CORK:

NEW USES IN ARCHITECTURE

Cristina Verissimo

ABSTRACT
This research will create greater bring awareness of the potentialities of cork as sustainable
material, and seek possible new uses of cork materials in architecture. Cork is a natural,
recyclable, renewable and non-toxic resource, with strong impact in Mediterranean culture
and ecosystems for centuries. Recent developments in cork research demonstrate that its
application goes far beyond the classical cork-wine cultural relationship that is globally
recognized.
Cork usage is one of the most promising trends in sustainable development, due to its unique
natural properties, exceptionally good environmental qualities and its high potential to
incorporate innovative technology. Today amongst other uses we see cork used as a textile, in
automobile parts, as a thermal shield in space crafts, for example. This diversity is crucial for
the sector's feasibility. However, there is still a lack of information and diffusion within the
engineering and architecture sectors; stakeholders lack awareness to use and select cork
materials for construction.
This research started two years ago with the organization of an international workshop
focused on the use of cork as a material in architecture. It provided an environment for
researchers, architects, industry and other interested parties to meet and develop ideas and
experiments using cork. Due to the spectrum of cork materials, it is organized in a three years
cycle: 1-natural cork materials, 2-composite materials, 3 new materials/technologies. The
results of the two past years, proved themselves to be beyond expectations. In order to
reinforce the methodology we divided the research into three main subjects that will be
consisting through the workshops: cork as a membrane, cork as a finishing and cork as self-
supporting material.
This research aims that in the future there will be greater application in architecture and
eventually will contribute to greater sustainability in the construction business as well as in the
cork sector.
Keywords: 1-Cork, 2-sustainable materials, 3-Materials Engineers Design, 4- Architecture, 5-
Culture

Sustainable Development Symposium | 6th annual European postgraduate symposium | 1