In addition to Expo 2010 in Shanghai, natural cork can also be found in the major world event, this time in the Cape Town Stadium, one of the official stadiums for FIFA World Cup 2010 to be held in South Africa which will stage the match between Portugal and North Korea next June 21. AcoustiCORK underlays manufactured by Amorim Cork Composites were the material selected for the VIP area of the building, having been used in a total area of 4000 m2.
Some of the benefits offered by this range of AcoustiCORK underlays are the provision of the added value of comfort offered by the use of cork and a good technical acoustic and thermal insulation performance. These have been compelling arguments for the choice of this material. The added value of sustainability offered by cork products - a 100% natural, recyclable and renewable raw material - are just some other advantages of cork.
Marketed under the brand name AcoustiCORK, this cork underlays are designed for use under the finished floor, whether it is ceramic tiles, hardwood floors, floating floors, carpet, linoleum and it can also be used under the screed. Present in several national and international projects, especially in markets across Europe, the USA, Russia and the Middle East, AcoustiCORK brand products are ideal for being used in projects addressing energy efficiency concerns, in addition to standing out for their quality and durability.
The versatility of natural cork and its high performance standards highlight the sustainability of this industry and has boosted its application across diverse sectors, some with high level design requirements. Sustainable Construction and Ecodesign are certainly areas where the cork has an ensured presence.
From its use as a thermal, acoustic and vibration insulation material, as well as an underlay or floor, wall & ceiling coating to products designed to be used in the construction of large works such as bridges, aqueducts and airports - where it is necessary to ensure that the concrete shall be not affected by the temperature variation - the possibilities of using cork in the construction industry are practically inexhaustible.
The Portugal Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo is a very representative paradigmatic example of the potential of cork, combining its use as a differentiating element in the aesthetics of the Pavilion with special technical added values such as, in this particular case, acoustic insulation that ensures soundproofing.
