Glue Laminated Timber: A New Way of Framing the Residential Architecture of Upstate New York to Improve Thermal Performance & Energy Use Intensity

This thesis addresses the issue present within the current construction techniques for the residential architecture of Upstate New York. Modern platform framing has long been the dominant fashion for constructing homes in the United States, however the nature of this construction is instilled with the issue of thermal bridging, where the wood studs and structure allow heat to escape due to gaps in the continuous insulation. This study proposed a new way of framing residential architecture for the upstate region of New York, relying on glue-laminated timber (GLT) to replace dimensional sawn lumber. GLT has increased structural strength and stability over sawn lumber, decreasing the need for vertical studs. This research focused on assessing whether the GLT prototype assembly can mitigate thermal bridging in residential architecture and pose as a long-term alternative to platform framing techniques. Following a structural analysis, models simulated a typical single-family residence in the city of Glens Falls New York. Models of four conditions were created, platform frame, staggered stud, structural insulated panels (SIPs) and the prototype glulam assembly. These models were simulated using thermal analysis tools to determine overall U-value of the wall and roof assemblies. This data was used to derive the yearly energy use intensity (EUI) and yearly utility cost for each assembly. The glulam prototype was determined to be the most efficient envelope, achieving a 3% reduction in EUI (kBtu/ft2/year) and a 2.3% decrease in yearly utility cost (USD) when compared to platform framing. Overall, it was determined that GLT can improve thermal efficiency in residential building envelopes by decreasing energy consumption and utility costs.