Spanish version
Hydroceramic vs. Other Insulating Materials
Hydroceramic was developed in 2014 by a team of students from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), led by architect Areti Markopoulou, as part of the research project "Responsive Environments."
This material was created with the goal of providing passive architectural solutions for building cooling, inspired by natural self-regulating systems such as human sweating. The system combines clay, elastic fabric, and superabsorbent polymers (hydrogel) to allow moisture absorption and subsequent evaporation, resulting in a temperature drop without energy consumption.
Although it is still in the experimental phase, Hydroceramic has been recognized for its sustainable, bioclimatic, and low-cost potential, particularly for hot and humid regions. Since its introduction, it has been analyzed in blogs, universities, and architectural innovation platforms.
🔍 COMPARISON OF THERMAL REGULATION
MATERIALS
|
Product / System
|
Type of Regulation
|
Pros
|
Cons
|
|
Hydroceramic
|
Passive (evaporation of
hydrogel)
|
- Natural cooling (~5°C)
- No energy consumption
- Low-cost, accessible materials
- Naturally recharges with rain
- Innovative and sustainable
|
- Still a prototype
- Durability under testing
- Requires ambient humidity
- Difficult to standardize industrially
|
|
Thermal insulation panels (EPS,
XPS, mineral wool, polyurethane)
|
Passive (thermal barrier)
|
- Widely available
- High thermal insulation performance
- Easy installation
- Standardized in building codes
|
- Do not cool, only insulate
- Petroleum-based (environmental impact)
- Not self-regulating
- No interaction with humidity
|
|
Ventilated façades (double skin
façades)
|
Passive + active (natural or
induced air flow)
|
- Highly effective in warm
climates
- Reduce thermal gain
- Low maintenance
- Enhance aesthetics
|
- Expensive
- Require specialized design
- Less effective in humid climates
- More complex structural requirements
|
|
Mechanical HVAC systems (AC
units, VRF, split systems)
|
Active (electric-powered)
|
- Precise thermal control
- High cooling capacity
- Globally available
|
- High energy consumption
- Requires frequent maintenance
- Not sustainable without renewables
- Complex electrical installation
|
|
Green roofs / living walls
|
Passive (plant
evapotranspiration)
|
- Improve thermal and acoustic
comfort
- Capture CO₂, filter air
- Aesthetic value
- Long-lasting if maintained
|
- Heavy structural load
- Requires irrigation and care
- Costly over time
- Dependent on climate conditions
|
|
Phase Change Materials (PCMs)
|
Passive (store and release
heat)
|
- Smart thermal efficiency
- Integrable in walls/floors
- Reduce HVAC loads
|
- Expensive
- Require technical support
- Shorter lifespan if not encapsulated properly
|
✅ ADVANTAGES OF HYDROCERAMIC
- In hot
and humid climates, it may outperform other passive materials by
producing actual cooling through evaporation.
- It
enables bioclimatic strategies without energy consumption, making
it highly attractive for sustainable architecture.
- Allows
for local fabrication using clay, common polymers, and textiles,
reducing the carbon footprint compared to imported or industrial systems.
Green roof Structural insolated panels SIP
⚠️ KEY
DISADVANTAGES
- Not
yet available as a standardized commercial product.
- Structural
and durability limitations, especially when exposed to UV radiation,
wind, or frost.
- Performance
is dependent on ambient humidity—not suitable for dry climates.
- Requires
further research to confirm long-term behavior and performance in
real-world applications.
Source: https://arquitecturayempresa.es/sites/default/files/styles/n1000x540/public/imagenes/noticia/arquitectura_ hydroceramics_portada.jpg?itok=tH0F5wYB
🧩
CONCLUSION
Hydroceramic represents an emerging bioclimatic
solution with great potential in sustainable design, especially in tropical
or subtropical regions. While it cannot yet compete with industrial materials
or mechanical systems in terms of standardization and precision, its low
operational cost and ecological design make it ideal as a passive cooling
alternative, especially for innovative or energy-efficient housing
projects.
How Hydroceramic Is Created
🧱 1. Selection and Preparation
of Materials
·
Porous Ceramic Clay
A medium-grain clay (silica + alumina) is selected, optimized to ensure good
capillarity and water retention, outperforming aluminum or acrylic due to its
natural porosity. ArchDaily+4designboom+4Materiability+4
·
Hydrogel
Crosslinked polyacrylamides or polyolefins are used, capable of absorbing
between 500 and 1000 g of water per gram of dry hydrogel. These hydrogels are
activated through prolonged humidification until they reach their maximum
volume. arXiv
·
Carrier Fabric
A technical fabric (microfiber or elastic polyester) is used, dimensioned to
contain the hydrogel granules while allowing for their expansion without
breaking.
🔄 2. Layered Fabrication
• Molding
of the Outer Ceramic Layer
Using CNC molding or sheet pressing with conical perforations (truncated cone
shapes), ambient water entry and homogeneous distribution are facilitated.
