Reviving Kaghgel in Construction with "Beh Malat" - Beh Malat – The Best Dry Mortar Supplier in the Country

What has distinguished Iranian architects from others throughout history is their attention to climatic and environmental conditions, as well as the use of Iranian ingenuity in constructing buildings. The integration of buildings with nature, the exceptional quality of the structures, and the simplicity of materials have been the defining characteristics of the beauty of Iranian cities.

Among these materials, one that has been of significant importance to architects for centuries is Kaghgel (straw clay). Although it may seem somewhat unusual today, it is important to evaluate the necessity of reviving Kaghgel in modern construction, especially in this age of technology with a wide range of new products.

Kaghgel and Its Advantages: Kaghgel, made from a mixture of clay, straw, and water, is an excellent thermal and sound insulator. The color of Kaghgel is pleasant and calming, and it has a variety of forms. If made properly, it lasts for many years, protecting the building in various ways. Kaghgel is used both as a wall plaster and as a roof covering.

The use of Kaghgel dates back to over 4,000 years ago, with evidence of its use in residential homes found in archaeological excavations at the third layers of the Sialk Hills in Kashan, dating to the late 3rd millennium BC.

To prepare Kaghgel, the straw is thoroughly mixed with the clay before water is added. The mixture is then kneaded and shaped into small mounds. Once mixed, it is left to sit and ferment for days. The best Kaghgel is the one that has been kneaded for at least 15 days. Care must be taken to ensure the straw used has no seeds, as they could sprout later. In some cases, salt is added to prevent sprouting or freezing.

Advantages of Kaghgel:

• Thermal Insulation: Kaghgel is an excellent insulator, preventing heat and cold from passing through, which helps save on energy costs.
• Moisture Resistance: Rainwater does not settle on Kaghgel coatings, making it also a good moisture barrier.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Kaghgel walls and facades are beautiful, especially when combined with tree branches. The simplicity and gentleness it conveys make it timeless and pleasing to the eye.
• Ease of Application: Kaghgel is easy to apply and is durable, protecting buildings from environmental factors.

However, preparing high-quality Kaghgel using traditional methods, as mentioned above, is difficult and time-consuming. Kneading the mixture for up to 15 days is impractical in today’s fast-paced world, especially considering the high labor costs and limitations in sourcing suitable clay in many regions.

How Can We Prepare Kaghgel According to Modern Needs with the Same Traditional Beauty?

One of the best solutions for replacing traditional Kaghgel is Beh Malat’s Kaghgel. Made with a cement base, it is produced using fully industrialized and systematic methods, incorporating the latest technologies. The preparation time for Beh Malat’s Kaghgel has been reduced from 15 days (in traditional methods) to just 15 minutes, making it much faster to prepare and apply. To prepare Beh Malat’s Kaghgel, only a specified amount of water and straw need to be added to the mortar at the time of application.

Unlike the traditional method, which requires large spaces for preparation, Beh Malat’s Kaghgel is packaged in 30 kg bags and can be prepared in small spaces or even specialized containers. It requires no special expertise and can be easily applied by most contractors and builders.

Thanks to its specific additives and cement base, Beh Malat’s Kaghgel is highly durable, has excellent bonding strength, and is suitable for both wet and dry climates. Most importantly, once applied, it retains the traditional beauty and feel of Kaghgel that everyone appreciates.

Final Note: Despite the influx of various new materials in today’s technological age, nothing compares to the experience and sensation of traditional materials like Kaghgel. These materials, beyond their technical properties, remind us of the simplicity, purity, and profound thinking of our ancestors. We are committed to preserving and reviving this heritage for future generations by restoring historical sites and passing down this beauty to the next generation.

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