Abstract This paper focuses on the experimental investigation of the storage and release of thermal heat during melting and solidification of PCM (phase change material). The materials tested have a gypsum or epoxy resin matrix which incorporates metallic tube filled with PCM. An investigation by means of a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was carried out to obtain the latent heat and the transition temperature of paraffin. The main objective is to elucidate which is the most efficient composite-PCM by measuring, effective thermal conductivity, total heat accumulated; the average heat capacity and latent heat stored using a new transient hot plate apparatus. Comparing the results, it was demonstrated that that the considered composite gypsum-PCM has potential thermal energy storage purpose in buildings. Experimental investigations of the thermophysical properties of the considered composite (gypsum/copper tubes) have shown that the material combines a high heat storage potential and an improved heat transfer at the same time. Besides, the results showed that the shape-stabilized phase change material prevents the leakage of the molten paraffin during phase transition and proved a good thermal stability.