In a prestigious villa in Palermo, the creation of the outdoor surfaces using Skyconcrete Outdoor proved to be the ideal solution to meet the local climate challenges: a material with low thermal mass, capable of reflecting solar radiation and reducing surface overheating, ensuring comfortable barefoot walking in poolside areas and garden paths.
Isoplam was contacted by the architect in charge of the new build, who had discovered the company’s products in trade magazines, in order to achieve large, continuous, seamless surfaces.
The collaboration between the architect and Isoplam, centered on the technical qualities of the chosen material, led to the selection of Skyconcrete Outdoor: a low-thickness, textured outdoor floor just 2–3 mm thick in White. The selected color boasts a high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI), in compliance with the Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) now required to reduce the urban heat island effect and to lower the temperature of walkable surfaces.
A formulation developed by Isoplam
The material was applied on top of a concrete screed, first treated with a bonding primer, followed by the application of the product itself — a cementitious mixture containing a polymer specially developed by Isoplam. To prepare it, the dry cement mix is blended with the liquid polymer until it becomes a lightweight mortar. The mixture is then spread manually with a trowel. While still wet, it is worked with a power trowel (helicopter) to flatten and level the surface. In this case, the installation was handled by a trusted contractor who had already collaborated with Isoplam and relied on workers who had completed the required training courses.
Night application to beat the heat
The challenge of this project lay in managing the environmental conditions, particularly the extreme heat on site. Skyconcrete Outdoor cannot be applied at temperatures above 30°C or in full sun. Therefore, installation and the different processing phases took place in the evening and at night during early autumn, over a period of approximately three non-consecutive weeks. It was a demanding site, meticulously organized and carefully phased to coordinate the crews and execute each garden slab individually with precision and attention to detail.
Custom non-slip finishes
In total, the coating of the screed slabs along the garden paths and around the pool covered a surface area of over 1,200 square meters. Skyconcrete Outdoor was also applied vertically, as its characteristics allow for precise finishing of edges, corners, and walkable layers. The material is highly resistant to weathering due to its cementitious component.
In the parking ramp area, a greater anti-slip effect was requested, which was achieved by enhancing the mechanical finish with a slightly rougher texture. Similarly, targeted non-slip finishes were applied in other areas, such as along the pool’s edge, made possible by the great versatility of the material’s finishing options.
To preserve the beauty of the surface over time, Isoplam provides a detailed maintenance guide and offers specific cleaners for outdoor surfaces. Additionally, a protective finish is recommended before any wear appears. The product warranty is extended when Isoplam’s protective and cleaning products are used for regular maintenance.
Roberto Zancan Roberto Zancan, PhD, is a professor of architectural history and theory at HEAD-Geneva (HES-SO). He was Deputy Editor of *Domus*, Head Curator of the Inside the Academy Program for the BE OPEN Foundation, and Associate Researcher of the UNESCO Chair in Conservation and Regeneration of Urban Heritage at the Iuav University of Venice and the Canadian Centre for Architecture. He is also the founder of the Ground Action group, whose works have been presented at the official sections of the Venice Biennale, Ljubljana Design Biennale, Lisbon Triennale, and Manifesta Marseille.
