immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Aerogele

  • New technology for sustainable building insulation under development

    New technology for sustainable building insulation under development

    Aeroskin Tech is looking for investors. The spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH) has developed a technology for insulating buildings based on aerogels. So far, Aeroskin Tech has developed prototypes of spray insulation materials and insulation panels, the ETH announced in a press release. Now the technology is to be introduced to industrial production in a pilot plant.

    “We want to offer sustainable and high-performance insulation for buildings,” says Daniel Sanz Pont, founder of Aeroskin Tech and research associate of Robert Flatt, Professor of Building Materials in Civil Engineering at ETH Zurich, in the press release. The insulation materials based on aerogels are characterised by a two to two-and-a-half times better effect than conventional insulation materials. This is due to the nanoporous structures of aerogels, explains Sanz Pont. In the tiny pores, the air molecules collide more frequently with the pore walls than with each other. “This effect makes aerogels the best thermal insulation materials of all,” says Sanz Pont.

    The young entrepreneur did not found the ETH spin-off with partners, but on his own. “Thanks to my diverse education, I combine many competences in my person,” explains Sanz Pont. “I have also received coaching and expanded my training and experience in the field of business management, and I have been supported by outstanding experts from ETH throughout these years.” For upcoming challenges and the next step, the young entrepreneur also has experienced mentors at his side “from whom I can learn more quickly”.

  • Empa shows the advantages of high-performance insulating materials

    Empa shows the advantages of high-performance insulating materials

    Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research ( Empa ) have investigated when an investment in costly high-performance insulating materials such as aerogels can be worthwhile for builders. According to a media release , the 25 most expensive cities in Europe, North America and Asia were initially compared. The research team found out that the lucrative area gain through the more expensive aerogels at a square meter price of more than 8000 francs exceeds the additional costs of the thinner insulation variant.

    The reason given is that high-performance insulation achieves the same insulating effect as conventional mineral wool, but only requires half to a quarter of the material used. Against the background of rising real estate prices and dense construction in cities, high-performance insulating materials such as aerogels could promote economical construction. Because the thinner the outer shell of a building, the more space is available inside.

    The economic advantages calculated using an equation could have been shown in the 15 most expensive cities – including the four Swiss cities of Zurich, Geneva, Lugano and Basel with the highest prices per square meter in Europe. Amortization was determined in the 14 most expensive cities in North America and in the ten most expensive cities in Asia. The knowledge could also support future planners when deciding on the appropriate insulation material.

  • Empa awards the use of airgel

    Empa awards the use of airgel

    The Airgel Architecture Award enters the second round. Since January 19th and until June 30th, Empa has been accepting examples of the use of aerogel in architecture, construction, renovation and monument preservation, the research institute informs in a press release . Architects, civil engineers and employees in design offices can apply for the prize. Architecture and civil engineering students are also invited to participate.

    The exact conditions of participation can be found in the announcement or on the Airgel Architecture Awards website. “The prize recognizes the best examples of energy efficiency, unconventional solutions, translucent daylight lighting and high-performance building solutions using super-insulating airgel materials,” writes Empa. This year’s winners are to be announced on August 5th in Empa’s NEST building in Dübendorf.

    The Airgel Architecture Award was launched in 2020 by Empa and the industrial partners Fixit , Agitec , Haga AG Naturbaustoffe and Hasit as well as the AdvaPor association. It should help to publicize the possibilities of airgel insulation materials in monument protection and in the renovation of buildings among architects and civil engineers. Five offices applied last year.