Hi folks, renovating the interior of an old hunting camp in the Adirondacks in New York, climate zone 6A. I’ve not seen much discussion on structures that are both old and occasional use and need additional guidance on a durable wall assembly.

Structure

Two stories with balloon framing (2×4), built in 1900. Current wall assembly is original wood clapboard siding over plank sheathing, with old cracked drywall with wallpaper on the interior. There is no insulation in any of the walls, but there is some loose vermiculite/cellulose/fiberglass in the attic. The building is heated with two wood stoves. It is entirely unconditioned, there is electricity but no running water, though it can get moist from occupants and heating water on the kitchen wood stove. Realistically the place is occupied for three weekends or less in the winter.

Questions

Working from the inside only, I’ll be tearing out the drywall and would potentially use the opportunity to add insulation, though insulation is a secondary concern given the infrequency of use. For the first floor walls I’m planning to install some sort of stained wood paneling, and on the second floor drywall (paperless) with vinyl wallpaper.

(1) Air Barrier – How can I provide a reliable air barrier if I’m doubtful that drywall will remain uncracked for long given the 100+ degree seasonal temperature swing and heavy snow load in winter? I could potentially add a polyethylene/vapor barrier behind the drywall/wood paneling but am wary of both its inevitable penetrations and being below the dew point temp of interior air. Is it even worth providing an air barrier for such infrequent use? It would help with running a dehumidifier in the summer.

(2) Insulation – given the potential of water being driven in from the exterior, I want to leave space along the back of the sheathing for air flow. Would it be crazy to install 1.5” or 2” of rock wool Comfortboard (exterior product, I know) with a gap along the sheeting? Similar to this (https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/insulating-walls-in-an-old-house-with-no-sheathing#0) previously discussed method, but rather than rigid foam use Rockwool Comfortboard.

Doing any work from the exterior is out of the question for at least ten years, as is conditioning or heating the space while gone.

I appreciate any thoughts!