SUSTAINABILITY
most realistic in non-load-critical or hybrid structural elements such as building envelopes, pavements, foundations with embedded sensing or energy functions,” says Luo. Durability is now the central focus of the ongoing research. The team are investigating how these systems respond to harsh environmental conditions, including freeze– thaw cycles, moisture exposure and chloride ingress typical of coastal environments. “Any added functionality must not come at the expense of the concrete’s fundamental mechanical strength or load-bearing capacity,” says Luo. “Long-term performance and robustness must be demonstrated before practical deployment can be considered.”
Phase Change Materials Phase Change Materials (PCM) are designed to store and release heat. They don’t create energy - they make the energy you already have work harder, longer and smarter. They work by changing solids into liquids at a set temperature. When a building warms, the PCM absorbs excess heat and melts. When temperatures drop, it releases that stored heat as it solidifies again.
In practical terms, PCMs stabilise indoor temperatures by smoothing out swings. They absorb cool night-time air to reduce daytime overheating and release stored daytime heat to keep buildings warmer at night. In well- balanced systems, this can reduce or even remove the need for mechanical heating and cooling. “PCM systems store and release energy depending on demand and thus stabilise heat gains and losses. By capturing free cooling energy during the night, the building can remain cooler throughout the day. Conversely, storing free daytime heat within an UFH-TES system can significantly reduce night-time heating demand,” says Zafer.
PCMs provide thermal mass without heavy structure, delivering up to 50× the thermal storage of conventional materials like concrete or plasterboard. Even small quantities make a difference in lightweight buildings prone to overheating or rapid cooling. In terms of commercial availability, PCM products are already suitable for merchant supply. “Merchants should be keeping stock
especially ThinICE which can be used for both UFH-TES and free cooling applications,” advises Zafer. He suggests that with careful system design wider energy savings are possible and that it may even be possible to eliminate the need for mechanical heating and cooling altogether, achieving near-zero- energy climate control. “Surplus renewable electricity - generated from solar and wind - can be stored in thermal form,” he says. “This bridges the gap between energy availability and actual demand, helping the grid shift loads, reduce peak demand and improve overall energy efficiency.”
PCMs have already been used in a number of real projects in the UK, most commonly in commercial, education, healthcare and large residential schemes. “The most economical option for domestic tends to be the UFH- TES and with savings of around £2-3K from heating, plus reduced heating machinery, PCMs pay back very quickly,” concludes Zafer. From fungi-based insulation, to self-healing concrete and bioluminescent wood, these emerging materials aren’t just innovative, they are going to redefine how construction works and change how we see and use buildings. Some are already available with real-world applications, and while others remain in the R&D stage, these weird and wonderful products could soon be stocked by builders merchants across the country. BMJ
“By integrating selected micro-organisms into the cement matrix, we transform cement from a passive construction material into a functional scaffold that can host living systems.”
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www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net March 2026
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