Derived from the bark of the cork oak, it is the perfect natural insulator. Steam-expansion of granules bonds them with their own internal resin (suberin), creating a panel free from chemical adhesives, rot-proof and with high thermoacoustic performance.
Fig. 01 — Cork structure: granules bonded by suberin (the natural cork resin activated at 300°C steam). Each granule is a mass of closed air cells providing thermal and acoustic insulation.
Cork is the bark of Quercus suber. Its harvesting takes place every 9-10 years without ever felling the tree, making it a material with a deeply regenerative soul. In construction, it becomes the king of bio-compatible insulators.
For structural or insulating use, ground cork undergoes a thermal process in a steam autoclave (about 300 degrees C). This thermal shock causes the granules to expand and the suberin to melt, the natural wax of cork, which acts as the sole binder. The final product, Expanded Toasted Cork (ICB), is a dark-brown panel free of polyurethane or phenolic glues.
Unlike synthetic insulators, cork possesses a high specific thermal capacity that translates into excellent summer thermal lag (it delays the entry of solar heat by up to 12-14 hours). The biochemical composition of suberin makes it naturally rot-proof, water-repellent and impervious to rodents and wood-boring insects.
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Cork maintains its thermal lambda value even when wet — unlike mineral wools which collapse when soaked. It is the insulation of choice for basements, cellars and underground applications where incidental moisture contact is expected.
Breathable panels glued to the exterior of masonry walls for both winter thermal efficiency and summer thermal lag.
PRC.01 · Open the processVery high density ICB panels left exposed as a facade finish. They develop a fascinating silver-grey patina with UV and rain exposure.
PRC.02 · Open the processPanels fitted between timber rafters to block summer overheating in attic and loft spaces.
PRC.31 · Open the processThin cork underlays laid under floating screeds or timber floors to reduce impact sound transmission.
PRC.09 · Open the processThe thermal inertia index determines the material's capacity to buffer heat. While EPS and Polyurethane are excellent against cold, they fail in summer because their low mass cannot absorb the solar heat wave — which cork and wood fibre do excellently.
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