Facing the rise in extreme heat events, cities require solutions capable of enhancing their thermal performance and advancing toward more livable, efficient, and resilient environments.
At REBUILD 2026, in collaboration with Photokrete, we showcased solutions based on photonic materials designed to mitigate solar radiation and minimize heat gain in facades, rooftops, and pavements.
Their application in elements such as Ferrater Brick and urban surfacing makes it possible to mitigate the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, reduce the thermal load on buildings, and enhance thermal comfort across streets, plazas, and public spaces.
Photonic technology applied to the city
The integration of photonic properties enables construction materials to actively influence the temperature of the urban environment. This technology significantly enhances the thermal performance of facades, pavements, and rooftops, contributing to the creation of cooler spaces better adapted to current climatic challenges.
Key benefits include:
- Reduction of up to 12°C in urban temperatures during extreme heat events
- A reduction of over 30°C in the surface temperature of facades and pavements
- Energy savings of over 70% in building cooling demand
All of this is achieved without altering standard installation processes or increasing execution costs, facilitating its integration into architectural, urban planning, and public space projects.
Ferrater Brick with photonic properties
One of the highlights of this edition was the Ferrater Brick with photonic properties, developed to enhance the thermal performance of both the building envelope and the urban landscape.
By reducing building thermal loads and interior cooling demands, it enhances comfort across streets, plazas, and pedestrian zones—seamlessly merging innovation, design, and sustainability into a single construction solution
At our stand, we showcased the photonic performance of the piece, demonstrating how it responds to solar radiation and contributes to creating cooler, more sustainable, and livable urban environments.
Industrialization, innovation, and sustainability are the pillars upon which the future of our cities is built. At Breinco, we work to develop solutions that transform urban spaces into more livable, resilient, and environmentally friendly environments.
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