Concrete Loses 32% More Heat Than Mass Timber in Chile’s Cold Zones

Why It Matters

The findings highlight a clear energy‑efficiency advantage for mass timber, prompting regulators and developers to reconsider material choices and code requirements in cold‑climate markets.

Key Takeaways

• Concrete loses up to 32% more heat than mass timber in Chile.
• Thermal bridges account for 35% of concrete envelope loss, 8-10% for timber.
• Exterior insulation thickness cuts bridge losses more effectively, especially in concrete.
• Study urges Chile to tighten thermal‑bridge assessment in building codes.
• Findings bolster mass timber demand for cold‑climate, energy‑efficient construction.

Pulse Analysis

The recent CENAMAD analysis compared identical post‑platform buildings constructed in concrete and mass timber across three of Chile’s cold‑climate zones. By swapping only the structural system while keeping wall enclosures constant, the researchers isolated the impact of thermal bridges. Results showed concrete’s linear transmittance values at junctions were substantially higher, driving heat losses that were 26‑32% greater than those of mass‑timber counterparts. The study also demonstrated that exterior insulation, when thickened, mitigated bridge losses more effectively than interior insulation, a benefit that was especially pronounced for concrete structures.

From a performance standpoint, the data underscores mass timber’s superior thermal behavior in environments where heat retention is critical. Thermal bridges contributed roughly a third of total envelope loss in concrete buildings, compared with less than a tenth for timber. This disparity translates into higher heating costs and larger carbon footprints for concrete‑based projects. The authors therefore recommend that Chile’s building regulations adopt more rigorous thermal‑bridge assessment methods, aligning with standards seen in Spain’s Código Técnico de la Edificación and Canada’s code framework. Such policy shifts could drive designers toward low‑bridge solutions, including continuous exterior insulation and timber connections with lower Ψ‑values.

The implications extend beyond Chile. As the global mass‑timber market anticipates a 25‑40‑fold demand increase by 2070, energy‑efficiency metrics like thermal‑bridge performance become a decisive factor for developers and investors. Incorporating timber not only reduces embodied carbon but also offers operational savings in cold climates, enhancing the overall sustainability case. Stakeholders—from architects to financing institutions—should monitor emerging code revisions and consider mass timber’s dual benefits of structural resilience and lower heating loads when planning future projects.