2/20/25, 10:40 AM Solar Control and Sustainability in Hot Climates with Ceramic Textiles | ArchDaily
Solar Control and Sustainability in Hot Climates with Ceramic
Textiles
Written by Eduardo Souza
Published on March 26, 2024 Share
When considering traditional brick facades, we usually conjure up images of solidity and robustness. Solid
ceramic blocks, recognized for their ability to withstand compression and offer strength and durability to
structures, are materials frequently used in architecture. However, innovation in construction materials
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has made space for solutions that combine tradition and modernity, transforming the use of materials
such as brick. In contemporary
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essential to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, especially in hot climates where the need to
mitigate the effects of solar radiation is critical. This is one of the areas in which brick can play a significant
role, aided by new technologies.
In this search for alternatives that combine structural efficiency and environmental concerns, systems
such as Flexbrick have emerged, which unite ceramic blocks and metal trusses. This means combining the
flexibility and lightness of the system to the translucency of the trusses, creating ventilated facades that
improve architectural aesthetics, while also addressing sustainability issues—particularly in mitigating
costs associated with solar control in hot climates. Essentially, the ceramic textile system consists of an
interwoven steel wire mesh surrounded by a mosaic of ceramic pieces arranged in horizontal and vertical
bands. The flexibility of this material allows it to be easily folded and stored on pallets, taking up little
space and facilitating transport. Additionally, the long strips make installation quick, easy and economical,
reducing emissions associated with transporting and installing conventional materials.
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One of the system's main advantages lies in its proven ability to mitigate the impact of solar radiation,
promoting
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contribute to the passive regulation of the building's thermal conditions. Thermal inertia corresponds to
the material's ability to absorb heat from solar radiation during the day and store it in its mass, which is
subsequently released during times when there is no sun exposure. This allows the building to passively
regulate the thermal conditions of the environment and reduce energy needs for thermal conditioning of
the building. The jali effect, on the other hand, helps reduce temperatures by compressing air through the
holes in the texture created on the facade. When air passes through these openings, its velocity increases,
resulting in deep and effective diffusion of adiabatic changes. This is an element traditionally used in the
architecture of India and Islamic countries, where its effectiveness has been proven over centuries. The
presence of ceramics in the building envelope also plays a crucial role in reducing heat island effects, thus
promoting greater energy efficiency by dissipating accumulated heat.
The Flexbrick system combines stainless steel and ceramics, which both offer significant environmental
benefits. With up to 92% of its content coming from recycled materials, the stainless steel used can also be
considered sustainable. On the other hand, the ceramics used—fired from biogas—offer additional
environmental benefits, including reduced emissions, energy consumption and transport needs,
contributing to more sustainable production practices. This also reflects the principles of the circular
economy: minimizing waste and energy, increasing construction safety and allowing components to be
dismantled when necessary instead of demolition, with recycling that can revalue materials through the
dynamics of the circular economy.
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Therefore, its flexibility and performance are comparable to traditional solar control methods, such as
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brises soleils or similar, but with the additional advantage of offering greater adaptability and
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customization to architectural projects. Flexbrick represents a new approach to using an ancient and
extremely traditional material. Its integration into building facades provides a sustainable solution for
solar control and allows architects to minimize costs and comply with certification requirements.
For more information about the product and its applications, visit the Flexbrick page in our catalogue.
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Flexbrick
Ceramic
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gallery System in Hotel Sant Antoni
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About this author
Eduardo Souza
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BROWSE THE CATALOG
Holcim panoramah!®
Ultra High Performance Concrete - Ductal Minimalist Window - ah! Pocket
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Sliding Window - Curved Facade Panel – Lumber
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Fastmount™ UniFor
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