Glossary

The term ‘capillary-active’ refers to the ability of a material or building material to transport and distribute liquids, such as water, through its capillaries or pores. Capillary-active materials have the property of absorbing, storing and, where necessary, releasing liquids due to capillary forces. Blotting paper is ‘capillary-active’.

Water exists in three states of matter: as water vapour – which is dry and invisible; as liquid water – including in the form of water droplets; and as ice – a solid state. Condensation refers to water’s ability to change from the ‘vapour’ state to the ‘liquid’ state. This can be seen on misted-up window panes or as condensation on a cold bottle of water taken out of the fridge.

Cosiness refers to the pleasant, comfortable and soothing feeling experienced in a room or setting.