The idea of voided flat plate slabs already existed in ancient times. Even then, it was clear to the designers, that solid constructions exerted too much of a load, making large spaces impossible.
One of the earliest examples of a building that was not solid, is the Pantheon in Rome; „Cassettes“ in the slab construction reduced the overall weight – the ceilings could be designed to span more generous expanses. For larger buildings, this voided principle was used into the middle ages, and it is still used today.
In the mid-1990s, the idea of voided flat plate slabs was reinvented – by making use of plastic void formers, „genuine“ void former building became possible.
1998
The Institute of Solid Building at the Technical University, Darmstadt, under the guidance of Gottfried Hofmann / BubbleDeck AG, has shown particular interest in this new option. One of the doctoral students of the time did his doctorate in the late nineties on this topic and developed the first, still spherical Cobiax void former modules.
2000 – 2004
The first pilot projects document the feasibility and sustainability of the technology in the practice. The products are further developed, continuously.
2004
Technologies and products are given their current brand names. Cobiax becomes a symbol of superior voided flat plate slab technology.
2005
The first serial products are ready for the market: Pro-Line and Eco-Line. The voided modules are geometric spheres from recycled plastic.
2008
The second product line comes onto the international markets: Cobiax Slim-Line. The modules are elliptical ("slim"). They are suitable for slimmer slab constructions.
2010
Cobiax Eco-Line is awarded DIBT certification.
Cobiax receives the Swiss Environmental Prize for the Reduction of CO2 emissions, through considerable reduction of the volume of concrete needed for construction. (The Swiss Environmental Prize is only awarded every two years. Projects that represent new technologies, processes or product-oriented novelties in the area of the environment are acknowledged.)
The Slim-Line products are optimised within the framework of a ZIM research project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Economy and Technology, on the basis of a resolution passed by the German parliament.
2013
Cobiax Eco-Line is awarded DIBT certification. Cobiax receives the Research Prize for Sustainable Developments from the Federal Ministry of Research and Education (Top 3).
2015
The Heinze Gruppe takes over Cobiax.
2016
The Slim-Line Click supplements the Cobiax range. This version facilitates the installation of the elements and the reinforcing, thereby increasing the safety and reducing the examination costs.
The product line receives Bronze at the Architects Darling Awards.
2018
Cobiax presents its new market positioning featuring a new logo and a revised homepage. We are thus strengthening our position as a technology and market leader in void former systems for sustainable slab constructions.
The EcoLine becomes Cobiax EL. The SlimLine in all versions becomes Cobiax SL.
2019
A newly developed and patented product joins our portfolio as Cobiax CLS (Concrete Lightweight Structures). The lightweight structural element for reinforced concrete slabs not only seamlessly continues with the previous Cobiax advantages but actually enhances them in many disciplines.
