When winter arrives, we are faced with a familiar dilemma: bundle up in layers or crank up the heating and brace for a spike in energy bills. But what if the key to staying warm and keeping energy costs low isn’t in your thermostat, but in your walls? The secret to an energy-efficient, warm home might lie in smarter building insulation. This is where the groundbreaking Aeroskin Tech, an ETH Zurich spin-off, is poised to revolutionize the construction industry.
Led by Daniel Sanz Pont, a visionary scientist with a passion for sustainable architecture, Aeroskin Tech is developing thermal insulation that is twice as effective as conventional materials. With innovations that blend aerospace technology and digital fabrication, Aeroskin Tech promises to make homes warmer, greener, and smarter.
Let’s dive into the world of next-gen insulation and see how a material once reserved for space missions could soon transform the way we live.
The Game-Changer: How Aeroskin Tech Insulates Twice as Well
Traditional insulation works, but it often falls short when it comes to efficiency and sustainability. Enter Aeroskin Tech, which offers insulation solutions that are not only more effective but also thinner and more versatile.
- Ultra-High Performance Spray Plaster: Applied directly to a building’s façade, this spray provides exceptional insulation without adding bulk.
- Ultra-High Performance Insulating Boards: These boards can be used in conventional products or tailored for prefabrication using 3D building scans.
These innovations mean that a mere 10-centimeter layer of Aeroskin Tech’s material provides enough insulation when compared to 30-centimeter-thick conventional foam boards. These prefabrication elements can be rapidly attached to a building’s walls. Aeroskin Tech’s insulating materials offer 2 to 2.5 folds better insulation compared to traditional materials like wood fibers or rock wool. However, the requirements vary depending on whether a building is renovated or a new build and whether the new build is constructed according to minergie standards” says Daniel Sanz Pont.
From Space to Your Home: The Secret of Aerogels
The magic behind Aeroskin Tech’s groundbreaking insulation is aerogel, a material originally developed for the aerospace industry. Aerogels were used to protect sensitive electronics in space missions, but now they’re being harnessed to keep homes cozy and energy-efficient.
But what exactly is an aerogel? “An aerogel is essentially a dried gel that maintains its volume even after drying. It has a nanoporous structure, making it an exceptional insulator,” says Sanz Pont, who holds a doctorate in aerogel composites.
Unlike traditional insulating materials, highly porous. Conventional insulating materials consist of up to 90% air in some cases, where heat is mostly transmitted by collisions between air molecules. But aerogels reduce heat transfer through a phenomenon called the Knudsen effect. In simple terms, the tiny pores in the nanoporous structure force air molecules to collide with the pore walls more often than with each other, drastically reducing heat flow. This unique structure traps heat inside the building, keeping the cold out and the warmth in.
The Journey of Daniel Sanz Pont: From Mexico to Market Leader
The story of Aeroskin Tech is as fascinating as its technology. Daniel Sanz Pont, originally from Spain, grew up in Mexico before returning to Europe to pursue his education. With a background in architecture, he earned two master’s degrees one in building physics and the other in quality and risk management.
His passion for materials science led him to ETH Zurich, where he completed his doctoral studies. It was here that he recognized the potential of aerogels for the construction industry.
“Entrepreneurship is very common in my family. It seemed obvious to me to find an ETH spin-off to bring my research to market,” says Sanz Pont.
And so, Aeroskin Tech was born a one-man venture fueled by innovation, determination, and a network of brilliant minds.
Scaling New Heights: From Prototypes to Market-Ready Solutions
Aeroskin Tech has come a long way, developing various prototypes and validating them with industry players. These innovations have been supported by grants and public funding, including the Swiss Climate Foundation and the Swiss Federal Office of Energy Pilot and Demonstration Programme.
The next big milestone? Building a pilot plant to scale up production and bring these cutting-edge products to market within one to two years.
“Our location in the heart of Europe works in our favor. In Switzerland, you need two or three times more insulating materials to meet legal requirements compared to countries like Spain,” Sanz Pont explains. This strategic location is a springboard for global expansion.
A Solo Founder with a Vision for the Future
Unlike many start-ups that rely on teams of co-founders, Sanz Pont took the bold step of founding Aeroskin Tech alone. His diverse education and relentless drive have equipped him with the skills needed to navigate both scientific and business challenges.
“I enjoy big challenges, but I also surround myself with highly experienced mentors whom I can learn from quickly,” he says. His goal? To find investors who share his vision and are ready to help take Aeroskin Tech to industrial-scale production.
Balancing Innovation with Life: The Human Side of Sanz Pont
Running a pioneering company and teaching at ETH Zurich sounds like a recipe for burnout, but Sanz Pont knows the value of balance.
“You might think I live and sleep in the office. But that’s not the case. It’s important to strike a healthy balance,” he says. Whether it’s playing basketball, football, snowboarding, or simply spending quality time with his wife, Sanz Pont recharges through sports, travel, and the simple joys of life.
These moments of balance fuel his creativity and determination to usher in the next generation of thermal insulation.
Ready for a Warmer, Greener Future?
Aeroskin Tech isn’t just about keeping homes warm; it’s about making energy-efficient living accessible, sustainable, and smart. With insulation technology inspired by aerospace innovation and tailored for the construction industry, Aeroskin Tech is poised to redefine how we think about building efficiency.
If you believe in a future where homes are warm without wasting energy, Aeroskin Tech is your solution. As Daniel Sanz Pont prepares to take the leap into industrial production, the opportunity for investors, builders, and homeowners to be part of this journey is here. By adopting Aeroskin Tech’s innovative solutions, you’re not only improving comfort but also reducing carbon footprints and energy costs.
