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The Palladio principle

In the 1600s the famous north-Italian architect Palladio built a number of palaces which today belong to the architecture of the world. Palladio used materials that make the buildings incredibly comfortable to be in, even on a hot summer’s day.

The secret lies in the hygroscopic surfaces, which send moisture in and out of the construction, making use of the relative humidity of the air. By using porous materials like chalk, brick and wood one can achieve a natural cooling effect in the summer and heat storage in the winter – a principle which has been used for centuries, also in the construction of the Winter Palace in St Petersburg.

These are the same principles around which air conditioners are built. If one uses hygroscopic materials one can completely or partially avoid air-conditioning plants.

The choice of materials and constructions is not just a question of aesthetics and finish but is inseparable from the building’s essence, life and level of comfort. The hygroscopic materials are timeless and can be varied infinitely in all types of buildings.