Green Homes—Advanced Framing Techniques

With the increased emphasis on saving the environment and costs, there is renewed interest in “advanced framing” construction techniques, which were proven effective more than a decade ago.

Advanced Framing Basics

Advanced framing is the name given to techniques designed to reduce the amount of lumber used and waste generated in a residential construction project and to improve a home's energy efficiency.  Also known as Optimum Value Engineering, advanced framing includes such practices as building corners with two studs instead of three, which allows more insulation to be included.

The ideas have been known about for years, though the homebuilding industry has been slow to adopt them. A Natural Resources Defense Council handbook from 1998 included advanced framing among the ways to reduce waste of resources.

NRDC Senior Sustainable Building Specialist Kevin Mo says the techniques can be used as a package or separately depending on specific needs. The main objective is to use less lumber without compromising structural integrity so that more insulation can be put on the enclosure.

“The techniques are not rocket science but do take time for builders to adopt,” says Mo. techniques. “Now, more local building codes approve the techniques, and more contractors have gone through the learning curve. Builders are more familiar with the techniques and willing to apply the advanced framing techniques for energy efficiency.”

Proven in the Field

Advanced framing is one of many green methods Ferrier Builders & Ferrier Custom Homes of Fort Worth, TX, employs in both new homes and remodeling projects. “We have always specialized in extremely energy-efficient homes, with the first one back in 1982,” says Don Ferrier, chief executive officer. The company emphasized air sealing as well as reducing, reusing. and recycling long before the idea of “green builder” became popular.

The company works with the Building America research teams of the U.S. Department of Energy to employ cutting-edge and proven energy-efficiency techniques, including the advanced framing methods. Some potential subcontractors still balk at the idea of switching from standardz