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California 2018

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.

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 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

Navigate the Build

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

Behind the Build

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Fine Homebuilding House California 2018 Sponsors

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Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 313 - Feb/March 2023
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
    • Fine Homebuilding Issue #313 Online Highlights
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
  • Issue 312 - Dec 2022/Jan 2023
    • Tool Test: Cordless Tablesaws
    • Gray-Water System for a Sustainable Home
    • Insulate a Cape Roof to Avoid Ice Dams
  • Issue 311 - November 2022
    • 7 Steps to a Perfect Exterior Paint Job
    • Options for Smarter Home-Energy Tracking
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: James Metoyer
  • Issue 310 - October 2022
    • Choosing a Tile-Leveling System
    • Choosing Between HRVs and ERVs
    • Custom Built-in Cabinets Made Easy
  • Issue 309 - Aug/Sept 2022
    • 10 Steps to Install Crown Molding on Cabinets
    • How to Get Sturdy Walls Without OSB
    • Choosing the Right Construction Tape for the Job

Fine Homebuilding

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