is crucial, providing in that way a blurring between nature and architectural structure as an enhancement and richness of the sensory perception.