Conventional Framing, or as it is widely known, “stick framing” utilizes dimensional harvested lumber, usually hem fir or douglas fir, in the form of 2×4 and 2×6 studs set 16″ on center for interior and exterior wall framing and larger dimensional 2″ material for floors and roofs. Additional structural materials may be in the form of manufactured products such as laminate beams and posts. Conventional framing is the dominant form of framing in the single and smaller multi family residential construction market. But it can be argued it is a non-sustainable technology and should give way to “greener” construction technologies.
Trilogy Partners recently completed the first zero net energy house in Breckenridge. The home uses various methods and technologies to achieve its zero net goal. To save energy, the home employs a new insulation and framing technology that depends on manufactured lumber made from recycled and trash wood rather than newly harvested trees. Because this lumber is more rigid than conventional studs, these manufactured studs can be set 24″ on center rather than 16″, greatly reducing the amount of “wood” in the typical exterior wall or roof. This allows for more insulation in the wall or ceiling, increasing the efficiency of the wall system. As a result, the home uses less energy for heating and cooling than would be the case in a conventionally framed homed.
Engineered stud walls are more energy efficient than conventionally framed walls. In addition, engineered studs are made from reclaimed and trash wood products rather than harvested trees. In comparison, conventional framing is a relatively unsustainable technology.
