OUR PREDICAMENT

Our North American way of life has been created and is dependent upon cheap fossil fuels, in particular, oil. As predicted by M. King Hubbert, we have now reached or will soon reach “peak oil” - the point in time when the maximum rate of global petroleum extraction is reached, after which the rate of production enters terminal decline. The rush to “peak oil” will increase as world demand increases. The potential ramifications of “peak oil” will dramatically change the global economy and our way of life - transportation, agriculture, habitation and industry.

Concurrent with “peak oil” is the dramatic effect that burning fossil fuels - oil, coal, propane and natural gas - is having on the global climate. Human activity is raising the overall temperature of the planet with undeniable effects. Living in Canada, the signs of global climate change are obvious in the reduction of arctic sea ice, increasing melt of the Greenland ice sheet, increased release of methane from the permafrost, and warmer winters as temperature rise is greater than at the equator.

As population increases, the amount of productive farm land decreases due to urban expansion and fertility depletion. The planet offers a finite amount of resources to sustain current human activity. Finite limits have not yet been met only because of the economic disparity between nations. Wealthier nations are increasingly consuming larger amounts of resources while poorer nations live on meager and diminishing resources. The resources of the planet are not adequate to allow all nations on the planet to consume resources at the current rate of the most developed nations. Human “sustainability” has already been surpassed, yet we still talk of the need for continued growth.

The economies of the western countries - both Europe and North America - have experienced significant instability beginning with the 2008 United States housing bubble implosion (how far behind is a housing bubble in Canada?) and now the Euro crisis in Europe. Governments have shown an inability or unwillingness to confront the imperatives of peak oil, global warming (Europe doing better here), increased exploitation of natural resources, and inequality between nations.

As individuals, we may not be able to significantly impact the world on the macro level, but we do have the ability to affect our impact on the planet within our local communities, neighborhoods and homes. In order to survive as a species, we must live our lives in harmony with the natural parameters of planet Earth.

ROSS CHAPIN & MARIANNE CUSATO

Christmas has come and gone and its time to continue discussing people that have a profound influence on my thoughts.

Ross Chapin is an architect that has developed some fantastic designs of homes and cottages that he is more than wiling to share. I must admit that I envy his ability to design spaces with a true eye to detail. His homes provide a warmth and earthiness that is immediately appealing. Ross has gone one step further and written a fantastic book "Pocket Neighborhoods - Creating Small Scale Community in a Large Scale World". This book illustrates where I would like to go with my blog in the future. We all to often focus on "a building" or "the building", but avoid the context in which it will exist. His work offers a vision of how people can live in a community that fosters social interaction. This book is a must for anyone pursuing studies in architecture or anyone developing a more sustainable way of living.

Marianne Cusato is an architect that is best known for her Katrina Cottage, a housing type resulting from the devastation on New Orleans by hurricane Katrina. The Katrina Cottage concept came out of the New Urban Guild and propelled Marianne into national recognition. Once again, I am inspired by the simplicity and traditional character of her designs. Katrina cottages have been built to replace homes lost in the hurricane as well as incorporated into pocket neighborhoods. Katrina Cottages have even been sold as kits by Lowe's Hardware similar to the kits for Sears Homes.

What's most important about the work of Ross Chapin and Marianne Cusato (as well as others) is their willingness to openly share their work. If we are to transition into more sustainable communities, it will be imperative that we all openly share our knowledge. This is not the time to hoard information and ideas for personal pride or monetary gain. Food, clothing and shelter are too basic to become the domain of a few. As design professionals, we have an obligation to discuss and provide our musings with society at large.

I invite all to share in this ongoing adventure of discovery.

THE ORIGINAL GREEN

I am beginning my series of posts introducing readers to the musings of Stephen A. Mouzon, an architect located in Miami, Florida. Steve provides us with a vision of human development based upon principles that have been with us historically, but we have moved away from since the development of our car based culture. Steve has a very compelling way of putting into words and pictures what we are often looking for in designing living communities. I find his website The Original Green often inspiring and thoughtful. I would recommend anyone interested in how energy efficient housing can be incorporated into a community context to join me in frequenting his website and reading the posts in his blog.

