Trombe wall
Using the sun's stored energy to heat your home reduces your conventional energy consumption.
Structural insulated panels (SIPs), also called foam-core panels or stress-skin panels, are sheets of foam insulation sandwiched between oriented strand board or another type of composition wood.
Unlike traditional wood construction, SIPs use no studs in the construction process. These strong, super-insulated structural building components can be used for floors, walls and roof.
In this video: An industry expert demonstrates SIPs and how they can integrate into your home.
SIPs also offer a few more advantages over standard framing:
Older types of SIPs did have concerns with fire safety and insect damage, but improved manufacturing techniques, along with proper installation, have eliminated the problems.
While SIPs cost more than traditional building materials, they require less labor to install, making the total construction cost about the same.
Using the sun's stored energy to heat your home reduces your conventional energy consumption.
More builders are offering sustainable choices in new home construction. Find out what's available and how it impacts the earth and the bottom line.
When building your new home, don't forget about the importance of energy-conserving products like furnaces, air conditioners and appliances.
A preservation expert shares how to restore an older home economically and energy efficiently.
You have energy efficient and sustainable options when it comes to framing your new home.
New, energy-efficient homes need new solutions to circulate and ventilate the air inside the home.
Habitat for Humanity is an organization that provides simple, sturdy homes. Learn how energy efficiency is a key factor in building these homes.
An insulated concrete form (ICF) system eliminates the cold drafts typical of wood-frame construction.
Modular homes are built in a factory under controlled conditions, then shipped to the homesite and placed on a permanent foundation.