Nanotechnology Creates Comfortable Living Spaces — Energy-Efficient Renovation of a Villa in Taicang, Suzhou, Using Tianci Aerogel Thermal Insulation Coating

As the concepts of green building and passive energy efficiency become increasingly widespread, traditional insulation materials are no longer sufficient to meet the comprehensive requirements of high-end residential properties for comfort, energy efficiency, aesthetics and durability. Qingdao Tianci Environmental Protection and Energy-Saving Building Materials Technology Co., Ltd., with twelve years of specialised experience in thermal insulation materials, has provided an efficient external wall insulation solution for the Suzhou Taicang New Rural Villa Project using its proprietary aerogel thermal insulation coating. By employing aerospace-grade nanotechnology, the company has created an ideal, low-carbon and environmentally friendly home that stays cool in summer and warm in winter.

The Suzhou Taicang New Rural Villa Project is situated in a region with hot summers and cold winters, where the external walls are constantly exposed to the elements. In summer, intense solar radiation causes heat to penetrate the walls rapidly, resulting in sweltering indoor temperatures; in winter, indoor heat escapes easily, leading to persistently high air-conditioning energy consumption, whilst also posing risks such as wall moisture penetration and mould growth. Homeowners urgently required an ultra-thin, highly efficient, easy-to-install and long-lasting external wall insulation system that would significantly enhance living comfort and reduce energy costs without compromising the building’s appearance.
To address these challenges, Tianci Building Materials developed a bespoke solution featuring a 2mm aerogel thermal insulation intermediate coat. Centred on nano-aerogel, this product possesses a three-dimensional porous network structure that comprehensively inhibits heat conduction, convection and radiation. With a thermal conductivity far lower than that of traditional insulation materials, a mere 2mm coating achieves excellent thermal insulation performance. The product utilises a water-based, eco-friendly formulation that is non-toxic, odourless, water-repellent and mould-resistant, combining weather resistance with decorative appeal to perfectly meet the long-term requirements of villa exteriors.

The construction team strictly adheres to standardised procedures: first, the walls are inspected for hollow areas and any leaks are repaired; then, the surface is levelled and finished with anti-crack mortar; subsequently, the exterior wall primer is applied, followed by the spraying of a 2mm-thick aerogel thermal insulation intermediate coat; finally, a decorative topcoat and clear varnish are applied. The entire process utilises spray application technology, ensuring efficient construction with no dust pollution, causing no disruption to the homeowners’ daily lives, and rapidly achieving an integrated solution for thermal insulation, waterproofing and decoration.

Post-project measurement data reveals that under conditions of 28°C ambient temperature and 1.5 m/s wind speed, the indoor temperature on the villa’s sun-facing side dropped from 35°C to 30°C—a single-pass reduction of 5°C. This resulted in a reduction of over 30% in both air-conditioning usage time and energy consumption during summer. In winter, the system effectively retains indoor heat, minimising heat loss and ensuring more stable indoor temperature and humidity levels. The seamless, dense coating on the walls completely eliminates water seepage and mould issues, ensuring the walls remain clean and attractive for the long term, whilst delivering a quantum leap in living comfort.
Judging by the project’s outcomes, Tianci Aerogel Thermal Insulation Coating demonstrates three core advantages: firstly, ultra-thin and highly efficient, with a thickness measured in millimetres replacing traditional thick-layer insulation, thereby saving building space; secondly, energy-efficient and durable, with a single application providing stable performance for over ten years, reducing long-term operational and maintenance costs; thirdly, it is environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing, with a water-based formulation that is safe and eco-friendly, and a refined, elegant finish that aligns with the quality standards of high-end residential properties.

As a pioneer in the field of aerogel insulation materials in China, Tianci Building Materials has consistently driven product upgrades through technological innovation. Leveraging industry-academia-research platforms, the company continues to provide high-performance energy-saving solutions for the construction and industrial sectors. The successful completion of the Suzhou Taicang villa project once again demonstrates the exceptional value of Tianci’s aerogel thermal insulation coatings in energy-saving retrofits for residential buildings. Moving forward, Tianci Building Materials will continue to harness nanotechnology to empower green construction, helping more families realise their dreams of comfortable, low-carbon and durable living environments, and contributing the building materials sector’s strength to the implementation of the dual carbon goals.