Eric Liftin is the founder of MESH Architectures in Brooklyn, a hybrid architectural practice that works in both the physical and virtual realms (the firm also designs websites). The majority of Mesh's domestic projects are renovations, and the practice makes a point of integrating the use of new materials into old structures without erasing the character and construction. "We work with a wide range of materials, and we are often inspired by the materials themselves," Liftin says. "Architecural ideas come out of a material's capabilities." Below are a few of MESH's favorite materials; see the firm's work at MESH Architectures.
![Architect Visit MESH Architectures in Brooklyn portrait 3](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/carleigh/08-2010/475All_IMG_2345.jpg)
Above: A selection of MESH Architectures' favorite materials.
![Architect Visit MESH Architectures in Brooklyn portrait 4](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/carleigh/08-2010/475ButternutIMG_2285.jpg)
Above: Butternut wood from Vermont Wildwoods, "a beautiful wood with a lot of character that is reasonably priced," according to Liftin.
![Architect Visit MESH Architectures in Brooklyn portrait 5](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/carleigh/08-2010/475FireslateIMG_2294.jpg)
Above: "Fireslate is a synthetic material made in Massachusetts with a pleasing cement-like appearance."
![Architect Visit MESH Architectures in Brooklyn portrait 6](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/carleigh/08-2010/475FlexStrutIMG_2301.jpg)
Above: "Flex-Strut is a system of steel channels and bolted fittings that you can fashion into wall dividers."
![Architect Visit MESH Architectures in Brooklyn portrait 7](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/carleigh/08-2010/475IronPipeIMG_2305.jpg)
Above: "Cast-iron pipe fittings offer endless ideas for invention."
![Architect Visit MESH Architectures in Brooklyn portrait 8](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/carleigh/08-2010/475PaneliteIMG_2309.jpg)
Above: "Panelite glasscloth is a fiberglass-dense thin resin panel system; we use it to create luminous walls."
![Architect Visit MESH Architectures in Brooklyn portrait 9](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/carleigh/08-2010/475LinoIMG_2327.jpg)
Above: "We like natural linseed Forbo linoleum from Sweden, which comes in a variety of colors and patterns."
![Architect Visit MESH Architectures in Brooklyn portrait 10](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/carleigh/08-2010/475IpeIMG_2330.jpg)
Above: "Ipe is a super-dense wood that is beautiful and versatile and can be used in wet locations."
![Architect Visit MESH Architectures in Brooklyn portrait 11](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/carleigh/08-2010/475SandstoneIMG_2320.jpg)
Above: "Sandstone from Vermont Structural Slate is a neutral yet strong flooring material."
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