Comparative Thermal Performance Analysis of Cross-laminated Timber (CLT) Exterior Walls under Varying Insulation Configurations and Climatic Conditions in the Northeastern United States

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Shay Kurzinski, Pouria Mahdaviani, Ellis Hwang, Carson Boswell and Shayan Mirzabeigi

Abstract

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is increasingly adopted for sustainable building construction; however, the energy and durability performance of CLT wall systems strongly depend on insulation configuration and climate. This study compared performance of three CLT wall assemblies including exterior-insulated, split-insulated, and interior-insulated, under two northeastern climate zones of Bristol, Rhode Island (4A) and Syracuse, New York (5A). Using the Combined Heat, Air, and Moisture–Building Envelope Systems (CHAMPS-BES) software, steady-state simulations were conducted to evaluate temperature distribution, heat flux, and thermal conductance through each configuration. Results show that insulation placement considerably alters thermal continuity and the temperature stability of the CLT layer. The split-insulated assembly achieved the lowest thermal conductance (0.14 W/m²·°C) and the most uniform temperature profile in both climates, while the exterior-insulated system performed comparably well in the milder coastal environment. The interior-insulated wall produced the steepest gradients and highest conductance, reflecting lower efficiency. Although overall behavior remained consistent, greater temperature differentials in Syracuse amplified heat-flow magnitude. Findings indicate that insulation strategy should align with regional climate and envelope design intent, as hybrid and exterior-insulated walls enhance thermal performance and potential durability.

Keyphrases: building envelope, cross laminated timber (clt), energy efficiency., insulation placement, thermal performance

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 1142-1151.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/qqRp
	https://doi.org/10.29007/qdzj

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:Comparative_Thermal_Performance_Analysis,
  author    = {Shay Kurzinski and Pouria Mahdaviani and Ellis Hwang and Carson Boswell and Shayan Mirzabeigi},
  title     = {Comparative Thermal Performance Analysis of Cross-laminated Timber (CLT) Exterior Walls under Varying Insulation Configurations and Climatic Conditions in the Northeastern United States},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/qqRp},
  doi       = {10.29007/qdzj},
  pages     = {1142-1151},
  year      = {2026}}

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