  nergy efficient homes work best with a tight, well insulated exterior shell. A structure that is well insulated with high quality windows (we use triple pane Pella), tight exterior doors, an insulated foundation + stem walls and minimal infiltration does a better job buffering the inside temperature from the outside; both summer and winter. Of course air quality needs to be carefully considered. And we do.
BUILDING MATERIALS
We have always had an interest in learning about building material technologies because we've wanted to offer what we consider to be the best materials options to our customers. In 1978 our research led us to polyurethane-filled structural insulated building panels (SIPs). Since then many new building materials have come on the market, but none surpass the energy efficiency and structural strength of polyurethane SIPs. Polystyrene SIPs are easier to manufacture and are available more readily, but we prefer the higher quality of the polyurethane. Read more about this in our Building section.
INSULATION
Insulation is the primary defense against heat loss and our insulation ratings are among the highest in the industry. Our Murus (SIP) panels, along with the wall finishes, give our 2"x6" composite wall a rating of R-37 and our roofs an R-42. These R-Values are nearly double that of fiberglass batt insulation per inch.
In these photos, the framers connected several panels together while they were lying flat then raised the wall and fastened it to the bottom plate. See our BUILD section for more information on SIP panel construction.
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