Building Science: Constructing Enclosures in the Most Efficient Way

The Ins and Outs

Building Science encompasses all procedures, systems, and techniques used to build resource-efficient, comfortable, durable homes. The team at Sutter Homes is dedicated to learning the ins and outs of modern building science and using these strategies to build net positive, healthy homes for families and communities. By constantly educating themselves through podcasts, articles, seminars, and third-party certifications, Sutter Homes develops homes that adhere to modern building science standards.

Driven by Building Codes

Sutter Homes is at the forefront of the building industry. By 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) want all new houses to be built to Zero Energy Ready Homes standards. The science and data have been proven to show that net positive, healthy homes are the way of the future, and Sutter Homes is already paving the way.

Currently, home ventilation is on local building codes and Sutter Homes uses modern technology, like Aerobarrier, to ventilate each home right.

CONSTRUCTING NET POSITIVE, HEALTHY HOMES WITH MODERN BUILDING SCIENCES.

Building According to Climate Zones

Adhering to Third Party Certifications

Constructing with the most Modern Sciences and Technology

sutter homes logo

Understanding Climate Zones

Climate Zones are divided up based on temperature and moisture. A 1 in North America is the hottest, while an 8 would signify the coldest parts. Think Southern Florida versus Northern Alaska.

colorado climate zones

Podcast: Design & Construction in Humid Climates

Understanding climate zones and how the environment affects an infrastructure is vitaly important to ensuring that building’s efficiency, durability, and low-to-nothing maintenance costs. Learn more by listening to this podcast. For more web content, visit this article at positiveenergy.pro.

Building Science Principles

“One of the fundamental principles of building science is that buildings must be suited to their climate. When they’re not, problems can ensue. Maybe it’s just that they’re not as efficient as they should be. Maybe it’s worse. Put plastic between the drywall and framing of your exterior walls in Ottawa, and it can help control vapor drive from the interior air and its associated moisture problems (rare in all but except in extremely cold climates). Put that plastic in the same place in Georgia, and you’re going to rot the walls.”
– Dr. Allison Bailes, III

united states climate map used for sutter homes

Building Science Principles

“One of the fundamental principles of building science is that buildings must be suited to their climate. When they’re not, problems can ensue. Maybe it’s just that they’re not as efficient as they should be. Maybe it’s worse. Put plastic between the drywall and framing of your exterior walls in Ottawa, and it can help control vapor drive from the interior air and its associated moisture problems (rare in all but except in extremely cold climates). Put that plastic in the same place in Georgia, and you’re going to rot the walls.”
– Dr. Allison Bailes, III

Understanding Climate Zones

Climate Zones are divided up based on temperature and moisture. A 1 in North America is the hottest, while an 8 would signify the coldest parts. Think Southern Florida versus Northern Alaska.

united states climate map used for sutter homes
colorado climate zones

Podcast: Design & Construction in Humid Climates

Understanding climate zones and how the environment affects an infrastructure is vitaly important to ensuring that building’s efficiency, durability, and low-to-nothing maintenance costs. Learn more by listening to this podcast. For more web content, visit this article at positiveenergy.pro.

Curious for MORE?

View some of the videos below, all from Matt Risinger’s Youtube channel. Matt is a builder who seeks to educate others on building science principles. This Youtube channel is one of the many resources that Sutter Homes uses to learn more about the ever-evolving technology involved in building homes like yours.

building science matt risinger sutter homes
Household Chemicals
building science matt risinger sutter homes
Framing: OSB vs. Plywood
building science sutter homes
Plumbing: PEX vs. Copper

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT MAKES A HIGH PERFORMANCE HOME?

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT MAKES A HIGH PERFORMANCE HOME?

Human Factor Design

Cost

Positive Netting

Durability

Home Health

We are extremely pleased with our custom-built home by Sutter Homes. First and foremost, the energy efficiency of the home is exceptional. Last LPEA bill was $13.80 and the Atmos gas bill was $28. The Zehnder ComfoAir for air exchange works beautifully and makes for a very comfortable inside environment. At first there was a problem with condensation, which was remedied with an additional insulation sleeve. Our builder promptly took care of that issue. All in all, Mike was very accomodating in assisting us with changes and modifications in design and materials. We highly recommend Sutter Homes if you're looking for a quality home built with today's energy efficiency in mind.- Sandy F.
The first time I met Mike was at the job site of our future home that he built. It was very apparent to me that this construction was very different, and he proceeded to give me some information on his unique approach to energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction living. I spent the next day on the internet and became convinced that the SHC vision was what my wife and I wanted. I have never lived in a house that did not have hot/cold zones but have been very pleased how the Zehnder ERV system “evens out” the “climate” in our house. In combination with the air filtration with this system and the use of zone based mini-splits, my wife and I are very happy with this very different experience as compared to our hydronic base board heating system from our former house. We regard ourselves as earth-friendly, and our current house from SHC fits our perspective—the fact that our utility bills are nearly non-existent doesn’t hurt either! We have taken our lot to a xeriscape point and would add this to the environmental reduction impact that appeals to us. Love the instant hot water!!- Gary S.
We love our home. We knew we wanted a builder that would be intentional and smart in the design, as well as make it beautiful. All the small details - the window quality, the insulation, the air filtration system, the layout - all of it added up, and now we have a home that will require very little maintenance over the years and has very low utility bills. Such a house made it possible for us to live in this beautiful city. Thanks for making that happen Sutter Homes!!- Summer
When Sutter Homes Co declares their homes being Net Zero, they really are. Their HERS ratings back up their claims. We were far more impressed with this home that exceeded any of our expectations.- Gary & Lorie S.
Zindher air filtration system replaces the homes air several times hourly with outside air, geothermally preheated and filtered through a HEPA filter to remove outside contaminants. Indoor air is maintained fresh and completely free of Radon buildup. If you have severe allergies or asthma this system would be tough to beat. The home has been built to exceed building construction requirements for many years to come.- Doug C.
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