With its commitment to reducing ecological impact, green building is increasingly central to the design choices of architects, surveyors and construction professionals.
Among the basic principles of this approach is the conscious and responsible choice of the use of specific materials, which have almost no impact on the environment and can be recycled.
Sustainable building materials offer a route to buildings that not only respect the environment, but also promote lasting well-being for occupants and communities. These materials, such as bamboo, FSC-certified wood, recycled plastic and others derived from renewable sources, embody a responsible approach that aims to reduce environmental impact throughout the building’s life cycle.
Materials such as pumice stone, with its lightness, durability and insulating capacity, emerge as examples of excellence in green building. Formed by natural volcanic processes, pumice stone not only offers an effective thermal barrier, but also represents an eco-friendly alternative that reduces the use of non-renewable resources.
Let’s find out more about this incredible material.
What is the pumice stone
Pumice stone is a mineral known for its extraordinary lightness and porosity. It is a natural insulating material of great value in green buildings. Derived from volcanic processes, it proves to be suitable for use as an insulating material for buildings, as its internal air pockets help to improve its thermal efficiency.
It does not require harmful industrial processes to be created, unlike other insulators such as fibreglass or polystyrene, and is an abundant and widely available material in many regions of the world, making its procurement relatively simple and sustainable.
From a disposal perspective, pumice stone is biodegradable and non-toxic. This means that at the end of its life cycle, it can be safely disposed of without causing damage to the surrounding environment.
The insulating qualities of pumice stone
Pumice stone is distinguished by its extraordinary ability to create a protective mantle against the most extreme climatic variations, enveloping rooms with a warm embrace in winter and a cool caress in summer. This insulating power is more than just a technical characteristic; it is an expression of connection with the earth itself, a promise of comfort and security that resonates deep within our being.
Its porous structure, derived from millennia-old volcanic processes, is the key to its insulating capacity, creating an effective barrier against external climatic variations. The cellular nature of pumice stone promotes good breathability of the building, helping to maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. Its ability to absorb and release moisture in a balanced manner helps prevent the formation of condensation and mould, thus protecting the health of the occupants and the longevity of the building.
The lightness of pumice stone also makes it a practical and convenient option for construction, allowing for easier handling during installation and reducing the overall structural load of the building. Most importantly, it has the ability to maintain a stable internal temperature, protecting rooms from extreme temperatures without the need for expensive heating or cooling solutions.
Its insulating effectiveness is comparable to that of advanced materials such as aerogel, also used by NASA, confirming the validity of this principle in construction practice. With its environmental benefits and its ability to provide comfortable living conditions in a natural way, pumice stone presents itself as an attractive option for the next challenges of eco-friendly building.
Did you know that the Pantheon’s dome is made of pumice stone?
If you had visited Rome, you would not have missed the Pantheon. Built in 27 BC by Agrippa and later rebuilt by Hadrian, this majestic structure is a tribute to the genius of the ancient Romans and their knowledge of the unique properties of pumice stone. The pumice stone was strategically chosen alongside travertine and concrete to lighten the weight of the dome without compromising its stability.
The presence of pumice stone in the Pantheon not only testifies to the technical mastery of its builders, but also to their awareness of the importance of using sustainable and durable materials. Even today, the Pantheon’s dome remains a symbol of architectural innovation and respect for the environment, celebrating the intrinsic value of pumice stone in the world of construction.
Our pumice stone products
We are familiar with the advantages of using natural and bio-building materials in the construction and insulation of buildings. We know that cork, pumice and silica can offer excellent results in terms of living comfort and also aesthetics. This is why we have developed effective building products based on these extraordinary materials bestowed by nature.
For example, Diathonite Thermactive.037 is an innovative thermal insulation based on cork, expanded amorphous silica, perlite and pumice, mixed with natural hydraulic lime NHL 5. This compound is an excellent solution for thermal and acoustic insulation of indoor and outdoor environments. Thanks to its high breathability and porosity, it contributes to hygrometric comfort and the prevention of mould and condensation. Lightweight but stable over time, it absorbs and releases excess moisture, preserving masonry over time. Ideal for historical restoration, it is characterised by an A1 class reaction to fire and a double CE marking. Its yield of 2.60 kg/m2 per cm of thickness makes it efficient and cost-effective. Properly stored, it can be stored for 12 months. Suitable for quick application with a plastering machine, it is an environmentally friendly product and compatible with the demands of environmental sustainability.
At Diasen, we are committed to ensuring that construction embraces a more sustainable and modern approach, so as to drastically reduce its impact on the environment. Looking for maximum comfort from your home, both thermally and acoustically? Discover all our products and get superior quality.
