Do you want to build your house of rectified thermoclay?
Have you heard something about houses made with thermoclay, but the information you find is not sufficiently clear and synthesized?
Don’t know where to start?
In this post we explain the basic notions in design, architecture, construction and prices of houses made with ECOrec rectified thermoclay.
In case you still don’t know us, let me introduce our studio: we’re ERA architects, the English speaking green architecture studio to call in Barcelona.
Actually, I’m Esther Rovira, an architect in Barcelona and a passive house designer for new sustainable builds and big green renovations in Barcelona and Catalonia.
In this post you’ll find all the essentials from our professional point of view.
I hope this helps you!
What is thermoclay?
Thermoclay is a system and construction material based on low-density ceramic blocks and thicker than conventional brick.
It is used as an alternative to bricks or concrete blocks due to its greater insulation and breathability.
What is the difference between rectified thermoclay and normal thermoclay?
Rectified thermoclay are ceramic blocks fired and cut on both sides with special discs to leave them perfectly flat and parallel on both sides.
This innovation has a tolerance of +/- 0.5 mm, guaranteeing the quality of the adherent surface.
In short, a perfect ceramic block ready for assembly with a fine 1 mm mortar joint.
ADVANTAGE
- light
- thermal insulation (thermal conductivity = 0.24W/mK)
- high fire resistance (up to class A1)
- acoustic insulation (Ra(dBA): 50 Ratr (dBA): 47 Rw(dB): 51)
- low thermal conductivity (0.24 W/mºK)
- high adhesion (0.15 N/mm2)
- regulates the diffusion of humidity (regulates humidity and condensation better than normal concrete but to a lesser extent than
- wood, which is highly breathable)
- free of chemicals (100% natural raw material)
- clean and fast app
DISADVANTAGES
Both normal and rectified thermoclay are fantastic systems for making simple, very conventional houses with small windows and a box-like design.
Another key drawback is that thermoclay requires a wide variety of highly specialized parts, tools, and gadgets. In the end, it is a fairly technical system.
When you depend on the technification of the material or the system, the most advisable thing is to go to the best installer certified by the supplier.
Unfortunately, the reality of thermoclay works is that the inexperienced (and cheaper) trowel ends up doing this placement. This does not guarantee the breathable operation of the system, or the saving of water, or the speed…
How much does rectified thermoclay cost?
The price is €40/m2 of wall, compared to €35-40/m2 for concrete block walls or perforated ceramic bricks.
That is, to make a house of approximately 350m2 built on one floor, with few and small windows, without lofts or stairwells using the rectified thermoclay system; it will cost you no less than €87,000.
Our professional recommendation:
In our Architecture studio in Barcelona, we recommend making rectified thermoclay houses when the design of the house is simple and we have an expert installer who guarantees that all the special pieces and tools will be on site at the time of placement.
If you opt for a house made of rectified thermoclay, we recommend that you also consider making it a passive house.
You may also be interested in knowing that:
If you contract the preliminary project for your rectified thermoclay house with ERA architects, you can benefit from our special discounts for professionals as well as having the best installers on the market.
You might also be interested in knowing that with our preliminary project for a passive house made of rectified thermoclay, we also give you the preliminary budget for the construction of your very efficient house or positive house.
We show you an example of a preliminary project with a budget.
You will also find the price of the pre-project service here.
I hope this post has helped you!
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Hope this is helpful!
Best of luck on this adventure.
See you on the next post,
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