Abstract
Current environmental crisis calls for sustainable solutions in the building industry. One of the possible solutions is to incorporate timber-framed constructions into designs. Among other benefits, these structures are well established in many countries, originating in traditional building systems. This paper focuses on experimental timber-frame walls. Different wall assemblies vary in thermal insulation materials and their combinations. We investigated ten experimental wall structures that have been exposed to natural external boundary conditions since 2015. The emphasis was on their state in terms of visual deterioration, mass moisture content, and thermal conductivity coefficient. We detected several issues, including defects caused by inappropriate realization, causing local moisture increase. Material settlement in loose-fill thermal insulation was another issue. Concerning was a significant change in the thermal conductivity of wood fiber insulation, where the current value almost doubled in one case compared to the design value determined by the producer.
Highlights
The current environmental crisis is triggering scientists worldwide to develop more sustainable solutions in the building industry
The main goal of this study is to provide objective information about the condition of Methods timber frameand walls that can be expected after exposure without any severe maintenance
We revealed a severe shortcoming in fragments insulated with blown-in thermal insulation
Summary
The current environmental crisis is triggering scientists worldwide to develop more sustainable solutions in the building industry. The easiest way is to return to traditional and natural materials and incorporate them into the design [1–3]. To provide more sustainable housing options while respecting increasingly challenging legislative requirements [4], timber-frame constructions are gaining popularity [5,6]. They are lightweight structures, suitable for most climate conditions. Their advantage in terms of high thermal resistance while maintaining relatively small thickness is undeniable. With these structures, we can minimize wall thickness while maintaining the material in perfect condition in case of future recycled use. Wood is, by proper management, a renewable natural source that requires minimum primary energy [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
