Structural Hacks That Architects Love

Last Updated on January 23, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg

There are designs that seem not to be affected by gravity… at all.

The secret ingredient is actually the combination of materials, innovative techniques, and structural thinkering/hacks.

When you're about to embark on a project, whether large or small, some of these ideas can be used as sources of inspiration.

With the help of modern materials and techniques, architects nowadays don’t just think about making structures strong.

They also change the way structures can be made much more efficient, longer-lasting, and much more sustainable.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s behind the curtain or you’ve seen a design you’d want to incorporate into your project but don’t know how, you’re not alone.

Keep reading and you’ll see how it’s possible to have designs that seem like Harry Potter made them.

Image credit: Pinterest
Image credit: Pinterest

Modern Hacks

Architects are masters at blending creativity and functionality, and they’ll often get crazy innovative to handle challenges in design.

Here are some of the most effective strategies they use to make their visions a reality.

What Makes Minimalist Design Possible

Sleek, open interiors without any visible support beams are very aesthetic and it’s no wonder they’re so popular.

Depending on the intended design, architects might opt for hiding structural reinforcements in walls, ceilings, and floors to keep the space looking clean and without interruptions or imperfections.

Sometimes, however, leaving structural components out in the open might work better with the current design of the structure.

Lightweight materials like steel trusses and advanced composites play a big role in making this possible.

They have a very high strength-to-weight ratio, and this allows architects to design big, open spaces without compromising stability.

And steel trusses are very popular in construction across the U.S. but have vastly different applications depending on the area they’re used at.

In the state of Georgia, steel trusses will often be used for commercial and industrial purposes.

While in the state of Texas, the application will be aimed more toward the agricultural industry and warehousing.

Florida, because of its strong hurricanes, will opt for steel trusses for coastal construction.

States like Illinois (especially the Windy City of Chicago) will use steel trusses in their many high-rise buildings.

Modular Construction

Pre-engineered components/parts (e.g., modular trusses) are swift and easy to assemble, but at the same time, they’re also very strong and durable, making them ideal.

These components fit in with every kind of building; they could be used for a single-family home to multi-storied commercial space.

Size and scale don’t matter. Modulars, as architects say, shorten the construction period/process with less wastage and also maintain a consistent quality in construction.

Designing Around Load Distribution

One of the most important considerations in architecture is to manage the weight across a structure.

Architects handle this with advanced geometry and strategically placed supports that can evenly distribute the loads and prevent stress points and weaknesses.

Cantilevered designs are an excellent example of this, where sections of a building seem like they’re floating.

Another great example are big, open spans like you’d (usually) see in event halls.

Coatings for Looks and Durability

If you’ve taken the time to design a great structure, it only makes sense to protect it. This is where weather-resistant and paint-protection films come in.

These types of coatings are often used in construction as a finishing touch that’ll help prevent rust, corrosion, UV, and moisture thereby lengthening the lifespan of the structure itself.

Energy-Efficient Passive Design

Passive design maximizes the use of natural resources. As a result, structures are more environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

Architects will strategically place structural elements (like roofs) to get the most natural light and ventilation.

For example, angled roofs can reflect sunlight into certain areas, so that there’s less need for artificial lighting during the day.

Passive design can also promote better airflow.

This means that the temperature inside will remain pleasantly comfortable without undue reliance on either heating or cooling systems.

Thus making the air and temperature more pleasant and even reducing energy bills.

Image credit: dwell.com
Image credit: Pinterest

Multi-Functional Designs for Smarter Architecture

Creativity has no limit or bounds; why then should we stop at trusses only supporting roofs?

That’s exactly how the architects think, which is why we have structures that don’t just hold up, but every part of them works harder.

You could even say that each of them has at least two jobs.

As previously mentioned, trusses don’t just support roofs. They’re also storage spaces and eye-catching design features.

This kind of thinking is especially useful in spaces like barns. There are a lot of barns being turned into home offices or even homes, and every inch matters.

With modern materials, these structures stay strong, functional, reliable, and still look amazing.

On top of this, you’ll see that many architects are turning to eco-friendly and recycled materials to make buildings more sustainable and better for the environment.

Image credit: castlegibson.com

Conclusion

You may not be an architect, and you might not even be someone that’s interested in this topic and you’ve kind of randomly stumbled upon it.

Either way, you’ll agree that today, buildings don’t just stand – they stand out.

And that’s because there’s a little bit of magic behind them.

magnifiercross