Firing occurs at 1000–1100 °C to guarantee porosity without excessive density.
• Application
of the Elastic Intermediate Layer
The carrier fabric is sewn or adhered onto the ceramic layer, evenly covering
the pores. Activated hydrogel granules are then distributed directly onto the
fabric, creating a continuous layer.
• Encapsulation
with a Second Clay Layer
A thin layer of clay is added over the fabric and hydrogel to partially seal
the system, preventing direct pellet loss while allowing evaporative diffusion.
Manufacturing of Hydroceramic module
Fuente: https://arquitecturayempresa.es/noticia/hidroceramica-ladrillos-de-enfriamiento-pasivo-para-una-arquitectura-sostenible
🌡️ 3. Drying and Curing
• The composite body is slowly dried at 40–60 °C to
remove excess moisture without damaging the hydrogel or causing cracks in the
ceramic.
• It is then cured at room temperature for 24–48 hours, stabilizing internal
tensions and consolidating the interaction between layers.
🌬️ 4. Passive Cooling Principle
• When ambient temperature rises, the hydrogel
releases water through evaporation. This water migrates from the fabric to the
ceramic surface, exploiting its porosity.
• The evaporation process consumes thermal energy (approximately 0.6 kcal per
gram of water), reducing the internal temperature by 5–6 °C. Sources:
Materiability, IAAC Barcelona, designboom
📈 5. Verified Optimal
Performance
• In controlled tests (35–40 °C), Hydroceramic
reduced interior temperatures by ~5–6 °C within ~20 minutes, increasing indoor
humidity by up to 15–20%. (Source: ArchDaily)
• It is estimated that it can save up to 28% in air conditioning energy
consumption in architectural applications. Sources: Fenner-Esler, designboom,
ArchDaily
Hydroceramic operation
Fuente: https://arquitecturayempresa.es/noticia/hidroceramica-ladrillos-de-enfriamiento-pasivo-para-una-arquitectura-sostenible
✅ Technical Advantages and
Sustainability
• Energy Efficiency: Reduction of electrical
consumption and CO₂ emissions (~56 kg per month per unit).
• Affordable Cost: Composed of low-cost materials (industrial clay and
hydrogel), applicable in remote areas.
• Scalability: The system can be scaled to modular panels or complete façades,
customizing the truncated cone shapes according to architectural profiles.
Hydroceramic
in 2025
Hydroceramic
combines porous ceramic with a hydrogel capable of absorbing and retaining
large amounts of water (up to 500 times its weight). As temperatures rise, the
water contained in the hydrogel evaporates, producing an evaporative cooling
effect in the environment, helping reduce indoor building temperatures without
mechanical systems.
Key
Features:
• Passive climate control material.
• Can reduce interior temperatures by 5–6 °C, as confirmed by tests.
• Performs especially well in hot, dry climates.
Current
Limitations (as of 2025):
• Still in development and prototyping phase; not yet a standard commercial
product.
• Requires maintenance to preserve the hydrogel’s hydration level.
Incremental Technical Summary
|
Stage
|
Action
|
Primary
Objective
|
|
1
|
Clay
molding with perforations
|
Efficient
capture of ambient moisture
|
|
2
|
Placement
of carrier fabric + hydrogel
|
Containment,
expansion, and dynamic water absorption
|
|
3
|
Encapsulation
with upper ceramic layer
|
Partial
sealing for evaporation control
|
|
4
|
Drying
and curing
|
Stabilization
of the composite and preservation of the system
|
|
5
|
Evaporation
triggered by ambient heat
|
Natural
cooling through energy consumption
|
Introduction
to Hydroceramic
Areti
Markopoulou, Project Director.
|
|
|
Source: http://www.iaacblog.com/events/rsiii-digital-matter-intelligent-constructions-final-presentations/
|
Areti Markopoulou, academic director at the
Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, along with students Elena
Mitrofanova, Akanksha Rathee, and Pong Santayanon, developed this promising
construction technique. It may address many problems caused by global
temperature increases in the coming years.
"It functions as an evaporative cooling device
that reduces temperatures by up to 5 or 6 degrees while increasing humidity.
Its passive intelligence makes its performance proportional to the external heat:
it cools more when it’s hotter outside." — Areti Markopoulou, Teknautas
The project has gained considerable attention as
the need it seeks to fulfill is not isolated, and issues related to erratic
temperatures will unfortunately become commonplace in the near future.
For now, Hydroceramic remains in the prototype
stage, with many characteristics still being refined to truly become a viable
construction alternative. However, even at this stage, it has proven to be a
well-conceived product aligned with expected future changes.
