The Lightest Solid on Earth: Can Aerogel Rethink How We Build? – Ep 83 with Peter Pescatore
In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes Peter Pescatore, Global Commercial Lead at Cabot Corporation, for a deep dive into one of the most fascinating materials in building science: aerogel. Often called "frozen smoke," this super-light, ultra-insulating material has captivated engineers and designers for decades—but is still flying under the radar in mainstream construction.
Peter breaks down how aerogel works on a microscopic level, its unique ability to diffuse daylight while achieving R values up to four times higher than traditional insulation (with a U-value as low as 0.28 W/m²K), and its surprisingly diverse use cases—from heritage building retrofits to electric vehicle batteries. They also explore the role aerogel can play in the circular economy and its fire-resistant properties.
If you’re passionate about next-gen materials, thermal comfort, or simply want to future-proof your designs, this one’s a must-listen..
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More About Peter Pescatore
Peter Pescatore leads technical development for Cabot’s Aerogel Group in the Building and Construction markets, with a focus on daylighting applications, insulative coatings, and insulating blankets. With a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University, Peter brings deep expertise in energy-efficient material solutions and innovation in sustainable building technologies.
CONTACT:
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-pescatore-ba2baa/
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