Press kit no. 2506-09

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Press kit - Press release - Place to be: Ecological Building with Design - Agrob Buchtal

Press Kit | no. 2506-09

Place to be: Ecological Building with Design

Linz, Austria

Agrob Buchtal

Ceramic tiles support healthy indoor climate

Schwarzenfeld, Germany, 2022-01-20 - 

Hand on heart: in the past, an eco-house was quickly associated with hippie flair. But those days are over. Today, the motto is: ecological building with design. One example is the case of Andrea Hörndler and Hannes Wizany from Austria, who report on their experiences in their blog, "Place to be". They have concluded that ceramic tiles from Agrob Buchtal not only look good, but also make a direct contribution to ecological building and, with the innovative Hytect surface, ensure a healthy indoor climate.


"I believe that once you start thinking about your personal consumer behaviour, it's hard to close
your eyes. It starts with little things, like cosmetics or food, and extends to building a house. That's also why we started asking ourselves how we actually want to live, what we really need, and how we can realize it in a sustainable manner”, Andrea Hörndler explains of the origins of her housing project.


After approximately two years of intensive searching, they found the perfect plot of land near Linz: engulfed in nature, yet not too far from the city. Their declared goal: an ecological residential building no more than 100 square metres in size, which skillfully combines their demands with regard to sustainability and design.


Imposing architecture on stilts
On the steep hillside plot, the "eco-house", built on stilts and largely of wood, catches the eye through its imposing architecture alone. In order to avoid sealing the ground, Hörndler and Wizany deliberately decided against building a basement. A support structure made of recycled steel carries the house and makes it look like a floating “living box”. The wood used comes from sustainable Austrian forestry, the insulation is made of straw blown in after the wheat harvest, and in the interior, building panels made of straw, clay slabs, and clay plaster provide a climate-regulating effect.


"Access to information on the subject of ecological building, or sustainable alternatives in the building industry in general, is extremely arduous”, sums up Hörndler. "We have therefore tried to document everything as well as possible, and to provide insights into our house via our blog."


For example, the fact that ceramic tiles not only look good but also directly contribute to ecological building is one of the experiences which the two home builders are happy to share with their followers.


Sustainable floor and wall tiles
"Of course, we were guided by the design when choosing the tiles, which is also how we came across the District series of Agrob Buchtal. But we also didn't want to give up our claim to sustainability. From our point of view, it is very difficult to design a bathroom ecologically - if only because it is not possible to do without waterproofing”, says Hörndler.


Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, meet the ecological criteria, because they are made from natural raw materials with clay as the main component. Additionally, in the sum of their properties, ceramic tiles are one of the most sustainable floor and wall coverings of all. Almost all Agrob Buchtal tiles come with the innovative Hytect surface, providing special additional benefits: an antibacterial effect without chemicals, a neutralizer of unpleasant odours and air pollutants, and an are extremely easy to clean surface.


Ceramic tiles which can do more
The effect of Hytect is based on the principle of photocatalysis. For this purpose, titanium dioxide is durably baked into the glaze of the ceramic tiles as a "catalyst" which, when exposed to light, effects a reaction between light, oxygen, and air humidity. In this way, active oxygen is formed which, on the one hand, eliminates unpleasant odours and air pollutants including formaldehyde, tobacco, kitchen fumes, and typical WC odours. On the other hand, the active oxygen decomposes and inhibits the growth of micro-organisms such as bacteria, mould, algae, moss, and germs without chemical substances.


The ceramic tiles provided with Hytect coating are also hydrophilic - i.e. water-friendly - and are therefore particularly easy to clean. Instead of forming drops, the water spreads evenly as a thin, flat film on the tile. The advantage: dirt is washed down by the water film and can then be easily removed. Hytect thus significantly reduces the use of cleaning agents and protects the environment.


Furthermore, the photocatalytic effect of Hytect does not wear off, but rather is activated again and again by light alone. Normal room lighting is sufficient for this purpose.


