Faced with the obvious effects of climate change, engineers and architects are striving to find solutions that reduce and regulate the temperature in all types of buildings. Their aim, among others, is to reduce energy costs in air-conditioning systems. To this end, new materials are used that reflect solar energy instead of absorbing it, or innovative solutions are applied, such as covering façades and roofs with vegetation.
In this respect, one of the most surprising materials of recent years is Kaynemaile’s Re/8. It is a lightweight mesh inspired by the chainmail used in the Lord of the Rings films. This mesh blocks 70% of solar radiation without impeding visibility, and allows 80% of the air to circulate. As a result, it reduces the temperature inside the building by up to 12°C. For example, thanks to its use on the façade of Loma Linda University (San Bernardino, California, USA), the surface temperature was reduced from 40°C to 28°C without the need for energy consumption.
Kaynemaile Re/8 is manufactured from a high quality, fully recyclable plastic capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions. It is a highly versatile mesh with a wide variety of applications, whether as cladding in architecture, on building façades, or as room dividers and privacy screens.
Finally, Re/8 mesh can be customised and adapted to the specific needs of each project. It is installed by means of a fixing system that ensures its stability. As it is corrosion resistant and does not require painting or additional coatings, it hardly requires any maintenance work.
By Manolo Barberá, senior hydraulic modeller in Amusement Logic’s Architecture Dept.
