Preface -- Part A Materials and architecture -- 1 The surface in contemporary architecture -- 2 The architect as building materials scout -- 3 The critical path to sustainable construction -- 4 Criteria for the selection of building materials -- 5 The development of innovative materials -- 6 Touching the senses - materials and haptics in the design process -- Part B Properties of building materials -- 1 Stone -- 2 Loam -- 3 Ceramic materials -- 4 Building materials with mineral binders -- 5 Bituminous materials -- 6 Wood and wood-based products -- 7 Metal -- 8 Glass -- 9 Synthetic materials -- 10 Life cycle assessments -- Part C Applications of building materials -- 1 The building envelope -- 2 Insulating and sealing -- 3 Building services -- 4 Walls -- 5 Intermediate floors -- 6 Floors -- 7 Surfaces and coatings -- Part D Case studies in detail -- Project examples 1 to 25 -- Part E Appendix -- Glossary: Physical parameters of materials -- Glossary: Hazardous substances -- Statutory instruments, directives, standards -- Bibliography -- Picture credits -- Subject index -- Index of names.