The cyclic-response admittance method is discussed along with its suitability for assessing the moisture-content-dependent thermal properties of porous fabrics under idealised dynamic conditions. The effects of insulation positioning in composite stabilised earth wall fabrics are analysed. The moisture dependent non-steady-state parameters of Y, f, phi and omega are presented for a range of stabilised earth materials in relation to their degree of saturation, S-r. Data to allow direct comparisons between specific cross-sectional composite wall fabrics using both conventional materials and stabilised earths are given. The effects of moisture-content distribution within stabilised earth wall fabrics is analysed in terms of the overall effect on the wall's non-steady-state parameters. The cyclic-response admittance method is modified to incorporate the moisture dependent non-steady-state parameters and the effects on admittance, decrement and time lag are discussed. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.