Carbon reduction and hygrothermal performance of mid- and high-rise hybrid CLT buildings as residential apartments

Evaluating the thermal performance and carbon reduction potential of hybrid cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings for mid-to high-rise residential apartments in the Korean climate, this case analysis considers the impact of building shapes and insulation materials on energy demand, indoor comfort,...

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Main Authors: Yujin Kang, Sumin Kim
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-09-01
Series:Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X2500886X
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author Yujin Kang
Sumin Kim
author_facet Yujin Kang
Sumin Kim
author_sort Yujin Kang
collection DOAJ
description Evaluating the thermal performance and carbon reduction potential of hybrid cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings for mid-to high-rise residential apartments in the Korean climate, this case analysis considers the impact of building shapes and insulation materials on energy demand, indoor comfort, and carbon efficiency. Hygrothermal simulations revealed that CLT walls block outdoor moisture but are vulnerable to indoor moisture under high-humidity conditions, requiring surface treatments. Hybrid CLT walls offered better insulation than reinforced concrete (RC) walls; however, energy savings were minimal owing to the high thermal mass of RC. Cooling demand, driven by solar heat gain through large south-facing windows, exceeded heating demand. Life cycle assessment (LCA) indicated that hybrid CLT buildings could achieve carbon savings of up to 135.9 tCO2-eq over 40 years. Designs using phenolic foam (PF) insulation showed the greatest reductions in embodied carbon compared to polyurethane insulation (PIR). Additional carbon savings could be realized by extending CLT usage to floors and core walls while ensuring structural integrity. Hybrid CLT construction offers a viable low-carbon, energy-efficient solution for residential buildings in Korea, providing moisture safety and significant GHG reductions. Addressing challenges such as timber supply and manufacturing capacity is essential for wider adoption.
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spelling doaj-art-3db3835cc1cf4100a8bf01d300012f6e2025-08-20T03:12:57ZengElsevierCase Studies in Thermal Engineering2214-157X2025-09-017310662610.1016/j.csite.2025.106626Carbon reduction and hygrothermal performance of mid- and high-rise hybrid CLT buildings as residential apartmentsYujin Kang0Sumin Kim1Department of Architecture and Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of KoreaCorresponding author.; Department of Architecture and Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of KoreaEvaluating the thermal performance and carbon reduction potential of hybrid cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings for mid-to high-rise residential apartments in the Korean climate, this case analysis considers the impact of building shapes and insulation materials on energy demand, indoor comfort, and carbon efficiency. Hygrothermal simulations revealed that CLT walls block outdoor moisture but are vulnerable to indoor moisture under high-humidity conditions, requiring surface treatments. Hybrid CLT walls offered better insulation than reinforced concrete (RC) walls; however, energy savings were minimal owing to the high thermal mass of RC. Cooling demand, driven by solar heat gain through large south-facing windows, exceeded heating demand. Life cycle assessment (LCA) indicated that hybrid CLT buildings could achieve carbon savings of up to 135.9 tCO2-eq over 40 years. Designs using phenolic foam (PF) insulation showed the greatest reductions in embodied carbon compared to polyurethane insulation (PIR). Additional carbon savings could be realized by extending CLT usage to floors and core walls while ensuring structural integrity. Hybrid CLT construction offers a viable low-carbon, energy-efficient solution for residential buildings in Korea, providing moisture safety and significant GHG reductions. Addressing challenges such as timber supply and manufacturing capacity is essential for wider adoption.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X2500886XCross-laminated timberLow-carbon constructionHygrothermal performanceLife cycle assessmentEnergy-efficient residential buildings
spellingShingle Yujin Kang
Sumin Kim
Carbon reduction and hygrothermal performance of mid- and high-rise hybrid CLT buildings as residential apartments
Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
Cross-laminated timber
Low-carbon construction
Hygrothermal performance
Life cycle assessment
Energy-efficient residential buildings
title Carbon reduction and hygrothermal performance of mid- and high-rise hybrid CLT buildings as residential apartments
title_full Carbon reduction and hygrothermal performance of mid- and high-rise hybrid CLT buildings as residential apartments
title_fullStr Carbon reduction and hygrothermal performance of mid- and high-rise hybrid CLT buildings as residential apartments
title_full_unstemmed Carbon reduction and hygrothermal performance of mid- and high-rise hybrid CLT buildings as residential apartments
title_short Carbon reduction and hygrothermal performance of mid- and high-rise hybrid CLT buildings as residential apartments
title_sort carbon reduction and hygrothermal performance of mid and high rise hybrid clt buildings as residential apartments
topic Cross-laminated timber
Low-carbon construction
Hygrothermal performance
Life cycle assessment
Energy-efficient residential buildings
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X2500886X
work_keys_str_mv AT yujinkang carbonreductionandhygrothermalperformanceofmidandhighrisehybridcltbuildingsasresidentialapartments
AT suminkim carbonreductionandhygrothermalperformanceofmidandhighrisehybridcltbuildingsasresidentialapartments