Frost protected slab construction: Minimizes site disturbance, saves money on concrete and excavation and puts that money toward insulation/formwork.
Slab insulation/formwork is manufactured offsite, dramatically reducing waste (waste product gets immediately recycled and reused). They are cut from Type IX EPS polystyrene based on the Architect’s CAD files. They are assembled in place and also become the form work for the slab.

Vapor-Open Larsen Truss walls: The walls are first constructed as simple 2x4 stud walls with Zip System sheathing. The sheathing becomes both the primary air sealing layer and the vapor control layer (class II vapor retarder). Then 11 7/8” wood I-joists are fastened on the outside vertically and wrapped with a WRB that acts as the building’s secondary air control layer. The I joist cavity is filled with dense-packed cellulose (high recycled content, low embodied energy, low global warming impact, low emittance). Then a ventilation rain screen is installed followed by siding.

Vapor-Open Roof Assembly: Mono Pitch 23” Deep Roof Trusses. Sheathing at bottom of trusses allowed the building to be pressure tested after insulation with the air control layer completely exposed so that any air leaks can be easily found and sealed. The Truss cavity is wrapped in a SIGA WRB (chosen for its strength and permeability) then completely filled with dense packed cellulose then. 2x Diagonal strapping creates structural retention for the cellulose, a ventilation space for the roof, and mounting structure for the installation of the metal roof that follows.

Sheathing layers (air sealing and vapor control layers) are on the warm side of the assembly eliminating the risk of condensation and mildew for the life of the building.