Natural Insulation Options for High-Performance Buildings
Why Natural Insulation Matters
Insulation choices affect far more than energy use. They influence moisture management, indoor air quality, occupant comfort, and the long-term durability of a building. As high-performance building standards continue to evolve, designers and builders are increasingly looking for insulation materials that balance thermal performance with material health and environmental responsibility.
Natural insulation materials offer an alternative to petrochemical-based products while supporting resilient, durable building assemblies. When thoughtfully detailed and integrated into a complete enclosure strategy, natural insulation can perform exceptionally well in both new construction and retrofit projects.
Natural Insulation in the Building Envelope
In high-performance buildings, insulation does not work in isolation. It must coordinate with airtightness, water management, and ventilation strategies to avoid condensation risk and ensure consistent performance over time.
Well-designed natural insulation assemblies:
- Reduce heat loss and thermal bridging
- Support moisture resilience and drying potential
- Contribute to healthier indoor environments
- Align with low-carbon and sustainability goals
Material selection, placement, and compatibility with surrounding control layers are key to success.
Expanded Cork Insulation: Durable and Low-Carbon
ThermaCork expanded cork insulation is manufactured using heat and pressure alone, allowing the cork’s natural resins to bind the material without added chemicals. The result is a dense, stable insulation product with excellent durability and moisture resistance.
Expanded cork insulation is commonly used in:
- Exterior continuous insulation assemblies
- Interior wall and roof applications
- Retrofit and restoration projects
- High-performance and Passive House–aligned designs
Its resistance to moisture, mold, and pests makes expanded cork well suited for demanding enclosure conditions where long service life is a priority.
→ View ThermaCork Expanded Cork Insulation Products
Want to Learn More About ThermaCork Expanded Cork Insulation?
These Small Planet Supply blog posts can tell you more about why ThermaCork Expanded Cork is a good, eco-friendly choice for your home or build:
- The Natural Power of Cork: why ThermaCork is the Future of Sustainable Building Materials
- Using ThermaCork Lowers Building Carbon with Style
- Climate, Carbon and Cork: Using ThermaCork to Decrease Embodied Carbon in Your Build
- When 'No Sound' Sounds Good: Using ThermaCork and Other Materials to Manage Noise
Sheep’s Wool Insulation: Healthy and Adaptive
Havelock Wool insulation is a natural fiber insulation made from sheep’s wool, valued for its ability to regulate moisture and support indoor air quality. Wool fibers can absorb and release moisture without losing thermal performance, helping assemblies remain resilient under changing conditions.
Sheep’s wool insulation is commonly used in:
- Interior wall and ceiling assemblies
- Renovation and retrofit projects
- Sound-sensitive spaces
- Buildings prioritizing material health
Wool insulation also contributes to improved acoustic comfort and is often selected for projects focused on occupant well-being.
→ View Havelock Wool Insulation Products
Want to Learn More About Havelock Wool Insulation?
This Small Planet Supply blog post can tell you more about why Havelock wool is a good, eco-friendly choice for your home or build:
Comparing Natural Insulation Options
Both expanded cork and sheep’s wool insulation offer unique advantages depending on project goals and assembly design.
Expanded cork insulation is often selected for its durability, compressive strength, and suitability for exterior applications.
Sheep’s wool insulation is frequently chosen for interior use where moisture buffering, acoustics, and indoor air quality are priorities.
In many projects, natural insulation materials are used alongside conventional products to achieve specific performance, health, or sustainability objectives.
Natural Insulation Solutions from Small Planet Supply
Small Planet Supply supplies natural insulation products for residential and commercial high-performance projects across North America. Our team works with architects, builders, and homeowners to select insulation solutions that align with performance goals, climate conditions, and long-term durability requirements.
→ Browse Natural Insulation Products
→ Request Project Support or Product Guidance