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.
Habitat for Humanity is an organization that provides simple, sturdy homes. Learn how energy efficiency is a key factor in building these homes.
An energy rater can help make your new home more energy-efficient through every stage of the construction process.
Learn about some of the changes for new homes built today. An expert highlights some of the things to consider when building a new home.
A preservation expert shares how to restore an older home economically and energy efficiently.
Check out a new neighborhood concept and see how one builder is changing the way homes are built with a goal to use zero energy.
When building your new home, don't forget about the importance of energy-conserving products like furnaces, air conditioners and appliances.