TABLE OF CONTENTS
HERE’S A SAMPLE OF WHAT’S INSIDE:
“The most significant air bypasses in any structure were found in non-straw bale wall components of the building envelope, and were for the most part in areas that could have been avoided or easily fixed, rather than systematic failures of the design.”
—Jacob Deva Racusin
ON THE COVER
ALTERNATIVE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS UPDATE
Artist: Edwin Malstrom
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ENTER THIS MONTH’S GIVEAWAY ........... 4
THE PERFECT WALL ...........12
Ever wonder about the energy performance of a cordwood or straw bale wall? Confused by how thermal mass works in a concrete masonry structure? Here’s our attempt to broaden your understanding of how to build “super” structures, no matter which system you choose.
FEATURES
Mass Confusion ...........14
Advocates of concrete masonry walls have talked for years about the advantages of thermal mass in a home’s walls. Does this ancient technology still have a place in modern green homes? By Charles Wardell
Testing the Outliers ........... 23
How do straw bale, cordwood, “Earthships” and other alternative wall systems measure up in terms of energy performance? By Tux Turkel
The Super Shell ...........30
So called “passive house” standards are becoming more widely known in the States. What’s the best way to achieve these “super” efficiencies using both recent and more traditional wall systems? By Barbara Horwitz-Bennet
HVAC-Centric Wood Framing ...........38
Boise Cascade has developed a new wood framing system that specifically addresses the problem of HVAC ducts running through unconditioned spaces. By Julie Knudson
20 Top Alternative Structural Products ...........45
While building products rarely stand alone as green solutions, sometimes the addition of a single accessory, coating or fastener greatly improves performance. Here’s an introduction to some of the latest offerings that can help you reach for super-effcient structure. By Dan McCue
FROM THE TAILGATE ...........64
New offerings for the sustainable minded.
10.2011
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