Components of Hydroceramic
|
|
|
Source:
http://www.intelligentconstructions.com/projects/hydroceramich
"The final prototype is
similar to a brick or tile, which could be used to create passive cooling
walls or façades. The use of clay has been key to optimizing the evaporation
process; without a doubt, we are all familiar with the passive mechanism of
the botijo," said Areti Markopoulou, Teknautas.
|
Undoubtedly, the great potential of Hydroceramic will eventually make it
a valuable material in the Architecture of the future. For now, energy-wasting
techniques used for cooling spaces will continue to dominate the industry.
However, it is clear that it won’t be long before self-sustaining buildings,
capable of directly interacting with their environment to regulate their
functions, take over that role and lead us into the future. The final prototype resembles a brick or tile, usable for creating
passive cooling walls or façades. Clay has been key in optimizing the
evaporation process, similar to traditional ceramic water coolers.
How
Hydroceramic Works
Hydroceramic is designed as a low-cost material, with a simple composition that
does not require extensive technical knowledge. It consists of four parts:
• Base
Clay Layer: Its form allows interior temperatures of buildings covered with
Hydroceramic to decrease through a process similar to breathing.
• Hydrogel Particles: Various chemical compositions, such as
hydroxyethyl acrylate polymers, acrylamide, or polyethylene oxide, absorb
external water and retain it until ambient temperatures rise.
• Elastic Absorbent Fabric: Wraps the hydrogel particles, aiding in
water retention.
• Second (Perforated) Clay Layer: Through its multiple holes, exposed
parts of the elastic fabric trap moisture and, through the hydrogel particles,
retain it until temperature rise triggers the cooling process.
• Electrical System: For enhanced performance, Hydroceramic can
incorporate a system for pumping water and activating cooling processes under
certain conditions.
The combined use of all these parts allows
Hydroceramic to reduce interior building temperatures by up to approximately
5 °C.
Hydroceramic
components
|
|
|
Source:
http://www.tecnoneo.com/2014/09/estudiantes-del-iaac-crean-hydroceramic.html
|
It is worth noting that the material required to
manufacture the casings protecting the elastic fabric and hydrogel does not
necessarily have to be clay. In the future, materials such as aluminum or
plastic may also be implemented.
Hydroceramic diagram
Source: http://www.tecnoneo.com/2014/09/estudiantes-del-iaac-crean-hydroceramic.html
Hydroceramic is primarily focused on reducing
temperature with low energy costs. According to its creators, energy savings
compared to current cooling systems could reach up to 28%. However, as it is an
envelope construction element, it will be anchored to the building’s
architecture from its construction and remain so until its eventual
dismantling. For this reason, Hydroceramic is aimed at constructions in
locations with real, constant cooling requirements; in other circumstances, the
system would become purely ornamental.
Heat radiation with
Hydroceramic
|
|
|
Source: http://www.designboom.com/architecture/iaac-dmic-hydroceramic-passive-cooling-system-09-18-2014/
|
Applications of Hydroceramic
With the constant rise in global temperature and the apparent ineffectiveness
of efforts by those attempting to change our planet’s unfortunate future, there
is no choice but to prepare through different methods that allow us to cope
more tolerably with expected changes in Earth’s climate.
Climate Change
While today there are places where the idea of
Hydroceramic could already be perfectly implemented, it is a fact that the need
for systems capable of maintaining bearable temperatures—at least inside
buildings—will become increasingly evident over time.
Application
of Hydroceramic
Thanks to its low-energy cooling system,
Hydroceramic could be an efficient alternative in low-resource countries to
provide shelter for those affected by high temperatures. It is even possible
that an architectural typology may develop that, in addition to offering heat
refuge and serving as a multipurpose space, features the aesthetic
characteristics necessary to classify it as a construction worthy of the art of
building.
Conclusions
• Applications
of Hydroceramic:
It is evident that for Hydroceramic to become a commonly used material in
construction, it must still undergo multiple tests. These will not always be
laboratory tests; its true usefulness can only truly be appreciated when an
ordinary person, with real needs, finds in this new type of cooling system a
solution to the problems created by the construction of their architectural
space.
Hydrogel
Source:
http://g02.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1DpEHHVXXXXa1XVXXq6xXFXXXD/100g-blue-pers-Crystal-Soil-Mud-Water-Bead-Pearl-Plant-Magic-jelly-hydrogel-novelty-Balls-Wedding.jpg
Current technology and the concept of buildings
people have today must still evolve so that the idea of Hydroceramic can move
beyond architectural design exhibitions and be truly implemented in
construction.
• How
Hydroceramic Works:
The clear effort by the designers of Hydroceramic to create a construction
material positioned as a true alternative to solve the problems humanity faces
in the energy field (whose activity has led to multiple ecological dilemmas)
has drawn the attention of many experts, especially in the construction sector.
Therefore, it is impossible to deny the innovation of the idea, which adapts in
multiple ways to current times, promising to reduce human effort to obtain
comfort at its minimum expression.
Cooling
with Hydroceramic
.jpeg)