I would also recommend purchasing his book The Original Green and sharing it with others. As a designer or builder, I would recommend providing a copy of the book to your clients. The book is filled with wonderful photography as well as a very readable text. If you are a member of a book club, it would make for wonderful discussions. In a nutshell, Steve feels that sustainable communities must include eight basic principles:

Sustainable places should be:

Nourishable because if you cannot eat there, you cannot live there.

Accessible because we need many ways to get around, especially walking and biking because those methods do not require fuel.

Serviceable because we need to be able to get the basic services of life within walking distance. We also should be able to make a living where we are living if we choose to.

Securable against rough spots in the uncertain future because if there is too much fear, the people will leave.

Sustainable buildings should be:

Lovable because if they cannot be loved, they will not last.

Durable because if they cannot endure, they are not sustainable.

Flexible because if they endure, they will need to be used for many uses over the centuries.

Frugal because energy and resource hogs cannot be sustained in a healthy way long into an uncertain future.

MAISONS SCOUDOUC HOUSES

MAISON SCOUDOUC HOUSE PLAN "A"

The Maison Scoudouc House Plan "A" is designed as a small 512 sq.ft. mini-home for a single person. This size is in line with the recommendation of 500 sq.ft. per person for the size for a basic superinsulated house. A single person needs much less enclosure of spaces. In this basic house the bathroom is the only interior room with a door. The home has a basic galley kitchen and open living room. Rather than having a bedroom, this design has a sleeping alcove with adjacent closets for clothing and drawers under the bed.

The super insulated construction techniques include ICF crawl space foundation, double exterior stud walls (R45), triple glazed casement windows sized for 16" o.c. stud spacing, and raised heel roof trusses (R60). See link to Construction Details for more information on materials and detailing.

MAISON SCOUDOUC HOUSE PLAN "B"

The Maison Scoudouc House Plan "B" design is the same small 512 sq.ft. mini-home for a single person, but with a 256 sq.ft. covered porch. The porch could also be enclosed as a heat sink during cold months and an expansion of living space during warm months. The floor plan is the same as the Plan "A" with the same features.

The superinsulated construction techniques include ICF crawl space foundation, double exterior stud walls (R45), triple glazed casement windows sized for 16" o.c. stud spacing, and raised heel roof trusses (R60). See link to Construction Details for more information on materials and detailing.

MAISON SCOUDOUC HOUSE PLAN "C"

The Maison Scoudouc House Plan "C" is designed as a small 624 sq.ft. one-bedroom home or retirement cottage for a single person or couple. The 144 sq.ft. covered porch is accessible from both the living room and the bedroom. In this basic house the bathroom is the only interior room with a door, but a door could be also be added at the bedroom for privacy. The plan contains a combination living / dining room with an L-shape kitchen, bedroom and full bath.

The superinsulated construction techniques include ICF crawl space foundation, double exterior stud walls (R45), triple glazed casement windows sized for 16" o.c. stud spacing, and raised heel roof trusses (R60). See link to Construction Details for more information on materials and detailing.

MAISON SCOUDOUC HOUSE PLAN "D"

The Maison Scoudouc House Plan "D" is designed as a small 688 sq.ft. one-bedroom home or retirement cottage for a single person or couple. The 176 sq.ft. covered porch is accessible from both the living room and the bedroom. In this basic house the bathroom is the only interior room with a door, but a door could be also be added at the bedroom for privacy. The plan contains a combination living / dining room with an L-shape kitchen, bedroom and full bath. In addition to the private bedroom, this design also has a sleeping alcove with adjacent storage closets and drawers to accommodate daytime napping and visitors.

The superinsulated construction techniques include ICF crawl space foundation, double exterior stud walls (R45), triple glazed casement windows sized for 16" o.c. stud spacing, and raised heel roof trusses (R60). See link to Construction Details for more information on materials and detailing.

MAISON ST. THOMAS HOUSE

Maison St. Thomas House was designed for a friend in Nova Scotia to be built into a hillside overlooking the Bay of Fundy. The concept was to build a small one bedroom house (960 sq.ft.) with both a southerly and easterly view. Originally, the house was not designed to super insulated principles, but has been modified - more insulation, triple pane windows, HRV ventilator. Materials and detailing would be similar those shown for the Maisons Cocagne and Grande-Digue Houses in earlier posts (see Archives and Construction Details in links).

