Use less AC with energy-saving materials
Created By RISC | 2 years ago
Last modified date : 2 years ago
Thailand is known for hot weather almost all year. Fans and air conditioners are home essentials. But AC can push up our electricity bills and heat up the outside of our homes.
You can reduce your AC demand with materials that reduce heat transfer. There are 2 types:
Heat-proof materials slow or stop heat entering the building.
Many types of insulation are available. But choose by looking at: Thermal conductivity (W/m.K value) indicates how thermally conductive an insulator is; the lower the K value, the better the resistivity. Thermal resistance (R value, m2K/W) is a value that indicates a material's ability to inhibit heat flow or transfer depending on its thickness and k-value. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation is.
Asbestos is a risk to avoid. It’s fire resistant but its tiny sharp fibers can cause lung cancer.
Synthetic polyester has a long chain and a smooth texture with no sharp cross-sectional area. It doesn’t irritate the skin and is more moisture resistant than natural fibers. It can also be used for a long time and effectively prevents heat. It’s also made of recycled materials, which are environmentally friendly and Green Label certified.
Non-thermal materials prevent heat being transferred to the inside of a building or home.
RISC collaborated with Kenzai on "Thermic Tiles". These tiles act as insulation for house walls through thermodynamics. Their shape lets wind disperse heat, reducing heat buildup from surface exposed to sunlight. The design can reduce heat on the surface by up to 56% while also reducing the area exposed to direct sunlight. Thermic Tiles can lower indoor temperatures by up to 10%.
Kenzai's Thermic Tiles have been recognized by 3 national and international bodies: G-Mark from the Japan Institute of Design, good design award from DEmark (Design Excellence Award) in the category of Thai industrial products, and second runner-up at Thailand’s Architect'18.
Story by: Tiptaptim Bhumibhanit, Senior Sustainable Designer, RISC