Faculty: architecture topic : constructive system of dwelling house teacher

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels – Refer to Low-mass floors earlier on this page.

Structural insulated panels (SIP) – These consist of an insulating layer of rigid insulation material, sandwiched between 2 structural skins of sheet metal, plywood, fibre cement, or engineered timber. These systems usually achieve high levels of structural efficiency with high insulation levels. Many people now use environmentally preferred materials and the range of SIP products is growing rapidly. Some Australian SIP systems use panels made from forestry waste through a carbon zero manufacturing process. SIP systems can be particularly effective in passive design homes, because they position the thermal mass where it is most useful. SIPs with cores made from non-damaging materials are preferred. There are some small-scale commercial providers using organic materials of various kinds, and others using XPS or PIR foams, both of which are preferable to EPS foam.

when logs are sustainably sourced. Construction detailing and timber stability are critical to retain airtightness and thermal performance. Single skin log walls are unsatisfactory.

Cladding – Lightweight walls reduce heat loss when insulated and can have minimal embodied energy, depending on the cladding material used. Timber weatherboards, fibre cement sheet, and other cladding systems made from compressed forestry waste have low embodied energy and generally low environmental impact. They are very durable, although maintenance is required for any painted surface.

Composite (mixed) mass walls

These systems fit between high and low mass with either moderate density, such as AAC (see following) where high-mass concrete is used to trap tiny (no mass) air bubbles, or a combination of high and low mass, such as straw bale, where straw is low mass and the render finish is high mass.
AAC (Autoclaved aerated concrete) panels – These panels have medium thermal mass and insulation, and low to medium embodied energy. The maintenance required depends on the finish. AAC panels have average durability (depending on finishes). These panels are also prone to damage if not handled with care on site. They have low processing impacts and moderate transport requirements.