Those designing with the TecnoCanapa Bioedilizia® System often have to choose between two complementary but different products: Bio Beton Pronto, a cast-in-place insulating material, and Malta e Canapa, the premixed mortar used to lay Biomattone® blocks. Before work starts, it is therefore useful to understand when each product is required, because they meet different construction needs even though they share the same hemp-lime sustainable-building philosophy.
What is Bio Beton Pronto?
Bio Beton® is a mass insulating material that combines insulation with thermal mass. It consists of Coarse Hemp Shiv, Natural Dolomitic Binder and Probiotic Additive: the same biocompatible base as Biomattone®. Unlike the blocks, however, Bio Beton® Pronto is supplied premixed in 1 or 2 m³ big bags and is cast in place on roofs, screeds and subfloors, or into formwork. It is therefore the ideal solution where continuous, monolithic insulation without joints is required on surfaces such as floors, roofs or attics.
What is Malta e Canapa?
Malta e Canapa is a dry powder formulation consisting of hydraulic and air-setting binders, limestone aggregates, Fine Hemp Shiv 0–6 mm, inorganic pigments and specific additives for adhesion and workability. In practice, it is the bedding mortar designed for building and sealing Biomattone® walls, classified M5 in accordance with EN 998-2 for compressive strength. It is mixed with approximately 5–6 litres of water per 25 kg bag and can be used for up to 120 minutes after mixing.
Main differences between Bio Beton Pronto and Malta e Canapa
| Characteristic | Bio Beton Pronto | Malta e Canapa |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Cast-in-place insulation | Bedding mortar |
| Packaging | 1–2 m³ big bag | 25 kg bag |
| Density | 175 kg/m³ dry | ~1550 kg/m³ (hardened) |
| Thermal conductivity λ | 0.053 W/mK | 0.61 W/mK |
| Typical application | Roofs, floors, subfloors, external insulation | Laying and sealing Biomattone® |
As the table shows, the two products are not interchangeable: Bio Beton Pronto has an insulating function and is installed in substantial thicknesses, while Malta e Canapa provides the bonding function between one block and the next, with joints up to 15 mm thick. For example, for a 50 × 20 × 25 Biomattone® block, indicative Malta e Canapa consumption is approximately 25 kg/m².
When to choose Bio Beton Pronto
Bio Beton Pronto is suitable where the project requires continuous thermal and acoustic insulation without joints on surfaces such as flat or pitched roofs, suspended ceilings, floors and subfloors. Its ability to conform to the shape of the building also makes it useful for external insulation on existing buildings, where Biomattone® blocks would be less practical to install.
When to choose Malta e Canapa for laying Biomattone®
Malta e Canapa, by contrast, is used exclusively with Biomattone® blocks to build infill walls, internal lining walls or internal partitions. Its formulation with hydraulic binders provides the adhesion required by EN 998-2 while maintaining good compatibility with the vapour permeability of the Biomattone® system.
Can Bio Beton Pronto and Malta e Canapa be used together?
Yes. In practice, the two products are often used in the same building: Malta e Canapa to build Biomattone® walls and Bio Beton Pronto to insulate roofs, attics or subfloors within the same project. This creates a coherent envelope built entirely with the TecnoCanapa Bioedilizia® System, maintaining continuity in the construction approach.
Frequently asked questions about Bio Beton Pronto and Malta e Canapa
Can Bio Beton Pronto replace Biomattone® blocks?
No. It is generally used on horizontal or irregular surfaces such as roofs and subfloors, while Biomattone® blocks are preferred for vertical masonry, as described in the complete Biomattone® range.
Is Malta e Canapa also suitable for internal lining walls?
Yes. It is the same mortar used for insulating internal Biomattone® lining walls, regardless of the block size selected.
How long does Malta e Canapa remain workable after mixing?
Up to 120 minutes after preparation. After this time, it must be remixed or a new batch prepared without adding any more water.
In summary, the choice between Bio Beton Pronto and Malta e Canapa depends on the required function: continuous cast-in-place insulation in the first case, and block laying in the second. To explore the complete system, see the Biomattone® range, the product technical data sheets, or contact the TecnoCanapa Bioedilizia® team via the contact page.
