MGO + CORK Panels

Outer Boards : Magnesium Oxide (MGO)

Central Core : Expanded Cork

Natural, Environmental, Healthy and Fire Resistant

Expanded cork is made from granules of Quercus Suber bark that, under steam pressure, expands and releases it's own natural resin which then bind the particles to one another and under compression, form rigid blocks. No binders or glues are used - expanded cork is 100% natural, nothing is added to it when it is manufactured. The resulting material is an excellent insulator with it's closed-cell microstructure and suberin content that trap still air, and delivers low thermal conductivity (k-value of cork ~0.037–0.045 W/m·K) and a typical cork R-value of ~R-3.5 to R-4.0 per inch.

MGO is well known for its structural rigidity and fire resistance having an A1 rating with resistance to direct burning for up to 4 hours. Along with its high strength and fire safety, it is also very conducive to healthy living, particularly for those with asthma and chemical sensitivity. This is because it is inorganic, there is no off gassing and the product does not contain fly ash, formaldehyde, crystalline silica or toxins. The inorganic nature of MGO and its moisture stability means it does not rot and is termite resistant.

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Expanded cork is a natural phenomenon. It comes from the bark of Cork Oak (Quercus suber). We have married expanded cork with magnesium oxide to make a truly unique building solution, a structural insulated panel which captures the tremendous advantages of both these materials. The goal of these panels is to be a benefit to both the the environment from which the materials are derived, and the people who inhabitant the structures that are built from these materials.

Together MGO and Cork make a wall structure that is impressive in multitude of ways. Structurally these panels are very strong, they are denser and much heavier than traditional SIPs. While this extra weight must be managed in the building stage; the additional density means their thermal mass is higher and as such they have greater ability to impede the flow of heat - a very advantageous characteristic that evens out heat distribution over the course of the day and reduces temperature swings. This increased mass also gives rise to another advantage, both cork and MGO have excellent acoustic insulation properties. Both materials block sound very well. Cork is frequently used as a sound and vibration barrier in boards with as little as 20mm thickness (our panels range up to 300mm thickness). MGO board can reach an acoustic STC rating of 33–36 at 12mm thickness. Both these materials exhibit high fire resistance. Cork is well known to withstand intense wildfires and Magnesium oxide can withstand direct flame and high temperatures, without burning or emitting toxic fumes. Both materials have excellent moisture resistance. Cork contains a natural water repelling wax called suberin and MGO maintains stability in humid environments and has a low water absorption rate of 20% in full submersion.

The primary origins of these panels are simply tree bark and rocks (aka magnesite). They have a plethora of desirable physical properties along with major benefits for those conscious of healthy living. Best of all this product is truly sustainable to produce, has a low impact on the earth and is beneficial to the Cork Oak ecologies of Portugal, the Mediterranean and the north Africa fringe.