Mithun Seth, CEO, AMA Design Solutions, picks 10 eco-friendly building materials that are made of natural plants or recycled, and have a strong design quotient

Mithun Seth


Modern day buildings have truly understood the importance of going green and products like coco tiles are the answer to incorporating reclaimed by-products to create environment-friendly materials which have a unique aesthetic appeal as well

Mithun Seth, CEO, AMA Design Solutions

Coco Tiles

Coco Tiles are made of coconut shells. The tiles come in intricate basket weave or scalloped designs. The backer panel is made of sustainably harvested wood and finished with low VOC-resin. The tiles are easily cut and installed using adhesive and nails.

Coco TilesCoco Tiles

Tiles made from leather scraps

Epitomizing luxury and elegance, leather has been used for a long time as a building material for niche interiors owing to the richness and glamorous feel it gives. But many of us are not aware that even leather scraps and pieces, obtained from car seats, furniture, tanneries, etc., can also be used to make richly hued leather tiles and panels. These are cheaper and easy to install.

Leather TilesLeather Tiles

Fabric Wall Panels

Fabric panels constitute of a panel of wood that is padded with batting and foam, covered over with a fabric. The traditional method of wall upholstery which used wood lathe, staples, etc., has found a very effective substitute, which is affordable and efficient too. Fabric Wall Panels have an additional advantage over and above the aesthetics that they provide, as they are capable of controlling reflection and reverberation of sound, thereby providing an acoustic solution. Fabric wall panels make a room look warm and cosy.

Fabric Wall PanelsFabric Wall Panels

Laser Cut Sheet Metal Panels

Metal panels can be used for indoor as well as for outdoor purposes. They can be installed in an outdoor setting as a shading device, making them not only functionally viable, but also aesthetical as they can enhance the spatial quality of the space by casting artistic shadows as the natural light moves through the laser cut patterns. Other applications include handrail screens, window screens, partitions etc.

Laser Cut Sheet Metal PanelLaser Cut Sheet Metal Panel

Bronze Art Tiles

Bronze has been used for over hundreds of years to create timeless pieces of art and architecture. Bronze Art Tiles brings these qualities into a modern home. They are impervious to heat and can withstand any kind of weather.

Laminated Resin

Laminated Resin is a transparent resin that is formulated to remain water clear even when it is catalysed. Laminated Resin is not prone to yellowing at all and is extremely easy to use, allowing easy flow and fast air bubble release. It is an ideal solution for applications that require a glass exterior.

Trendy Building Materials

Eco Resin

Eco Resin is an environment-friendly resin that is formulated to complement carbon, fibreglass and other laminating materials. Made out of natural plants and vegetable extracts, it is clearly a sustainable substitute for polyester resin. It is almost odourless and can be used safely in almost any working environment.

Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring

Unlike other hardwoods, bamboo is not inherently wear-resistant. Without treatment, many hardwoods are vulnerable to weathering and wear and tear. Strand woven bamboo flooring is much more durable than vertical or horizontal bamboo flooring because the cross-hatched strands act in correspondence to keep the individual components of the material intact.

Strand Woven Bamboo

Cork Flooring

Even though cork as a material has been used for several years, it has recently come into vogue in a significant way owing to the fact that it is a green resource that is renewable and can be used without contributing to deforestation. Benefits include aesthetic appeal, good insulation properties, soft texture, tends to repel pests and dust, and installation is very easy.

Resin WickerResin Wicker

Resin Wicker

Resin wicker is the man-made version of natural wicker that is made out of a synthetic material, mostly polyethylene. It is gaining popularity because of its longevity and durability. It is the best choice for making outdoor furniture and for a true all-weather outdoor set-up. It is lightweight and easy to move; affordable; comfortable as it does not have any sharp edges, weather resistant, resistant to pool water and chlorine, and available in a wide range of styles and colors.