Mitigating the urban microclimate, today more than ever, is a necessity: low-thick Isoplam continuous surfaces, thanks to excellent solar reflectance values and the ability to react quickly to temperature changes, can affect the thermal balance of homes and cities, giving cooler and more liveable environments.
The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is one of the major environmental challenges facing contemporary metropolitan areas. Caused by the replacement of natural ground with impermeable surfaces with high thermal inertia – such as asphalt and conventional dark-coloured roofs – the phenomenon leads to a significant increase in surface and ambient temperatures, with negative effects on health, urban liveability and energy consumption.
Numerous studies* show that temperatures in densely built-up areas can be several degrees Celsius higher than in surrounding suburban areas, resulting in widespread heat stress and increased energy demand for cooling. Building materials play a crucial role in this context: their ability to absorb, retain and release heat can significantly influence the thermal balance of cities.
*Studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report that the urban heat island effect can raise urban temperatures by 1–3°C during the day and 1.1–2.8°C at night in densely built-up cities.
A thermally responsible urban planning
From the perspective of sustainable design and climate adaptation, the use of surfaces with high solar reflectance, low heat accumulation and good breathability represents a key strategy for mitigating the urban microclimate.
The concept of thermally responsible urban design requires careful selection of surface materials, considering not only aesthetic and functional criteria but also energy balance and environmental impact.
Isoplam actively contributes to this approach by investing in the research and development of thin-build solutions with high solar reflectance performance – with an SRI > 49 (Solar Reflectance Index) – as well as drainage capacity, durability and design integration. The aim is to provide practical solutions for urban regeneration and sustainable design without compromising architectural quality.
All Isoplam thin-build solutions are also designed for application over existing substrates, facilitating their integration into renovation and redevelopment projects while reducing both the economic and environmental impact of the works.
Thanks to the high solar reflectance of their lighter colours, Isoplam flooring and surface solutions achieve a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) > 49, meeting the Italian Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) requirement for reducing the urban heat island effect established by the Decree of 23 June 2022.
Reduced surface temperatures, optimised water management and high durability are combined with aesthetic quality and design versatility, making these systems particularly suitable for public spaces, residential areas, cycle and pedestrian routes, terraces and outdoor commercial environments.
Micro Supreme: quick installation for surfaces that cool quickly
Micro Supreme is Isoplam’s microcement designed to create continuous surfaces just 3 mm thick, with extremely fast installation times.
Its innovative formulation combines Microverlay Medium and Microverlay Finish in a single product, streamlining application stages and improving on-site productivity.
In its lighter shades, Micro Supreme achieves a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) > 49, effectively contributing to the mitigation of the urban heat island effect thanks to its ability to reflect solar radiation and cool down rapidly.
Skygrip: maximum grip, minimum thermal accumulation
Skygrip is the ideal cement-based solution for high-performance, anti-slip outdoor flooring. Its tactile finish and strong visual character make it particularly suitable for environments where aesthetics and safety need to coexist.
Thanks to its low thermal inertia and SRI > 49, Skygrip reduces surface heat build-up, providing comfortable barefoot use even in areas exposed to direct sunlight – an essential feature for spaces such as pool surrounds and urban terraces.
Pavilux Sablèe, decorative effects that do not fear high temperatures
Pavilux Sablée combines contemporary aesthetics with technical resistance in a continuous, thin-build flooring systemdesigned for demanding, high-traffic environments.
Its Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) > 49, combined with dimensional stability even when exposed to significant temperature fluctuations, makes it a strategic solution for reducing surface temperatures in heavily trafficked outdoor areas.
Ideal for squares, walkways, public spaces and outdoor commercial areas, Pavilux Sablée combines thermal performance with decorative value.
