Koyo Ibushi Arare

Koyo Ibushi is a ceramic-like material, made from soil and carbon, using a Japanese traditional technique. The rigid, microporous inorganic material is made by carbonizing mineral rich soil at a temperature of more than 1100°C (2012°F). The sintered clay plate has a carbon film coating on the surface. Due to the carbon film, that is deposited on the surface through chemical vapor deposition, the material has a good weather resistance and an intrinsic silver colour. The carbon films essentially consist of carbon black-like atoms that have a unique microstructure. Half of the carbon atoms form oriented clusters parallel to the basal clay plane, which results in the metallic colour. The rest form random clusters, which rigidly connect the layered clusters and result in high durability. Due to its porosity, the manufacturer claims, it has humidity-regulating properties. During high humidity conditions, it absorbs moisture and releases it once the humidity reduces. It absorbs smells (similar to the way in which the porosity in active carbon does) and has claimed ‘anti-freezing’ properties due to the emission of far-infrared rays. The material has a natural silver patina finish. All sizes are customizable and it is available in tiles and panels; the Arare collection consists of mats with squares of different heights and mats with strips. Applications are roofing tiles, wall panels, frames, et cetera. Koyo Ibushi can be used indoor as well as outdoor.