De Stijl architecture, also known as Neoplasticism, emerged in the early 20th century in the Netherlands, primarily associated with artists and architects such as Piet Mondrian and Gerrit Rietveld. Its primary focus was on simplicity, abstraction, and the use of primary colors and geometric forms. While De Stijl architecture primarily embraced man-made materials like steel, concrete, and glass, it did not completely exclude the use of natural materials in its design.
Although De Stijl architecture predominantly utilized industrial materials, some designs did incorporate natural elements. For instance, in several residential projects by Gerrit Rietveld, such as the Schröder House (1924) in Utrecht, wood was used both structurally and aesthetically. The incorporation of wood in the form of frames, flooring, and furniture added warmth and contrast to the otherwise stark geometrical compositions.
In addition to wood, De Stijl architects occasionally integrated other natural materials. Some projects included elements such as brick or stone walls, which introduced textures and earthy tones to the overall design. However, it is important to note that the usage of such natural materials was generally restrained in comparison to the predominant use of synthetic materials.
Overall, while De Stijl architecture was primarily focused on industrial materials to achieve their abstract and minimalist vision, some natural materials were occasionally incorporated, albeit typically in limited quantities.
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