Thermal mass in new build UK housing: A comparison of structural systems in a future weather scenario

There are growing concerns that the move to lightweight building construction in housing will lead to higher internal temperatures during the summer, particularly in the warmer future, due to lack of thermal mass. A dynamic thermal simulation study using Tas EDSL undertaken by Oxford Brookes University compared the thermal performance of current light, medium and heavy construction techniques for a typical UK three bedroom house. It found little difference in overheating performance for the three constructions in 1990s and 2050s (projected) weather scenarios. It is concluded that current practice in house building concedes little advantage to ‘traditional’ over modern construction techniques. Thermal mass can reduce overheating, primarily in the daytime, but it must be properly exploited by good design (good night ventilation, correct materials in the correct places). It is suggested that it is possible to optimise lightweight housing to provide similar thermal comfort levels during occupied hours using ventilation and shading.

► We compared thermal performance of 3 construction techniques for UK three bedroom house.
► We used TAS dynamic thermal simulation in the study.
► Constructions did not differ much in overheating performance in 1990s and 2050s weather scenario.
► House building current practice concedes little advantage to traditional over modern constructions.
► Thermal mass can reduce overheating, primarily in daytime, but must be exploited by good design.