The upper level of the Maison St. Thomas House is the public level of the home. the entry foyer can serve as both closet and pantry. The upper level plan is a large open space composed of the living room area and a kitchen area with a table built into the kitchen cabinetry. The wood stove would be a pellet stove with an outside combustion air source (a must in superinsulated houses) to be used for backup and/or tempered heating.

This is a similar upper level floor plan, but with an L-kitchen with separate table and chairs for dining. Wood stove would follow comments above or could be replaced with a few baseboard heaters. The projected heating load would be reduced by the super insulated features where supplemental heat demand would be low. Ground source heat pump could be overkill as the demand is so low, but a heatpump water heater may have potential for hydronic or fancoil heating.

The lower level of the Maison St. Thomas House is the private area of the home containing he bedroom and bathroom. This level would be sheltered by the earth on the west and north elevations, and open to a walkout patio or garden on the south and east elevations. The south and east patio areas of the lower level could also have a covered porch if so desired.

MAISON GRANDE-DIGUE HOUSE - Exterior Deck

The exterior decking of the Maison Grande-Digue House can be done in any of several porch decking techniques. It is critical however that the deck framing be spaced from the building to prevent rot. All structural framing members should be topped with strips of asphaltic, water resistant building paper or ice shield. Materials shown are treated materials using appropriate fasteners for the treatment used.

MAISON GRANDE-DIGUE HOUSE - Foundation

Maison Grande-Digue House is designed with double 2x4 insulated, exterior stud walls @ 24" o.c. separated by a 3-1/2 inch fully insulated space to isolate the exterior walls from thermal bridging. The outside double stud walls would be erected prior to construction and erection of the interior partition walls. The inside stud walls are designed to be load bearing while the outside stud walls are designed to carry the exterior finish. The cold side of the inside stud wall is completely covered in a 6 mil vapor barrier then sheathed with 1/2 inch CDX plywood sheathing to provide lateral bracing as well as protect the vapor barrier.

Red dashed line shows location of the 6-mil vapor barrier in the wall system. Red dots show locations where barrier is sealed with acoustical caulking.

Experience has shown that the vapor barrier can be safely installed inside the wall as long as 2/3 of the insulation is on the cold side of the barrier. Locating the vapor barrier at the cold side of the inside stud wall allows for installation of electric without penetrating the vapor barrier. The cold side of the outside stud wall is sheathed with 1/2 inch fiberboard sheathing, then covered with house wrap. The design allows for the walls to be framed and insulated on the floors and lifted in place using wall jacks. A perimeter truss with 2x4 vertical blocking in line with the 2x4 wall studs above is required to carry the loads to the foundation. Details for optional balloon framing and openings are provided in the links and will be discussed later.

The Maison Grande-Digue House foundation walls are formed using LOGIX insulated concrete forms. While not a fan of rigid insulation, insulated concrete forms do have their place in the design of a foundation. The two layers of insulation used in the ICF system provides R20 insulation for the basement plus facilitates installation of finishes both inside and outside as well as easing reinforcing placement. The concrete foundation walls also create an effective vapor barrier. Care should be taken in laying out the exterior dimensions of the building and height of basement walls to match the dimension of standard ICF components (standard LOGIX block is 16" high x 48" long x depth desired). The 12" x 24" footings are the standard architectural overkill. Adjustments are feasible based upon engineering for local soils and conditions.

As mentioned in an earlier posting, crawl space and slab-on-grade foundations are also feasible, but space must be made on upper floors for mechanical equipment. See links to construction details for additional details and foundation systems.

MAISON GRANDE-DIGUE HOUSE - Roof

Roof trusses at the main building block of Maison Grande-Digue House are parallel chord trusses to allow for 18 inches of glass fiber batt insulation (R60). The roof trusses are installed at 24 inches on center in line with wall studs below. 6-mil vapor barrier is attached to the bottom chord of the truss. Gypsum wallboard or other desired finish is attached to the truss chords on 1x4 furring strips at 16 inch on center perpendicular to the trusses.

