The effect of high thermal insulation on high thermal mass: Is the dynamic behaviour of traditional envelopes in Mediterranean climates still possible?

The study shows that the most suitable intervention is the maximization of the internal heat capacity and the introduction of an external insulation layer sealed in wintertime and ventilated in summer, thus maintaining the existing massive envelope seasonal dynamic behaviour by alternatively maximising thermal barrier effect and heat loss. Considering this, the authors introduced a recently patented dynamic system that reduces both summer discomfort levels and consumption, respectively, of about 20% and 43% respect to the worst retrofit solution.