Duplafalas

Duplafalas is a term of Hungarian origin that translates literally to "double wall." It refers to a building construction technique where two separate walls are built with an air gap between them. This gap can be filled with insulation or left empty depending on the specific application and desired thermal performance.

The primary purpose of a duplafalas construction is to enhance thermal insulation. The air or insulation trapped between the two walls acts as a barrier, reducing heat transfer from the interior to the exterior in colder months and vice versa in warmer months. This leads to improved energy efficiency in buildings, requiring less energy for heating and cooling.

Historically, duplafalas was a common method in regions with significant temperature fluctuations. The technique could be implemented using various materials for the two walls, such as brick, stone, or timber. The width of the air gap and the type of insulation used, if any, would be chosen to optimize the thermal performance for the local climate.

While modern construction often employs different insulation strategies, such as cavity walls with insulation filling the entire gap, the fundamental principle of creating a thermal break through a void remains relevant. Duplafalas represents an early and effective approach to achieving better thermal performance in buildings through layered construction.