The benefits of installing radiant barriers are still in question. If used, I would recommend attaching the radiant barrier taping all joints to the bottom chord of the trusses after installing the vapor barrier, but prior to installation of the furring strips.

Roofing material is TRACC Moderne Slate roof shingles over ice shield underlayment. This is a 50-year roofing material made locally from recycled materials capable of withstanding a 175 mph wind driven rain. This is a very important feature on the Northumberland Strait where northeasters are not uncommon. The roofing sheds snow easily so consideration must be given to sliding snow in our climate. The roofing also works well for a rainwater collection system (guttering not shown).

Maison Grande-Digue House is designed with double 2x4 insulated, exterior stud walls @ 24" o.c. separated by a 3-1/2 inch fully insulated space to isolate the exterior walls from thermal bridging. The outside double stud walls would be erected prior to construction and erection of the interior stud walls. The inside stud walls are designed to be load bearing while the outside stud walls are designed to carry the exterior finish. The cold side of the inside stud wall is completely covered in a 6 mil vapor barrier then sheathed with 1/2 inch CDX plywood sheathing to provide lateral bracing as well as protect the vapor barrier.

Red dashed line shows location of the 6-mil vapor barrier in the wall system. Red dots show locations where barrier is sealed with acoustical caulking.

Experience has shown that the vapor barrier can be safely installed inside the wall as long as 2/3 of the insulation is on the cold side of the barrier. Locating the vapor barrier at the cold side of the inside stud wall allows for installation of electric without penetrating the vapor barrier. The cold side of the outside stud wall is sheathed with 1/2 inch fiberboard sheathing, then covered with house wrap. The design allows for the walls to be framed and insulated on the floors and lifted in place using wall jacks. A perimeter truss with 2x4 vertical blocking in line with the 2x4 wall studs above and below is required to carry the loads to the foundation.

Details for optional balloon framing and openings are provided in the links and will be discussed later.

MAISON GRANDE-DIGUE HOUSE - Foundation @ Root Cellar

The foundation walls at the root cellar of the Maison Grande-Digue House are constructed using LOGIX insulated concrete forms. While not a fan of rigid insulation, insulated concrete forms do have their place in the design of a foundation and in particular a root cellar. The two layers of insulation used in the ICF system provides R20 insulation for the basement plus facilitates installation of finishes both inside and outside. The concrete foundation walls also create an effective air and vapor barrier.

Being as this is a root cellar, it is necessary for a cool, damp environment to be created. The floor of the cellar therefore is an exposed earthen surface. PVC vents are installed to control the temperature and humidity of the cellar.

The ceiling framing of the root cellar must be isolated from the moisture generated in the cellar and insulated from the cooler temperatures of the cellar. The 6-mil vapor barrier is applied to the bottom flange of the floor joist, then covered with furring strips and the cellar finish.

MAISON GRANDE-DIGUE HOUSE - Roof @ Kitchen Extension

Roof trusses at kitchen extension are raised heel trusses to allow for 18 inches of glass fiber batt or blown insulation (R60). The roof trusses are installed at 24 inches on center in line with wall studs below. 6-mil vapor barrier is attached to the bottom chord of the truss. Gypsum wallboard or other desired finish is attached to the truss chords on 1x4 furring strips at 16 inch on center perpendicular to the trusses.

The benefits of installing radiant barriers are still in question. If used, I would recommend attaching the radiant barrier taping all joints to the bottom chord of the trusses after installing the vapor barrier, but prior to installation of the furring strips.

Roofing material is TRACC Moderne Slate roof shingles over ice shield underlayment. This is a 50-year roofing material made locally from recycled materials capable of withstanding a 175 mph wind driven rain. This is a very important feature on the Northumberland Strait where northeasters are not uncommon. The roofing sheds snow easily so consideration must be given to sliding snow in our climate. The roofing also works well for a rainwater collection system (guttering not shown).

