Super-Seal the Net Zero Building Envelope

Air sealing a home is generally considered the most cost-effective way to reduce space heating and cooling energy use. It also improves comfort, and indoor air quality. Achieving a high…

Super-Insulate the Net Zero Building Envelope

…important to insulate the walls, floors, and ceilings with the type and thickness of insulating material that fits the specific needs of each surface, and to design wall, floor, and…

Wall Sensor Measures Moisture in a Double-stud Wall

…comparison of two high-R wall options. You could attach several inches of rigid insulation sheathing on the outside of the walls or build a thicker cavity using the double-stud approach….

The Mythical Threat to Double-Stud Walls

…for discussion. What follows is a surface-level look at what’s happening inside some of the double-stud walls Dan and I built together in Maine. Many of you may be aware…

High-R Walls, Part 1: Wall Assembly

…by a variety of little details, so labor costs can be high too. Double wall is generally less expensive for both materials and labor. Overall, costs for double wall tend…

Three Simple, Low-Cost, High-Performance Wall Assemblies

…rigid insulation Image Courtesy of Earth Advantage Double-plate walls have two entirely independent structures, including the top and bottom plates. Framed with 2x4s, the two walls can be spaced to…

Double Stud Wall Simplified – Low Cost, High Performance

Simplify The double-stud wall is a well-established method for creating a very economical, durable, and high R-value assembly in new construction – and is one reason it’s included as one…

High-R Walls, Part 2: Moisture Content

…you can’t go wrong with rigid insulation sheathing or with double-stud walls filled with fibrous insulation. While the double-stud approach does have advantages, it also has a potential drawback –…

Glossary of Zero Energy Terms

The Zero Energy Home Design Process

High-performance homes, especially those striving to achieve net zero energy performance, employ a number of energy efficient materials and construction practices that need to be integrated into the earliest phases…

Select Optimum Window Performance

While the energy efficiency of windows is highly technical, shopping for high-performance windows is made much easier by following standardized window performance measurements determined by the National Fenestration Rating Council…

Zero Energy Multifamily Buildings: Three Case Studies

…providing a great starting point for heating and hot water. 15% of the energy use was reduced through building super insulated walls and ceiling. The zHome’s R-38 walls are twice…