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The 2018 FHB House is a net-zero energy, high-performance home in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills designed to meet the goals of the California 2020 initiative and comply with the most progressive energy code in the country. The project combines a very tight, well-insulated envelope, cutting-edge mechanical systems, and unique material choices, all wrapped up in a one-of-a-kind modern design.

California 2018

Foundation

  • FHB House Foundation in pictures

    A distinctive, elevated foundation combines a metal pan deck and a traditionally formed and poured basement.

  • Forming the Elevated Slab and Curbs

    How can we form a monolithic slab with stem walls?

  • Steel Frame Opener

    Steel Beams and a Metal Pan Deck

    Borrowing from the commercial building world, we use steel to prep for an elevated concrete slab.

  • FHB House Video: The Building Envelope

    To build this resilient, durable, high-performance house, the team began with a unique foundation and a framing plan optimized for insulation.

  • Dealing With Water on the Site

    Rain water runoff in a small town.

  • Pouring the House Foundation

    Finally out of the dirt!

  • Forming and Placing Concrete for the Garage

    Starting with the garage will give us covered storage.

  • Pouring the Footings

    Placing the concrete and stripping the forms.

  • Forming the Footings

    Pinning the footings to the batholith with steel and epoxy.

  • An Easier Way to Drill Rock

    The dirtbag Is your friend.

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California 2018 Videos Behind the Build: Rhode Island 2016 Behind the Build: Vermont 2017 Behind the Build: Kentucky 2019 Behind the Build: Connecticut 2020

Navigate the Build

  • Introduction
  • Foundation
  • Framing
  • Windows and Doors
  • Insulation
  • Roof
  • Siding and Trim
  • Mechanicals
  • Interior Finishes
  • Kitchen and Baths
  • Completed Home

Most Popular

  1. 1

    Cladding Details That Last

  2. 2

    Straight-Hole Jig

  3. 3

    Radiant Heating and Cooling

  4. 4

    Podcast 311: Fresh-Air Seeker, Grow-House Rehab, and Getting off Gas

  5. 5

    Podcast 313: Pony Studs, Cold Floors, and Hiding Foundation Insulation

Fine Homebuilding House California 2018 Sponsors

  • Huber – Advantech Logo
  • Bridger Steel Logo
  • BuildDirect Logo
  • CabParts Logo
  • Dorken TruExterior Logo
  • Dryerbox Logo
  • DryerWallVent Logo
  • FLIR Logo
  • Lenox Logo
  • Maine Deck Bracket Logo
  • Mitsubishi Logo
  • Rockwool Logo
  • Schluter Logo
  • Simpson Strong Tie Logo
  • Stanley Logo
  • Titebond Logo
  • Weyerhaeuser Logo

Donating Sponsors

  • Beko Logo
  • Chief Architect Logo
  • Cor-A-Vent Logo
  • Duravit Logo
  • Ferguson Logo
  • Morso Logo
  • Patagonia Logo
  • StepStone Logo

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 297 - February/March 2021

    • Foundations for Success
    • Staircase Renovation
    • Ditch the Hose
  • Issue 296 - Dec 2020/Jan 2021

    • Insulating Glass Keeps Getting Better
    • Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb
    • Making Sense of Minisplits
  • Issue 295 - Kitchens & Baths

    • Condo Kitchen Reimagined
    • Row-House Remodel
    • Rise of the IAQ Monitor
  • Issue 294 - Oct/Nov 2020

    • Schoolhouse Reimagined
    • Tool Test: Folding Sawhorses
    • A Better Way to Build Tall Walls
  • Issue 293 - Aug/Sept 2020

    • A Practical Guide to Fall Protection
    • Installing Frameless Cabinets
    • Make Any Tablesaw Safer

Fine Homebuilding

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