Building an ecological house doesn’t only refer to respect some standards when it comes to framework and materials used in the envelope, it also concerns how and what finishing layers are used.
Finishing works are not such decorative, as they also have mechanical properties that contribute to the overall thermic mass of the exterior wall.
If we view EcoKit products on Ecokitfrance.com, we can see that finishing layers are made from organic materials, such as wood or stone, or in some examples both, enhancing good aesthetics and ecological principles.
One way to use wood in facades is by assembling it in the form of panels, the technique implying great advantages: it enables a quick vertical setting and it is actually a composite material that has an increased durability, being easy to obtain.
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This type of finishing system allows you to save time during the assembly process, enabling an invisible fixing (without visible screws). Due to its mounting technique, the wood facade panels allow natural ventilations.
However, wood panels aren’t just placed on the exterior wall, as they also require a simple application of a protective substance. For a more natural finish, for instance, applying a waterproof and transparent substance might do the trick, maintaining the wood in good conditions.
Moreover, for a long lasting maintenance process and a superior aesthetic look, it is highly recommended to use stains or exterior paints, acrylic or oil based. To see how wood can embellish a building’s facades, view EcoKit products on www.ecokitfrance.com.
Like wood, stone is also a material used from ancient times, being firstly implemented in constructions as the primary material for foundations. It has a significant carrying role, being used in wall structures but also for aesthetic reason, covering the base of a building or its entire first floor.
Modern architecture actually uses stone especially in the regions were this material can be found in abundance, gaining a certain aesthetic effect out of ecological motives that reproduced the specific of the place.
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Constructing in an ecological manner imposes the use of natural stones that come in a great variety. Limestone, for instance, is a sedimentary stone basically formed from a mineral calcite material. It is generally available and relatively easy to work with, as it can be cut into blocks or even carved in more elaborate forms. Limestone is has good mechanical resistance and stands up well to exposure, but it is actually expensive as a building material.
Another natural stone is the travertine, formed from calcium carbonate, generally found under a sedimentary form near thermal springs. Travertine can be used for interior and exterior design and it can be applied as a finishing layer on the facade but also as a decorative one on interior walls. It can also be used as finishing work for floors or patio pavements.
Travertine is a natural stone that is actually rather porous and vulnerable to stains coming from acid substances. Because of these, travertine surfaces are recommended to be covered with a waterproof layer, from protective reasons.
