Wood fibre is not just an insulator: it is an active thermal mass. By using the natural hygroscopic and thermodynamic properties of wood, this material transforms the building envelope into a breathing lung capable of managing comfort in both summer and winter.
The wet process exploits the natural lignin contained in wood to bind the fibres without synthetic glues; the resulting panels are stiffer and denser (up to 270 kg/m3). The dry process uses a minimal percentage of resins or polyolefin fibres for lighter, more flexible panels. In both cases, the material is a carbon sink: during its life, the tree has absorbed more CO2 than is emitted to produce the panel.
Wood fibre has a very high specific heat capacity (2100 J/kgK): it accumulates the sun's heat without immediately overheating. Thanks to this lag (often > 12 hours), the afternoon heat peak reaches the interior only at night, when it can be dissipated with natural ventilation. Furthermore, wood fibre (mu = 3-5) lets vapour pass through, regulating indoor humidity.
Standards
European and international references applicable.
Physical properties
Usage environment
Wood fibre is combustible (Class E): on facades above 10 metres, regulations may require a mineral render (lime-silicate) or a rock wool fire barrier strip at each floor level before it can be certified.