Urban heat islands, the Daliform Group’s solutions

Urban heat islands are a growing phenomenon, particularly evident in densely built-up cities, where temperatures in these areas can exceed those in surrounding rural areas by several degrees. Climate change and the intensification of summer heat waves make it urgent to find sustainable solutions, such as the ATLANTIS SYSTEM for heat island savings and Iglu’® Green Roof.

Heat islands occur when urban surfaces absorb and retain solar heat longer than natural areas. This creates a warmer microclimate and the lack of vegetation reduces the natural cooling capacity.

The main causes are:
Soil sealing
Asphalt and concrete prevent water evaporation, a key process for natural cooling.

Scarcity of green areas
The reduction of parks and trees limits photosynthesis and transpiration, which are key to regulating temperature.

Emissions
Traffic, air-conditioning systems and industrial activities release heat and greenhouse gases, making the phenomenon worse.

The consequences of heat islands affect quality of life, health risks and increased energy consumption due to air conditioners. To effectively combat heat islands, it is essential to focus on green infrastructure and technologies that foster urban resilience.

ATLANTIS SYSTEM: protection for city trees
Urban trees are crucial in counteracting heat islands. The Atlantis system used as a tree saver is designed to protect tree roots, ensuring healthy growth even in densely built-up urban settings.

Benefits include:
Optimisation of tree growth, improving green cover.
Protection of infrastructure from damage.
Improved air quality and reduced CO₂.

Iglu’® Green Roof: green roofs with improved insulation
Thanks to its modular structure, it enables the creation of efficient green roofs, improving the thermal insulation of buildings and reducing the heat island effect.

Main advantages of a green roof
– Promotes drainage, reducing the risk of flooding.
– Better thermal and acoustic insulation.
– Longer roof life.
– Reduced city temperatures.

Heat islands are a complex challenge for cities today and in the future, but thanks to innovative solutions such as ATLANTIS SYSTEM and Iglu’® Green Roof, it is possible to create more sustainable and liveable urban areas. Investing in green infrastructure not only reduces temperatures, but improves the quality of life and climate resilience of our cities.

Green roofs Daliform

EARTH SHELTER BUILDINGS: IGLU’® Green Roofs

Since the 1970s, bio-architecture has explored underground construction, focusing on reducing ecological footprints and enhancing microclimates.
These structures not only blend seamlessly into the landscape but also offer substantial energy savings and adapt well to complex topographies. Key benefits of subterranean buildings include stabilised internal temperatures due to the thermal inertia of the ground and superior thermal and acoustic insulation.

IGLU’® GREEN ROOF: The Sustainable Choice

To achieve efficient and sustainable underground buildings, the selection of appropriate materials and technologies is crucial. IGLU’® GREEN ROOF, a system made from recycled plastic, exemplifies the fusion of ecological benefits and high technical performance, enabling the creation of green roofs with multiple advantages:

  • Water Retention and Gradual Drainage: IGLU’® GREEN ROOF excels in retaining and storing water, promoting gradual drainage during heavy rainfall, which prevents vegetation loss due to either water scarcity or excess.
  • Environmental Sustainability: This system enhances both the macro and microclimates, improving air quality and contributing to overall environmental health.
  • Thermal Insulation: It contributes to the thermal insulation of the building, reducing heat loss in winter and offering natural cooling in summer, thus ensuring year-round indoor comfort.
  • Acoustic Insulation: IGLU’® GREEN ROOF effectively mitigates sound transmission, reducing noise propagation to the rooms below and enhancing indoor comfort.
  • Increased Property Value: The aesthetic and functional benefits of green roofs significantly enhance property value, making buildings more attractive and valuable.

Applications in Various Building Types

IGLU’® GREEN ROOF is ideal for a wide range of structures, including residential housing, commercial buildings, and public infrastructure. Its application in underground projects improves the sustainability of these buildings and enhances their appeal, creating more welcoming and pleasant environments for occupants.

The adoption of underground buildings offers an innovative response to modern environmental and urban challenges. With Daliform Group’s IGLU’® GREEN ROOF, projects can achieve a blend of sustainability, energy efficiency, and landscape integration.

By utilising modern technologies and thoughtful design, underground buildings can revolutionise construction and living spaces, contributing to a greener, more resilient future.

Cover image: Gluck+