Maison Grande-Digue House is designed with double 2x4 insulated, exterior stud walls @ 24" o.c. separated by a 3-1/2 inch fully insulated space to isolate the exterior walls from thermal bridging. The outside double stud walls would be erected prior to construction and erection of the interior stud walls. The inside stud walls are designed to be load bearing while the outside stud walls are designed to carry the exterior finish. The cold side of the inside stud wall is completely covered in a 6 mil vapor barrier then sheathed with 1/2 inch CDX plywood sheathing to provide lateral bracing as well as protect the vapor barrier.

Red dashed line shows location of the 6-mil vapor barrier in the wall system. Red dots show locations where barrier is sealed with acoustical caulking.

Experience has shown that the vapor barrier can be safely installed inside the wall as long as 2/3 of the insulation is on the cold side of the barrier. Locating the vapor barrier at the cold side of the inside stud wall allows for installation of electric without penetrating the vapor barrier. The cold side of the outside stud wall is sheathed with 1/2 inch fiberboard sheathing, then covered with house wrap. The design allows for the walls to be framed and insulated on the floors and lifted in place using wall jacks.

Details for optional balloon framing and openings are provided in the links and will be discussed later.

MAISON GRANDE-DIGUE HOUSE - Second Floor

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

Maison Grande-Digue House second floor plan features two bedrooms under a sheltering roof with central full bath under a roof dormer. Attic areas would be accessible for additional storage. As mentioned previously, these homes were originally built with finishing of the second floor as an option.

The exterior gable end walls continue the double 2x4 stud walls from below. Casement windows are chosen to fit into the stud spacing to reduce framing. Final finishes and detailing to be selected by owner.

The main building component is framed with parallel chord trusses to allow for high level of insulation.

See column at left for link to architectural detailing.

MAISON GRANDE-DIGUE HOUSE - First Floor

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

Maison Grande-Digue House has a compact first floor floor plan featuring a living room, kitchen / dining space, full bath, bedroom and den. Externally, the home is shown with a wrapping deck connecting entries to living room and kitchen.

The main floor bedroom would facilitate use of the home as a young couple, family or retired couple. The den could be used as a second small bedroom, guest room, sewing room, etc.

The exterior walls are fully insulated, double 2x4 stud walls @ 24" o.c. (16" o.c. spacing may be required in high wind areas or as a preference of the owner). Triple paned casement window units are sized to fit into the stud spacing to reduce additional framing (OVE engineering). Final finishes and detailing would be decided by the owner.

More specific detailing can be found in the details links provided in the column at left.

MAISON GRANDE-DIGUE HOUSE - Basement

BASEMENT PLAN

The Maison Grande-Digue House is designed with an unfinished full basement with a root cellar. With the exception of the mechanical room and stairs, the space can be used as needed by the owners for storage, laundry or hobbies.

The basement walls are constructed using insulated concrete forms (ICF) manufactured by LOGIX.

Specific detailing can be found in the detail links located in the left column.

MAISON GRANDE-DIGUE HOUSE

The Maison Grande-Digue House is a house style that can be found in many communities throughout Canada and North America. It was built after WWII in response to housing needs for returning veterans and their families. It is included as a prototype for superinsulated housing for its simplicity and affordability. In contrast to the Cocagne House, this prototype design incorporates a sheltering roof for the second floor. Surprisingly, the floor space is about the same. When originally built, the finishing of the second floor to include bedrooms and second bath was marketed as an option. A couple could purchase an affordable home and finish the upper floor as their family grew, but revert to the main level as they aged. The homes were often constructed in developments rather than individually. Over the years these home were modified with additions or shed roofs. The homes were individualized by special architectural detailing, materials and landscaping.

The house presented in this blog is built on a full basement with two bedrooms and a bath on the second floor. It could also be built on a crawl space or slab-on-grade foundation. It could also be built as only a one story house with a trussed roof.

Optimium-Value Engineering (OVE)

This may be a good time to mention the subject of Optimum-Value Engineering (OVE) as it offers a method of framing that meets the structural needs of the building while reducing the amount of lumber used. Joseph Lstiburek's article The Future of Framing Is Here in the October / November 2005 issue of Fine Homebuilding magazine provides a good overview of this technique. Additional interesting OVE links are provided on the side panel under INTERESTING RESOURCES.

