A homogeneous material layer comprising a base layer and at least one effective layer is disclosed. The material layer is made of a first material characterized by a bulk modulus of elasticity. The effective layer is defined by a plurality of projections that project from the base layer. Each projection includes a stalk and a cap having an end face. The height-to-width aspect ratio of the stalks is selected such that the effective layer has an effective modulus of elasticity that is lower than the bulk modulus of elasticity. The arrangement of the projections is selected such that the end faces are spaced along at least one dimension by a spacing that is less than or equal to one millimeter, thereby controlling the fine roughness of the effective surface. Control of the effective modulus and the spacing of the end faces enables control of the feel of the effective layer.
