2009–2010

NOBASITUS was a European collaborative research project developing new porous silicate composite materials together with modular architectural systems for urban noise reduction.

Most lightweight acoustic composites rely on organic resins or plastic-based binders that are difficult to recycle and often limit the environmental performance of the final product.

NOBASITUS investigated whether expanded perlite could instead become the basis of a fully mineral composite, using inorganic silicate binders to create recyclable architectural elements with acoustic, thermal and structural performance.

Rather than treating expanded perlite as a loose insulating aggregate, the investigation explored how different grain sizes could be organised into layered composite structures, allowing each layer to contribute distinct functional properties while remaining part of a single monolithic material.

Instead of relying on polymers or synthetic resins, the composite remained almost entirely mineral-based. The layered organisation allowed the material to combine:

• high porosity where acoustic absorption was required

• denser surface layers for durability and handling

• lightweight construction

• thermal insulation

• fire resistance

• recycling the material

Material composition, grain size distribution and layer sequencing became design parameters through which environmental and acoustic performance could be tuned.

Adaptive Architectural Modules

The project developed modular ceramic systems that could be configured for different architectural situations. The modules could create multidirectional sound diffusion and variable acoustic performance according to the needs of a particular site.

Geometry became part of the acoustic behaviour of the material.

Environmental Urban Infrastructure

The research proposed three application areas:

• roadside noise barriers

• acoustic façade systems

• mobile acoustic walls for temporary public events

These systems were conceived as architectural elements capable of improving environmental quality while contributing to the visual identity of cities.

European Commission - FP7 Research for SMEs

Collaboration

Project Coordination

UIArchitects Kft. (Hungary)

Coordinator: Péter Pozsár

Material Science

Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research (Germany)

Development of silicate binders and expanded-perlite composite materials.

Design Research & Product

Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME).

Lead researcher: Edit Szabó
Material research, modular architectural concepts, acoustic surface development, product design development, modelling and prototyping.

Acoustic Engineering

Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)

Acoustic modelling, numerical simulation, laboratory measurements and optimisation.

SME Partners

• Vallum SRL (Romania)

• POS Architekt (Austria)