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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.

  • Sponsored Content
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  • An Outdoor Fireplace Makes a Four-Season Porch

    Indoor fireplaces don't work well in superinsulated houses, so these California homeowners decided to meet their nostalgic need for a wood burner by putting it on the covered patio.

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    Designer Inspiration for the Bathroom

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  • Choosing Standing-Seam Metal for Roof and Wall Cladding

    Standing-seam metal panels offer flexibility, style, and durability for the siding and roof of a new house.

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    New Range of Jig Saw Blades Introduced by Lenox®

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  • Third-Party Blower-Door Test Pays Off

    Verifying high-performance house metrics under California's Title 24 earns some rebates from the utility company.

  • Sponsored Content
    Top 5 Job-Site Situations Where Your Tape Standout Matters Most

    How far a tape measure reaches can affect the safety and efficiency of construction projects.

  • The California FHB House Air-Sealing and Insulation in Pictures

    Delta air barriers and tapes and Rockwool insulation on the interior and exterior of the building envelope are key components of this high-performance house.

  • Camouflaging Gutters and Hiding Downspouts

    Clever flashing, thoroughly sealed downspouts, and custom channels behind the siding make the rain-management details all but disappear on the California FHB House.

  • Installing Standing-Seam Roofing and Cladding

    Carpenters adapt their tools and water-shedding strategies to work with standing-seam steel panels.

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California 2018 Videos

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Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 330 - April/May
    • Deck Details for Durability
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    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
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