Smart Materials & Tech – the Future of Architecture?

Think about the last time you worked on a project that promised to be sustainable, cutting-edge, or future-proof or any similar buzzword. Did it amount to the rumble? Did it, for example, include materials that actively responded to their environment or was it more about integrating the latest smart gadgets and calling it a day? Smart home technology – like automated lighting, motion sensors or energy-efficient appliances – gets most of the attention, but innovation is happening at the material level too.

A high-rise that regulates its own temperature without HVAC overuse or a house where walls double as solar panels, storing and distributing energy throughout the day is where we’re headed. In fact, some are there already. But according to our research, there’s a clear hold-up. With one in three architects struggling to explain the overall benefits of smart systems and materials, there’s a tangible need to strategize and rethink the way we’re building our cities. Let’s take a closer look.

Smart Materials vs. Smart Tech

When people think of smart buildings, the first thing that usually comes to mind are high-tech gadgets; IoT thermostats, smart home safety systems or integrated, efficient appliances. Smart materials, however, take these a step further by adapting to temperature, light and moisture changes without any external control. They make a building more self-sufficient and efficient at its very core.

Top 3 Smart Materials Architects Should Know About

Smart Insulation Materials

Smart insulation materials – materials that adjust thermal resistance depending on temperature changes – are currently the most applied smart materials by European architects. France and Italy lead in adoption, with 44% and 70% respectively, while Poland and the Netherlands find themselves at the back of the pack, fluctuating at around 10%. 

Photovoltaic Surfaces

Rather than installing bulky solar panels, photovoltaic surfaces integrate solar energy capture directly into facades, allowing for more efficient and adaptable thermal regulation. Again, Italy is at the forefront with 46%, mostly driven by a dedication to renewable energy policies, with Spain in second place with 29%. Both players that we’ll continue to see.

Electrochromic Glass

This glass automatically tints or lightens based on sunlight exposure, temperature or electric stimuli, helping reduce energy costs. It’s widely used in high-end projects across Spain (24%) and Belgium (22%), but overall application is at 10%, with specific countries barely reaching 8%.

Why Aren’t Smart Materials More Popular?

If these advancements – and more; like phase-change materials and hydrogel moisture control – are already out there, what’s stopping them from becoming mainstream? An awareness gap, supported by low interest, slow adoption rates and expense barriers. Here’s the breakdown.

Architects Know Smart Tech, But Not Smart Materials

As a whole, European architects say that they’re at least somewhat familiar with smart home technologies. Spanish, Polish and Dutch professionals claim to know a lot about them (with 35%, 21% and 12% of them being highly informed), while Italian ones are most confident (74% of them are very familiar with the ins and outs). They mostly associate them with IoT, smart home automation or adaptive HVAC and lighting, meaning they do know what they’re talking about.

Smart materials, on the other hand, tell a separate story. Some 22% of architects – a majority –responded with either ‘I don’t know’ or ‘Don’t have an opinion’ when prompted on smart materials. Others have listed eco-friendly solutions (20%), energy-efficient materials (16%) or technology-integrated materials (14%), but seeing as most don’t even know which materials they’ve applied in their projects (30% overall), it’s clear there’s room to learn and grow.

Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Gains

48% of European architects mention high prices of smart implementation as a top concern, with France (68%) and Italy (81%) showing significant struggle with upfront costs. Still, most anticipate a noticeable increase in usage over the next five years, meaning that despite the current pricing gap, the perceived benefits – like enhanced energy efficiency (53%), a reduced carbon footprint (16%) and improved insulation (14%) – signal that the market is ripe for expansion. 

Who’s Asking for Smart Materials and Tech?

While 62% of residential projects include some form of smart technology – mostly HVAC and adaptive lighting and automation – they’re matched by only a 38% share of non-residential buildings. It should come as no surprise then that the housing segment has the strongest demand for smart tech and materials, an overwhelming 59%. Primary drivers of demand are principals of the project (26% building owners, 24% consumers and 23% investors), while architects themselves push for it 25% of the time.

Why Smart Materials Are About to Take Off

Despite current hesitations, architects expect smart materials to become standard within five years. How come?

Client Demand is Growing

Spain and Italy are clear benchmarks for the rising tide, and both see moderate to increased growth in smart appetite, both in materials and in technology. Spain has seen a 58% and 69% increase, while Italy’s at 63% and 62%. The numbers are lowest in Germany and Poland, with around 35% of architects reporting a lack of growth in demand, but adoption rates will probably favour the former examples.

Things Will Get Cheaper

Five years ago, integrating smart systems into a building was prohibitively expensive. But today costs have dropped, making it far more accessible, so we – for instance – see the Netherlands leading in smart tech adoption. The same shift is expected for smart materials, and current numbers – only a fourth of European projects relying on them – will change dramatically as practices become more widespread.

A European Push for Sustainability 

With the EU targeting a 55% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, governments are enforcing strict energy efficiency policies. This is forcing the construction industry to adopt smarter, more efficient materials, particularly in Spain and Italy, where sustainability-focused policies favor their integration. We’re also seeing that many architects connect smart anything to a greener footprint.

A Cross-Country Overlook

Spain is leading the way in smart building innovation, with the highest adoption rates; over 50% of architects in Spain report increasing demand, with photovoltaic facades and smart insulation becoming common features. Italy is also making strides, particularly in the residential sector, where 80% of new buildings incorporate smart tech, and 35% of architects actively use smart materials (electrochromic glass is particularly popular in commercial projects).

Germany and the UK, on the other hand, are taking their time getting on board. Germany has the lowest adoption rate, highest concerns and the least amount of confidence in future growth. The UK struggles with awareness, with a smaller percentage of architects feeling confident in their knowledge of smart materials. Progress will likely happen by showcasing the practical applications and advantages of smart materials and tech. Meaning: clearer case studies and ROI-driven messaging. 

The Takeaway?

Smart materials and technology are shaping the future of architecture, and now is the time to get on board. With costs dropping, regulations becoming more supportive and clients expected to increasingly ask for these solutions, it’s clear that a shift is underway, so it’d be best to get ahead of it. Take a page from the pioneers in Spain and Italy, get familiar with what’s out there and drive change by advocating for the benefits.

Check out our blogs and webinars, or explore our reports to see what’s making an impact. Whether you’re adding just one smart material to your next project or going all-in, the key is to start now. Let’s help you stay ahead of the curve!