BIOARCHITECTURE AND ECOLOGY > BIO-ECOLOGICAL AND ECO-COMPATIBLE MATERIALS
Deltasolar’s radiant floors are totally compatible with bio-ecological materials, and in particular those that are used for the insulating background. The patented pipe staples are bolted on the panels, and don’t represent an obstacle to the thermal distribution.
The insulating background is composed of rigid panels that can be made in cork or in wood fibers, or even in some particular meshes of cork shavings and resin. These materials are highly soundproof and can be matched with softer mats that are placed underneath to increase even more the soundproof feature.
CORK
Quercia Sugheraia
Natural cork is taken directly from the bark of cork oaks that live in the woods of the Mediterranean areas. Bark is what protects the tree during its average span of life of 500 years. Bark is a vegetable tissue made up of different layers of cells filled with air and layers of cellulose and a special substance called suberin. This peculiar cell structure grants lightness and elasticity to the cork as well as the capability to withstand blows. It is like walking on a cushion. Finally it is important to underline that the only bark is removed from the tree every 8 years: the oak is not cut down. Quercus suber L. is used mainly for the production of cork; the cork derives from a meristematic tissue called phellogen that substitutes the epidermal layer once it gets destroyed due to the growth of the plant. Cork is therefore a tegumental tissue, with flat cells disposed in different layers. Cell walls are thin and covered in suberin. Suberin is a hydro-repellant substance, so cork cells die and are filled with air, thus becoming highly insulating and protecting the plant. Cork is waterproof and resistant to gas and other chemical agents; these features represent a valuable defense from external parasites.
INSTALLING RADIANT PANELS ON CORK PANELS
Circuit on a cork panel
Particular staples, patented by Deltasolar, can be applied directly on the panels and ensure a successful clamping of high density polyethylene pipes, which are used in Deltasolar’s radiant floors, allowing to customize every environment.