Trendy metro tiles
The District series of Agrob Buchtal convinced Andrea Hörndler and Wizany with its glossy glaze, which is cleverly accentuated by the bevelled edges on all sides. The collection is inspired by the typical tile claddings of metro stations in big cities like Paris or London. It was used in 10 x 25 centimetres format on the walls in the bathroom and WC, and in 5 x 10 centimetres format in the kitchen. Grey floor tiles from the Agrob Buchtal collection help to create a harmonious overall picture in this combination. And, of course, they also have the innovative Hytect surface for healthy indoor air and better living quality.

Technical sheet

Official project name: Ourplacetobe

Location: Linz, Austria

Project completion date: 2019

Name of the collection: District

Material: Ceramic tiles

Size: 10 x 25 & 5 x 10 cm

Colours: White (+grey floor tiles)

Product launch date: 2018

About AGROB BUCHTAL

Displaying a high degree of quality and discerning design in the form of ceramic, AGROB BUCHTAL offers architects a “raw material for architecture” that reveals the scope of design. At the same time, consistently systematic concepts ensure the essential basis despite the great variety of ceramic tiles, colours, and formats. The innovative HYTECT surface coating offers revolutionary properties, providing valuable contributions to environmental protection. High flexibility during the development of individual solutions and services, such as the Architects’ Service which has been appreciated for several decades, has also contributed to the reputation enjoyed by the company.

- 30 -

For more information

  1. www.agrob-buchtal.de
  2. www.hytect.com
  3. www.place-to-be.at

Media contact

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Press kit | 2506-09 - Press release | Place to be: Ecological Building with Design - Agrob Buchtal - Residential Architecture - The house was largely built of wood from sustainable Austrian forestry. The offices can be reached via the terrace in front of the house and an external staircase. They are deliberately not connected to the living spaces in any way- following the idea of an intentional separation of "work" and "life".<br style=""> - Photo credit: Lumina Kreativagentur
The house was largely built of wood from sustainable Austrian forestry. The offices can be reached via the terrace in front of the house and an external staircase. They are deliberately not connected to the living spaces in any way- following the idea of an intentional separation of "work" and "life".
Photo credit: Lumina Kreativagentur
Download

Medium-resolution image : 6.7 x 4.19 @ 300dpi ~ 330 KB

Press kit | 2506-09 - Press release | Place to be: Ecological Building with Design - Agrob Buchtal - Residential Architecture - A self-regulating living climate is particularly important to the residents. Clay walls can do this perfectly and convey a homely feeling in the room. Plants not only look good, but also ensure that the "air is clean" day and night.<br style=""> - Photo credit: ourplacetobe
A self-regulating living climate is particularly important to the residents. Clay walls can do this perfectly and convey a homely feeling in the room. Plants not only look good, but also ensure that the "air is clean" day and night.
Photo credit: ourplacetobe
Download

Medium-resolution image : 7.34 x 4.9 @ 300dpi ~ 260 KB

Press kit | 2506-09 - Press release | Place to be: Ecological Building with Design - Agrob Buchtal - Residential Architecture - In the bathroom, ceramic tiles (District series, format 10 x 25 centimetres) from the brand Agrob Buchtal neutralize unpleasant odours and air pollutants. This is made possible by the innovative Hytect coating, which is durably baked onto the surface in the factory and also has an antibacterial effect without chemicals.<br style=""> - Photo credit: ourplacetobe
In the bathroom, ceramic tiles (District series, format 10 x 25 centimetres) from the brand Agrob Buchtal neutralize unpleasant odours and air pollutants. This is made possible by the innovative Hytect coating, which is durably baked onto the surface in the factory and also has an antibacterial effect without chemicals.
Photo credit: ourplacetobe
Download

