HyHoLe Wand

Industrially manufactured hybrid timber-clay wall system for the optimization of hygrothermal indoor comfort

Timber is considered a sustainable and health-friendly construction method. However, timber construction has disadvantages in terms of the thermal comfort of users in summer conditions. This project is focused on the development of a timber-clay prefabricated wall system that can better buffer the hygrothermal room conditions during longer periods of heat in Central Europe without losing its good insulating properties.

The hybrid system combines the advantages offered by conventional timber frame construction (in particular fast assembly times) with the positive hygrothermal properties of clay. As a result, building users benefit from lower room temperatures during the summer months without the need to operate active systems. Furthermore, the introduction of additional mass via the clay components can be expected to improve sound insulation and room acoustics.

The hybrid wall system is examined and optimized using hygrothermal simulations in order to ensure a pleasant indoor environment in both summer and winter without active systems. The predicted performance is validated by monitoring and evaluating the measurement data from test elements in real-scale conditions.