Ecological scoop hat-trick of awards at Archi Expo

This article was originally published in issue 28 of Passive House Plus magazine. Want immediate access to all back issues and exclusive extra content? Click here to subscribe for as little as €10, or click here to receive the next issue free of charge

The event runs in partnership with the annual Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) conference. The three winning products from Ecological were:

Diathonite Lime Screed — winner, interior product

Diathonite Lime Screed is a thermal insulating screed consisting of cork lime (NHL 3.5), cork, clay, diatomaceous earth and binding agents. Diathonite screed is moisture vapour diffusion open (mu = 4), has a lambda value of 0.060W/m²K and boasts drying times up to 66% faster than typical cement or lime-based screeds. It can be used internally or externally on ground floor slabs, floors of non-heated rooms, suspended slabs and terraces.

Diathonite Thermactive.037 – winner, renewable product

Naturally sourced ingredients such as cork, diatomaceous earth and natural hydraulic lime are at the heart of Diathonite Thermactive.037 plaster, which offers breathability, thermal insulation and elasticity. Applying 45mm of Diathonite Thermactive to a solid wall improves the U-value from 2.26 W/m²K to 0.60 W/m², and offers the hygrothermal benefits expected with hydraulic lime-based materials. Thermactive.037 can be used both internally and externally, and provides a simple solution for thermal bridge mitigation. In addition, its antibacterial properties prevent the formation of mould and condensation and its high elasticity means the risk of cracks is significantly reduced.

AURO Clay Paint – winner, renewable product

AURO high-grade clay paint is the first ready-to-use paint on the market that has no preservatives. The clay paint is highly breathable and free from chemicals, oils and plastics. AURO provide full transparency, with every ingredient in AURO clay paint listed. It has also been rated as “very low-emission” product according to the AgBB evaluation scheme.

Commenting on the awards, Niall Crosson, group technical manager with Ecological, said: “Receiving three awards highlights the acceptance and benefits of incorporating more natural breathable materials in retrofits and new builds… Diasen’s range of thermal plasters and screeds combined with AURO’s new range of clay paints provide the optimum combination of thermal refurbishment, enhanced comfort and health for the building envelope and homeowner.”

For more information visit www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com.