Utilizing an HRV System for Ventilation in My Energy Efficient Home

Ventilation Duct Work

The extremely tight envelope of my home is designed to prevent air from leaking in or out. That’s why I installed an HRV system to mechanically send stale air out and bring fresh air in.  When I tell people about my continuous insulation and air tight home design, I often hear, “but the house needs … Read more

Using XPS Foam and Polyiso Insulation on My Energy-Efficient Home

Exterior XPS Foam Insulation

In an energy-efficient home, the right insulation details are critical. I have a continuous layer of insulation around my entire building envelope. I used multiple layers of XPS foam on the walls and in the foundation, and used polyiso on the roof. Read on to learn more about my design, product selection and installation. We … Read more

Water and Air Control Layer in My Energy-Efficient, Healthy Home

CCW-705 Air Control

One extremely important detail on my new home is the water and air control layer. It is continuous around the entire house, from the foundation to the roof. I plan to have very little air infiltration, which means cleaner healthier air, lower heating and cooling bills, no bugs and a more durable structure. As I’ve … Read more

My Unique Framing Technique: Energy-efficient, Strong and Studless

I want my home to stand the test of time. My non-traditional framing technique is one way I will ensure that happens. My framing details were designed not only for strength and durability, but also for energy-efficiency. Learn more about my framing detail, and why I chose this unique method. When you think of framing … Read more

Why I Chose a Monolithic Slab Foundation for My Home

Learn about the benefits of a monolithic slab over a traditional concrete foundation, and see how I implemented this in my energy-efficient home. It has been a while since you heard from me. Turns out building a house takes a lot of time and energy. That said, I promised to take you along my energy-efficient … Read more