What is the Biomattone? It is a prefabricated hemp-lime block for masonry and insulation. It is made of coarse hemp shiv, a natural dolomitic binder and a probiotic additive. It comes in 8 formats, from BA8 to BA50, with thicknesses from 8 to 50 cm.
At a glance
- Composition: coarse hemp shiv, natural dolomitic binder, probiotic additive.
- Formats: 8, from BA8 to BA50, with thicknesses from 8 to 50 cm.
- Insulation: thermal conductivity 0.044 W/mK; U from 0.5 to 0.09 W/m²K.
- Phase shift: from 3h00′ (BA8) to 32h04′ (BA50), without plaster.
- Other data: dry density 310 kg/m³, μ 4.5, Class A sound absorption, fire B-s1,d0.
By Tecnocanapa Bioedilizia by SENINI. Updated October 5, 2026. Data source: Biomattone® NOV25 technical data sheet.
In this article
- What the Biomattone is and how it is made
- How it works in the wall
- Formats from BA8 to BA50
- Where it is used
- Brescia and Bolzano
- FAQ
What the Biomattone is and how it is made
Biomattone® is a mineral and plant-based biocomposite. It is part of Senini’s Tecnocanapa Bioedilizia® system. Until 2024 the product was sold under the name Blocco Ambiente®. Hemp shiv is the woody part of the hemp stalk. The binder is a natural dolomitic lime. The probiotic additive contains symbiotic microorganisms.
The block is prefabricated, so it arrives on site ready to use. It is laid with a thin mortar of lime and hemp shiv. The manufacturer is Senini, in Montichiari, in the province of Brescia.
How it works in the wall
In a single element, Biomattone® combines thermal insulation, thermal mass and vapor permeability. Its thermal conductivity is 0.044 W/mK, its dry density is 310 kg/m³ and its specific heat capacity is 1280 J/kgK.
The vapor resistance factor μ is 4.5, which means vapor passes through the wall easily. Sound absorption is Class A, and reaction to fire is B-s1,d0. All values come from the official NOV25 technical data sheet.
Biomattone formats from BA8 to BA50
The format indicates the thickness of the block in centimeters. The greater the thickness, the better the thermal transmittance and phase shift. For example, the BA50 reaches U 0.09 W/m²K and a phase shift of 32h04′.
| Format | Dimensions L×H×T (cm) | U (W/m²K) | Rt (m²K/W) | Phase shift (without plaster) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA8 | 50×20×8 | 0.5 | 1.99 | 3h00′ |
| BA12 | 50×20×12 | 0.34 | 2.9 | 5h44′ |
| BA20 | 50×40×20 | 0.21 | 4.71 | 11h19′ |
| BA25 | 50×20×25 | 0.17 | 5.85 | 14h46′ |
| BA30 | 50×20×30 | 0.14 | 6.99 | 18h14′ |
| BA36 | 40×20×36 | 0.12 | 8.35 | 22h23′ |
| BA40 | 50×20×40 | 0.11 | 9.01 | 25h08′ |
| BA50 | 40×20×50 | 0.09 | 11.53 | 32h04′ |
Note that the phase shift refers to unplastered masonry. The right format, however, depends on the project. The next step is therefore the page on formats, prices and technical data in Brescia or the one on formats, prices and technical data in Bolzano.
Where the Biomattone is used
The system has several documented applications. For example, it is used for insulating, vapor-permeable infill masonry. It also works as an insulating lining wall, internal or external, on existing masonry.
- insulating, vapor-permeable infill walls;
- internal or external lining walls on existing masonry;
- internal partitions with sound insulation;
- insulation of subfloors.
However, the choice depends on the building, the climate zone and the project goals. That is why the technical specialist assesses the application and thickness case by case.
Biomattone in Brescia and Bolzano
For Brescia you can find what Biomattone is in Brescia, the formats and technical data and the projects and certifications. For Bolzano, you can find what Biomattone is in Bolzano and its performance in harsh climates.
The certifications and sustainability page also explains the EPD and the Biosafe® validation. For EPDs in general, see the EPDItaly program. You can also go back to the Biomattone® main page.
Biomattone FAQ
It is made of coarse hemp shiv, a natural dolomitic binder and a probiotic additive. The block is prefabricated and available in 8 formats.
There are 8 formats: BA8, BA12, BA20, BA25, BA30, BA36, BA40 and BA50. The number indicates the thickness in centimeters.
Yes, the technical data sheet gives a vapor resistance factor μ of 4.5. This means vapor passes easily through the wall.
BA30 has a U-value of 0.14 W/m²K and a thermal phase shift of 18h14′. BA50, by contrast, has a U-value of 0.09 W/m²K and a phase shift of 32h04′. So BA50 insulates better and delays heat transfer longer.
Its reaction to fire is B-s1,d0. Fire resistance is EI 180 for BA30 to BA50 and EI 60 for BA12. The data sheet does not give this value for the other formats.
The cost depends on the format, quantity, wall build-up, logistics and installation. You can request a quote from the formats page.
To request a quote, see the formats, prices and technical data page.
