Duralmond is a composite material obtained by mixing natural and synthetic resins, crushed almond shells and other additives. After a polymerisation process the mixture is poured into a mould and baked under pressure, giving its rigid final finish. Duralmond can be moulded into any form or texture, providing a unique material for decorative surfaces and soffits. In this way, a natural waste product such as almond shells, combined with a number of biodegradable and recyclable products can, through industrial moulding techniques, acquire forms, mimic textures and give free reign to the imagination of designers and architects.
Biodegradable, recyclable, light, water repellent (ideal for damp areas), with good acoustic and fire resistant properties, Duralmond is an ideal material for interior and exterior decoration.
NEWS. Latest projects and installations.
Installation of latticework in Tudela (Navarra)
A project by Decostudio for the renovation of a macro-discotech in Tudela (Navarra).
Installation of a special Latticework designed by this prestigious design studio for the exterior of a discotech, converting a cold industrial warehouse into a modern and striking building with two very different aspects by taking advantage of natural and artificial light. During the day, it is an elegant and artistic building and at night, with proper lighting, seems to float, becoming an enticing place to be explored and enjoyed.
In many projects, our technique has proven to be perfectly adaptable to any architectural or interior design project. Some of these projects can be seen at customised latticework
“Duralmond” is basically made of triturated almond shell and synthetic resins. The almond shell contains lignin and cellulose, which are basic components of wood. This makes the objects that we manufacture have a behaviour and properties half-way between wood and plastic materials.
The different components of the paste, after being mixed, polymerize in closed moulds under pressure and at constant temperature and, after a set period, we can obtain the finished solid, rigid pieces that just need finishing.
We could highlight the following items from amongst the main characteristics of the material:
We could highlight the following items from amongst the main characteristics of the material:
Mimic Material – it adopts the form of the mould as well as the texture with great precision.
Variable Density – with the same paste, we can obtain objects with very different densities ranging from 175 gr/litre to 700 gr/litre.
Mechanical resistance – the material has a variable mechanical resistance which depends on its density. With a higher density the material is very hard and resistant to knocks and abrasion; with a low density it is less resistant but more elastic and lighter. With a medium density we can achieve excellent parameters to be able to work with the material for optimum results as far as the cut, sanding, drilling, screwing and nailing are concerned.
Weather resistance – the material is practically immune to the effects of sun and is completely waterproof.
Humidity – “Duralmond" is completely water resistant. In fact, we are building bathtubs, sinks and shower basins with it.
Fire resistance – we can make the material so as to be fire resistant from grades M4 through M1 according to the Spanish Basic Building Regulations, depending on the object we wish to manufacture.
Insulation – the resin creates interior micropores as it is polymerized which mean that ‘duralmond’ is perfect insulation both for heat and acoustics. Thanks to their normally curvy forms, the coverings have a dissipating effect on sound and reverberations.
Ecological material – the fact that we make the most of a vegetable waste which does not produce any kind of liquid, solid or gaseous residue during the manufacturing process, and the fact that it is a biodegradable and recyclable material, mean that we can classify the material as ecological and avoid the cutting down of trees as it can function as a wood substitute.
Resistance against woodworm and other biotic agents - it does not attract termites, woodworm, rot fungi or larvae insects and nor does it encourage the nesting of rodents and other insects.
Cleaning – It is resistant against almost all home cleaning products and of course against water.