Medium-resolution image : 6.4 x 8.0 @ 300dpi ~ 230 KB

Press kit | 2506-09 - Press release | Place to be: Ecological Building with Design - Agrob Buchtal - Residential Architecture - In the WC, the clear line with regard to design and materials was maintained: plenty of wood, a little greenery, constructive refinements such as the space-saving door and ceramic tiles from the District series with Hytect coating, whose special advantages also and especially come in useful in the quiet little room.<br style=""> - Photo credit: ourplacetobe
In the WC, the clear line with regard to design and materials was maintained: plenty of wood, a little greenery, constructive refinements such as the space-saving door and ceramic tiles from the District series with Hytect coating, whose special advantages also and especially come in useful in the quiet little room.
Photo credit: ourplacetobe
Download

Medium-resolution image : 5.76 x 7.2 @ 300dpi ~ 370 KB

Press kit | 2506-09 - Press release | Place to be: Ecological Building with Design - Agrob Buchtal - Residential Architecture - Andrea Hörndler and Hannes Wizany attached importance to building materials which are sustainable and long-lasting in both senses of the word, namely ecologically and visually. The Agrob Buchtal ceramic tiles used meet this requirement in an exemplary manner thanks to natural components such as clay and a timelessly neutral choice of colour.<br> - Photo credit: ourplacetobe
Andrea Hörndler and Hannes Wizany attached importance to building materials which are sustainable and long-lasting in both senses of the word, namely ecologically and visually. The Agrob Buchtal ceramic tiles used meet this requirement in an exemplary manner thanks to natural components such as clay and a timelessly neutral choice of colour.
Photo credit: ourplacetobe
Download

Medium-resolution image : 5.71 x 3.81 @ 300dpi ~ 280 KB

Press kit | 2506-09 - Press release | Place to be: Ecological Building with Design - Agrob Buchtal - Residential Architecture - The District series (here: format 5 x 10 cm) of Agrob Buchtal also makes a literally "shining impression" in the kitchen: bevelled edges and the typical glaze create charming reflections and plays of light - once in metro stations around the globe, today in modern homes. Thanks to the innovative Hytect coating, the tiles are extremely easy to clean, have an antibacterial effect and improve the indoor air.<br style=""> - Photo credit: ourplacetobe
The District series (here: format 5 x 10 cm) of Agrob Buchtal also makes a literally "shining impression" in the kitchen: bevelled edges and the typical glaze create charming reflections and plays of light - once in metro stations around the globe, today in modern homes. Thanks to the innovative Hytect coating, the tiles are extremely easy to clean, have an antibacterial effect and improve the indoor air.
Photo credit: ourplacetobe
Download

High-resolution image : 16.0 x 10.66 @ 300dpi ~ 6.5 MB

Press kit | 2506-09 - Press release | Place to be: Ecological Building with Design - Agrob Buchtal - Residential Architecture - Consistently ecological and design-oriented - this is the motto of Andrea Hörndler and Hannes Wizany, who realized their ideas of a perfect home near Linz (Upper Austria). Their blog "Place to be" explains how they went about it and which tips they have for future home builders.<br style=""> - Photo credit: ourplacetobe
Consistently ecological and design-oriented - this is the motto of Andrea Hörndler and Hannes Wizany, who realized their ideas of a perfect home near Linz (Upper Austria). Their blog "Place to be" explains how they went about it and which tips they have for future home builders.
Photo credit: ourplacetobe
Download

High-resolution image : 16.32 x 10.88 @ 300dpi ~ 3.8 MB

Press kit | 2506-09 - Press release | Place to be: Ecological Building with Design - Agrob Buchtal - Residential Architecture - This photo impressively proves that ecology and design are not contradictory and can be mutually beneficial. Supports made of recycled steel make the house appear light and almost floating. In addition, less floor space is sealed and more valuable rainwater can seep into the ground.<br style=""> - Photo credit: Lumina Kreativagentur
This photo impressively proves that ecology and design are not contradictory and can be mutually beneficial. Supports made of recycled steel make the house appear light and almost floating. In addition, less floor space is sealed and more valuable rainwater can seep into the ground.
Photo credit: Lumina Kreativagentur
Download

Medium-resolution image : 4.74 x 6.4 @ 300dpi ~ 360 KB

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