Dynamic insulation helps buildings breathe

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Published: June 2007

Dynamic insulation for buildings that enables the ability of a roof to retain heat to be controlled and provide energy-recovery ventilation is being trialled in a housing development near Edinburgh. A module is pictured here with Gerry More, managing director of the developer CALA Homes (East) Ltd.

‘Dynamic’ breathing insulation for buildings developed by the Environmental Building Partnership (a spinout company from the University of Aberdeen) and supported by CALA is to be trialled at CALA’s Arboretum housing development in Balerno, Edinburgh.

Energyflo air-permeable modules not only insulate the building but also allow it to breathe, removing airborne pollutants and circulating warm air during winter or cool air during summer.

Infra-red cameras will be used to monitor the test home compared to others in the development.

This dynamic insulation enables the ability of the roof to retain heat to be varied. Its filter structure enables energy to be exchanged between air entering and leaving the building.