OVE is a good option to employ as the super insulated exterior walls are created by using two spaced stud walls. The framing techniques use common building practices with some modifications that would need some retraining of traditional framing crews. Not all the practices need to be Incorporated into the framing, i.e. a hybrid system can also be used. Courses need to be developed and offered at our provincial community colleges to train existing and future carpenters. Before materials are ordered and framing commences, the contractor and crews need to develop a plan of action so that everyone on the job site knows what is expected. Local building officials also need to contacted and buy into the OVE techniques to be used prior to framing so no surprises occur once work begins. As with all framing, unique conditions may require some specialized engineering. The designs I am offering attempt to make the framing as simple and straight forward as possible, however, beams, joists and lintels need to be verified by sound engineering.

Maison Cocagne House employs various OVE framing techniques in : two stud corners (see CONSTRUCTION DETAIL link Q. Corner Framing), properly sized window and door headers, stacked framing, single top plates, floating corners, etc. Windows are sized to fit within the 16" o.c. stud spacing. Allowances need to be provided for the 1/2 inch plywood boxes that surround the window opening plus rough opening clearance. The 16" o.c. spacing of the Maison Cocagne House super insulated stud walls accommodates 29-inch wide windows (30 1/2 inches between every second stud minus 1/2" each side for plywood box minus 1/4" play each side equals 29 inches). Spacing the super insulated stud walls at 24" o.c. would accommodate 21-inch wide windows (22 1/2 inches between studs minus 1/2" each side for plywood box minus 1/4" play each side equals 21 inches).

MAISON COCAGNE HOUSE - Roof @ Attics Details

Roof trusses at attic (north) wall are parallel chord trusses to allow for 18 inches of glass fiber batt insulation (R60). The roof trusses are installed at 16 inches on center in line with wall studs below. 6-mil vapor barrier is attached to the bottom chord of the truss. Gypsum wallboard or other desired finish is attached to the truss chords on 1x4 furring strips at 16 inch on center perpendicular to the trusses.

The benefits of installing radiant barriers are still in question. If used, I would recommend attaching the radiant barrier taping all joints to the bottom chord of the trusses after installing the vapor barrier, but prior to installation of the furring strips.

Roofing material is TRACC Moderne Slate roof shingles over ice shield underlayment. This is a 50-year roofing material made locally from recycled materials capable of withstanding a 175 mph wind driven rain. This is a very important feature on the Northumberland Strait where northeasters are not uncommon. The roofing sheds snow easily so consideration must be given to sliding snow in our climate. The roofing also works well for a rainwater collection system (guttering not shown).

Maison Cocagne House is designed with double 2x4 insulated, exterior stud walls separated by a 3-1/2 inch fully insulated space to isolate the exterior walls from thermal bridging. The outside double stud walls would be erected prior to construction and erection of the interior stud walls. The inside stud walls are designed to be load bearing while the outside stud walls are designed to carry the exterior finish. The cold side of the inside stud wall is completely covered in a 6 mil vapor barrier then sheathed with 1/2 inch CDX plywood sheathing to provide lateral bracing as well as protect the vapor barrier. Red dashed line shows location of the 6-mil vapor barrier in the wall system. Red dots show locations where barrier is sealed with acoustical caulking. Experience has shown that the vapor barrier can be safely installed inside the wall as long as 2/3 of the insulation is on the cold side of the barrier. Locating the vapor barrier at the cold side of the inside stud wall allows for installation of electric without penetrating the vapor barrier. The cold side of the outside stud wall is sheathed with 1/2 inch fiberboard sheathing, then covered with house wrap. The design allows for the walls to be framed and insulated on the floors and lifted in place using wall jacks. A perimeter truss with 2x4 vertical blocking in line with the 2x4 wall studs above and below is required to carry the loads to the foundation. Details for optional balloon framing and openings are provided in the links and will be discussed later.

MAISON COCAGNE HOUSE - Roof @ Bedroom Details

Roof trusses at bedroom (south) walls are raised heel trusses to allow for 18 inches of glass fiber batt or blown insulation (R60). The roof trusses are installed at 16 inches on center in line with wall studs below. 6-mil vapor barrier is attached to the bottom chord of the truss. Gypsum wallboard or other desired finish is attached to the truss chords on 1x4 furring strips at 16 inch on center perpendicular to the trusses.

