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Abstract

Moisture-Buffering Properties of Biobased Building Assemblies

Authors
  • Christianne Luijten (TNO – Building Materials and Structures, Delft, The Netherlands)
  • Jan D. de Jong (TNO – Building Materials and Structures, Delft, The Netherlands)

Abstract

As the demand for sustainable, vapour-open dwellings rises in the Netherlands, there is growing interest in biobased insulation materials for their potential to improve indoor relative humidity (RH) stability through moisture buffering. These materials, coupled with low embodied emissions, align with both environmental and indoor air quality goals. This study examines light timber frame walls with and without vapour barriers, assessing their impact on structural integrity (keeping the construction dry) and indoor air quality (maintaining RH within 30–70%). Findings are validated by comparing monitored data from two residential demo buildings—one with a vapour barrier and one without—to digital simulations. Additional component testing evaluates real-world feasibility and performance.

Keywords: Moisture buffering, Vapour-open dwellings, Hygroscopic behaviour, Light Timber Frame Wall, Hygrothermal Modelling

How to Cite:

Luijten, C. & de Jong, J. D., (2025) “Moisture-Buffering Properties of Biobased Building Assemblies”, UCL Open Environment 7(S1). doi: https://doi.org/10.14324/111.444/ucloe.icmb25.a23

Rights: Author, [2025]

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Published on
21 Oct 2025
Peer Reviewed
License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0