Characterization and Energy Performance of Rice Husk Fiber Insulation Applied by the Blowing Technique in an Industrialized Modular Housing System  
[PERSON]  
1 School of Architecture, University of Navarra, 31009 Pamplona, Spain; {lorram@nuxes (J.T.R. ); aostiz@nuxes (A.S.-O. )2 Departamento de Arquitectura--Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin de Arequipa, Arequipa 04001, Peru3  
Facultad de Arquitectura, Contracion y Medio Ambiente, Universidad Autonoma de Chile, Temuco 4810101, Chile; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (C.J.-R.-H.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (J.P.C.-R.)  
[PERSON]  
1 School of Architecture, University of Navarra, 31009 Pamplona, Spain; {lorram@nuxes (J.T.R. ); aostiz@nuxes (A.S.-O. )2 Departamento de Arquitectura--Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin de Arequipa, Arequipa 04001, Peru3  
Facultad de Arquitectura, Contracion y Medio Ambiente, Universidad Autonoma de Chile, Temuco 4810101, Chile; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (C.J.-R.-H.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (J.P.C.-R.)  
Footnote 1: email: {kror  
gained traction in recent years, driven by a growing emphasis on energy conservation, sustainable architecture, and the challenges associated with the disposal of conventional insulation materials such expanded polystyrene (EPS) [3]. Among the alternative resources, agricultural residues have emerged as a promising, renewable, and cost-effective option for sustainable construction practices [4]. These materials offer thermal insulation potential while supporting circular economy principles. Derived from recycled industrial and agricultural waste, natural fibers not only enhance thermal comfort but also help to reduce environmental impact, aligning with the fundamental principles of sustainable development and circular economy practices [5]. The use of bio-based materials contributes to material recycling and contributes positively to their environmental impact [6]. The growing shift toward these materials is driven by their potential to reduce the overall environmental footprint of construction processes. Thermal insulation remains one of the most effective strategies for achieving energy efficiency in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Advanced insulation material reduces the demand for heating and cooling, improves the thermal resistance of building envelopes, and lowers both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions [7]. Eco-friendly insulation materials are particularly advantageous, as they are typically non-toxic, do not emit harmful chemicals or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and tend to have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional materials. Moreover, their production is often less energy-intensive, they generate fewer emissions, and many of them are recyclable or biodegradable, which enhances their reuse potential and reduces waste [5; 8]. Rice is among the most widely cultivated crops globally, feeding nearly half of the world's population [9]. Rice husk represents approximately 20% of global rice production, generating nearly 200 million tons of this agricultural waste annually. Additionally, the slow biodegradability of this residue poses significant environmental concerns, emphasizing the importance of valorizing this natural fiber [10]. Given these environmental challenges, recent research efforts have focused on developing innovative insulation materials derived from rice husk, with examples including insulation panels produced via the pulping method, exhibiting a thermal conductivity of 0.037 W/mK and 137 Kg/m\({}^{3}\)[11], as well as composites combined with various binders to create panels exhibiting favorable thermal and properties in the range of 107-378 kg/m\({}^{3}\) and 0.0045-0.108 W/mK [12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18]. Significant research has also been conducted on utilizing rice husk ash to improve certain concrete properties, where it has been used as a substitute for Portland cement.