The benefits of installing radiant barriers are still in question. If used, I would recommend attaching the radiant barrier taping all joints to the bottom chord of the trusses after installing the vapor barrier, but prior to installation of the furring strips.

Roofing material is TRACC Moderne Slate roof shingles over ice shield underlayment. This is a 50-year roofing material made locally from recycled materials capable of withstanding a 175 mph wind driven rain. This is a very important feature on the Northumberland Strait where northeasters are not uncommon. The roofing sheds snow easily so consideration must be given to sliding snow in our climate. The roofing also works well for a rainwater collection system (guttering not shown).

Maison Cocagne House is designed with double 2x4 insulated, exterior stud walls separated by a 3-1/2 inch fully insulated space to isolate the exterior walls from thermal bridging. The outside double stud walls would be erected prior to construction and erection of the interior stud walls. The inside stud walls are designed to be load bearing while the outside stud walls are designed to carry the exterior finish. The cold side of the inside stud wall is completely covered in a 6 mil vapor barrier then sheathed with 1/2 inch CDX plywood sheathing to provide lateral bracing as well as protect the vapor barrier. Red dashed line shows location of the 6-mil vapor barrier in the wall system. Red dots show locations where barrier is sealed with acoustical caulking. Experience has shown that the vapor barrier can be safely installed inside the wall as long as 2/3 of the insulation is on the cold side of the barrier. Locating the vapor barrier at the cold side of the inside stud wall allows for installation of electric without penetrating the vapor barrier. The cold side of the outside stud wall is sheathed with 1/2 inch fiberboard sheathing, then covered with house wrap. The design allows for the walls to be framed and insulated on the floors and lifted in place using wall jacks. Details for optional balloon framing and openings are provided in the links and will be discussed later.

MAISON COCAGNE HOUSE - Basement / First Floor Details

Maison Cocagne House is designed with double 2x4 insulated, exterior stud walls separated by a 3-1/2 inch fully insulated space to isolate the exterior walls from thermal bridging. The outside double stud walls would be erected prior to construction and erection of the interior stud walls. The inside stud walls are designed to be load bearing while the outside stud walls are designed to carry the exterior finish. The cold side of the inside stud wall is completely covered in a 6 mil vapor barrier then sheathed with 1/2 inch CDX plywood sheathing to provide lateral bracing as well as protect the vapor barrier. Red dashed line shows location of the 6-mil vapor barrier in the wall system. Red dots show locations where barrier is sealed with acoustical caulking.Experience has shown that the vapor barrier can be safely installed inside the wall as long as 2/3 of the insulation is on the cold side of the barrier. Locating the vapor barrier at the cold side of the inside stud wall allows for installation of electric without penetrating the vapor barrier. The cold side of the outside stud wall is sheathed with 1/2 inch fiberboard sheathing, then covered with house wrap. The design allows for the walls to be framed and insulated on the floors and lifted in place using wall jacks. A perimeter truss with 2x4 vertical blocking in line with the 2x4 wall studs above is required to carry the loads to the foundation. Details for optional balloon framing and openings are provided in the links and will be discussed later.

The foundation is formed using LOGIX insulated concrete forms. While not a fan of rigid insulation, insulated concrete forms do have their place in the design of a foundation. The two layers of insulation used in the ICF system provides R20 insulation for the basement plus facilitates installation of finishes both inside and outside as well as easing reinforcing placement. The concrete foundation walls also create an effective vapor barrier. Care should be taken in laying out the exterior dimensions of the building and height of basement walls to match the dimension of standard ICF components (standard LOGIX block is 16" high x 48" long x depth desired). The 12" x 24" footings are the standard architectural overkill. Adjustments are feasible based upon engineering for local soils and conditions.

As mentioned in an earlier posting, crawl space and slab-on-grade foundations are also feasible, but space must be made on upper floors for mechanical equipment. See links to construction details for additional details and foundation systems.

