Foam

The white material is 3" thick expanded polystyrene. Over that, we're putting on a breathable, water resistant membrane by Vaproshield, taping the joints to maintain our air tight envelope. Then, wood furring strips to attach the siding to.

Shell

I've finally made some decisions regarding the siding. I'm planning to use flat sheets of corten weathering steel. The following picture shows what it will look like once it's weathered:

So we're installing felt paper on the plywood followed by 3" of Expanded Polystyrene Rigid Foam insulation, then covering the foam with wrapshield by Vaproshield. The steel siding will be installed on wood furring strips, creating a rainscreen. The wrapshield will act as a breathable water resistant membrane.

The above picture shows the double 2x4 frames around the window openings, which will be flush with the foam, for the siding attachment.

Shingles and Foam

I had originally planned on a galvanized metal roof, but I've decided to go with steel siding, and the metal roof would be too much. So, shingles it is.


Tuesday, I unloaded 100 4ft.x8ft.x3" thick EPS foam sheets into the house. These will eventually cover the entire exterior of the house, providing additional insulation and a thermal break.

Upon Closer Inspection

Lately, I've been getting down on myself and my framers for how long it's taking to finish the house. Everyday on my way to work, I see houses under construction moving much faster than mine. These houses will look great when they're complete. They are being constructed and marketed by companies with the words 'eco' and 'green' in their titles. But, they use cheap materials, bad details, and will be energy hogs. The things I'm demanding from my framers lead them to believe I'm crazy. Maybe I am.

A great amount of effort has gone into detailing this to be the most energy efficient house possible, and hopefully one day soon it will pay off. Literally!

Windows

Security System

I picked up the security system for the new house.

Meet Lester:

I've got him training with one of the fiercest pit bulls in North Carolina, Zelda

S..L..O..W..L..Y it progresses