Natural materials in building construction - annual evaluation

Abstract

The construction industry's focus on a low-carbon economy will result in the need for a deeper examination of natural-based building materials. From an environmental point of view, the benefits of these materials are undeniable. However, it is necessary to consider their shortcomings in other areas of design in terms of building thermal engineering. This article observes and evaluates a wall designed for a wooden building with almost zero energy demand in year-round operation and subsequent assessment in confrontation with a different composition, seemingly more advantageous in thermal resistance and humidity regime. These assemblies are under long-term examination within the pavilion research of the authors' workplace, in laboratory conditions from the interior side. At the same time, they are exposed to the realistic boundary conditions of the external environment. The paper includes an environmental assessment of two compositions, variating in the used material. The research shows that the wall composition of natural materials is more advantageous from an ecological perspective and can also show favourable effects in terms of temperature and relative humidity regulation.

Keywords

• timber-framed
• natural building materials
• temperature
• relative humidity
• environmental assessment