MAISON COCAGNE HOUSE - Second Floor

SECOND FLOOR

Bedroom 1 14' x 15'

Bedroom 2 14' x 15'

Full Bathroom 8' x 7'

Stair/Hall 8' x 17'8

Attics (2) 14' x 8' ea

745 sf (outside dimension)

650 sf (inside heated space)

The Second Floor of the Maison Cocagne House is designed to be the private area of the house. The main components are two bedroom areas separated by a bathroom/stair core. Adjacent to the bedrooms are attic spaces with sloped roofs. The core walls are framed as double stud walls to accommodate the heat recovery ductwork that will be discussed later. These spaces make up the thermal envelope of the main house. The bathroom is designed as a full bath located in a dormer. Cost reduction could be achieved by constructing the house with a full bathroom on the main floor and a compact 1/2 bath at the second floor (negates need for dormer). Finishes and final furnishing arrangement of areas are up to the occupant.

Windows would be high efficiency, triple glazed casements.

Maison Cocagne House is designed with double 2x4 insulated, exterior stud walls separated by a 3-1/2 inch fully insulated space to isolate the exterior walls from thermal bridging. The outside double stud walls would be erected prior to construction and erection of the interior stud walls. The inside stud walls are designed to be load bearing while the outside stud walls are designed to carry the exterior finish. The cold side of the inside stud wall is completely covered in a 6 mil vapor barrier then sheathed with 1/2 inch CDX plywood sheathing to provide lateral bracing as well as protect the vapor barrier. Experience has shown that the vapor barrier can be safely installed inside the wall as long as 2/3 of the insulation is on the cold side of the barrier. Locating the vapor barrier at the cold side of the inside stud wall allows for installation of electric without penetrating the vapor barrier. The cold side of the outside stud wall is sheathed with 1/2 inch fiberboard sheathing, then covered with house wrap. Tongue & groove sheathing can also be used at outside stud walls to facilitate insulation installation. Details for air-tightness and openings are provided in the links and will be discussed later.

MAISON COCAGNE HOUSE - First Floor

FIRST FLOOR

Living/Dining 14' x 22'

Kitchen 14' x 15'

Laundry/Pantry 14' x 7'

3/4 Bathroom 8' x 7

Stair/Hall 8' x 17'8

Enclosed Porches (2) 14' x 8

990 sf (outside dimension)

860 sf (inside heated space)

The First Floor of the Maison Cocagne House is designed to be the public area of the house. The main components are a living/dining area and a kitchen/laundry/pantry area separated by a bathroom/stair core. The core walls are framed as double stud walls to accommodate the heat recovery ductwork that will be discussed later. These spaces make up the thermal envelope of the main house. The bathroom is designed as a 3/4 bath, but could also be a 1/2 bath. Finishes and final furnishing arrangement of areas are up to the occupant.

The house is accessed through a central open porch and two enclosed porches that would act as thermal collectors during cold months and as expanded living area during warm months. These porches could also be designed as open porches if the occupant so desired. There is also a secondary rear entrance from the laundry/pantry.

Windows of the main house would be high efficiency, triple glazed casements, double glazed casement and fixed windows at the porches. Doors would also be selected for high efficiency.

Maison Cocagne House is designed with double 2x4 insulated, exterior stud walls separated by a 3-1/2 inch fully insulated space to isolate the exterior walls from thermal bridging. The outside double stud walls would be erected prior to construction and erection of the interior stud walls. The inside stud walls are designed to be load bearing while the outside stud walls are designed to carry the exterior finish. The cold side of the inside stud wall is completely covered in a 6 mil vapor barrier then sheathed with 1/2 inch CDX plywood sheathing to provide lateral bracing as well as protect the vapor barrier. Experience has shown that the vapor barrier can be safely installed inside the wall as long as 2/3 of the insulation is on the cold side of the barrier. Locating the vapor barrier at the cold side of the inside stud wall allows for installation of electric without penetrating the vapor barrier. The cold side of the outside stud wall is sheathed with 1/2 inch fiberboard sheathing, then covered with house wrap. Tongue & groove sheathing can also be used at outside stud walls to facilitate insulation installation. Details for air-tightness and openings are provided in the links and will be discussed later.