Cork a sustainable material
Cork is a renewable and sustainable material that is harvested from the cork oak tree. It has excellent insulation properties, making it ideal for flooring and wall coverings. Cork is also resistant to moisture and fire, making it a safe and durable option for the home.
highlighted image: Casa Cortiça by StudioArte
Cork is an entirely recyclable, self-renewing and biodegradable product, but it is also an environmentally positive material for other reasons. The preservation and sustainable harvesting of cork forests means that biodiversity is able to be preserved.
What makes cork a sustainable material?
REDUCES ENERGY COSTS
Most of the world’s supply of cork comes from Portugal. There, cork has been harvested by hand in the traditional way for well over 100 years. Being labour intensive would mean a higher investment for the buyer. However, your energy bill will immediately drop. Making cork a sustainable material as well as it a competitive energy-efficient and eco-friendly insulating material.
HIGH THERMAL INERTIA
Cork has a high specific heat capacity and high thermal inertia. Keeping homes warm in the winter, and cool in the summer.
ACOUSTIC INSULATION
Cork’s unique structure enable it to absorb up to 70% of tones that are found within the 400 to 4000Hz frequency range. Instead of transmitting sound waves and vibrations, cork absorbs them. Thus possessing anti-vibration properties, which is advisable for a house in large noisy cities and areas.
RESISTANT TO DAMPNESS AND ROT.
Being naturally resistant to moisture, cork will not need a specific moisture barrier to strengthen resistance.
We build eco friendly, sustainable houses in the Algarve with Bioclimatic principles.
With passive design techniques, we build drier homes, preventing mould formation for cleaner indoor air and healthier living conditions.
Our services expand 360º degrees. In addition to architectural services, we assist our client with:
- Habitation licence
- Architectural specifications
- Certificate A and A+
- Architecture acoustic certification
- A beautiful bioclimatic house like no other
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