07-08-2016, 06:30 AM
Sorry I don't recall the source but in my wanderings on the net I recall some folks from Australia concluding the same. Well, they said there was no advantage to the thermal mass. I don't recall that they said it was really a negative. Is high thermal mass a negative in the tropics? All thermal mass does is even out the highs and the lows so although it will stay warm longer into the evening which may be perceived as a negative it was slower to heat up earlier in the afternoon.
ETA: How is concrete block any different from poured concrete or from ICF for that matter if you put some insulation on the outside of the wall? ICFs are a neat idea and clearly have some advantages in terms of labor savings but I think you can build a wall with similar properties out of block or formed and poured concrete.
ETA: The hottest days in Eden Roc are close to uncomfortably warm. The coldest nights are COLD! Hit me with some of that thermal mass please.
ETA: How is concrete block any different from poured concrete or from ICF for that matter if you put some insulation on the outside of the wall? ICFs are a neat idea and clearly have some advantages in terms of labor savings but I think you can build a wall with similar properties out of block or formed and poured concrete.
ETA: The hottest days in Eden Roc are close to uncomfortably warm. The coldest nights are COLD! Hit me with some of that thermal mass please.