Interview with John Eisler about the TX Active technology and more

Was your first experience with self-cleaning concrete using TX Active technology the collaboration with Richard Meier on the Dives in Misericordia church project in Rome, or did you have the opportunity to encounter TX Active earlier?
The church project in Rome was my first experience with TX Active technology. About twelve years ago, when we started working on the execution project for the church of Dio Padre Misericordioso in Rome, particularly regarding the structural and technological solution of its most prominent component – the parallel spherical concrete walls – we encountered three fundamental problems while designing and testing the load-bearing structure: how to ensure even distribution of the concrete mix, which was challenging due to the size of the elements and their complicated shape - formed by segments of a spherical surface - and the high percentage of both soft and prestressed reinforcement; how to achieve the desired shape, texture, and color of the concrete elements; and how to ensure the long-term durability of the structure. In collaboration with the Italcementi group, a project for concrete elements using SCC (self-compacting concrete) technology was developed, which allowed for the construction of concrete blocks and the use of TX Active technology.

Dio Padre Misericordioso in Rome

What aspect of this technology impressed you the most, and what do you see as its future?
The SCC technology, unlike the traditional method of casting prefabricated elements, allows for the creation of complex elements with the most complicated shapes and a large number of visible sides. The self-cleaning properties of the TX Active concrete mix ensure a permanently clean surface, maintaining the bright color and texture of the material and contributing to the purification of the air from emissions produced by the use of liquid and solid fuels.



Is there pressure from investors to use environmentally friendly materials? (trend in the Czech Republic and abroad, building certification systems...)
Nowadays, there is an increasing effort on the part of both investors and designers, as well as contractors, to design and implement buildings and structures that are in accord and harmony with the environment. In the United States, this approach is even mandated by law for public buildings. However, qualifying such an approach, given the vast array of often conflicting aspects that need to be evaluated, is not easy, and thus several methodologies have been developed to address this issue. In recent years, the originally American LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification methodology has increasingly been used worldwide. In the Czech Republic, perhaps the first example of LEED certification was obtained for the ČSOB headquarters building in Prague – Radlice, designed by architect Pleskot, in which I was also involved. Nowadays, it is becoming common in the world, especially in the USA, for designers, architects, and specialized consultants to obtain LEED certification in addition to traditional authorizations.

Last year, your project 12 LOFTS in Prague was completed; could you introduce us to this project in more detail?
The 12 LOFTS project was completed last summer. It consists of three five-story cubic structures, each with four one- to two-story spaces – lofts, whose infrastructure is designed so that future owners can customize their interiors according to their own ideas. The outer shell consists of concrete panels utilizing TX Active technology. The dimensions of the panels reach up to 4.4m x 1.65m x 0.1m, and some have four to five visible surfaces. The smooth, almost velvety surface of the panels reflects the color and temperature of sunlight that hits it at a certain angle. Interestingly, after more than a year, the concrete façade panels are cleaner than the aluminum and glass light outer shell.

12 LOFTS in Prague

12 LOFTS in Prague

Thank you for the interview.