Calofrig: The Miraculous Building Material of Interwar Czechoslovakia

Abstract

During the first post WW1 decade, several new building materials sought to secure a place on the turbulent market. One of them was Calofrig, made out of diatomaceous earth from a deposit in South Bohemia. It gained favour with the Modernists, who viewed it as a lighter, faster and more efficient building material for the new era. Although its production continued into the late 20th century, its high popularity quickly peaked, and soon it was eclipsed by other materials perceived as more suitable.