WO2011109035A1

WO2011109035A1 - Energy efficient housing systems

Info

Publication number: WO2011109035A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/042046
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen R. Leathers; David L. Mitwede
Original assignee: Leathers Stephen R; Mitwede David L
Priority date: 2009-07-23
Filing date: 2010-07-15
Publication date: 2011-09-09

Abstract

Energy efficient housing systems and methods of constructing such energy efficient structures, including: energy efficient double walls; energy-efficient insulated roofing; energy-efficient electrical subsystems; appliances and low water use plumbing fixtures.

Description

ENERGY EFFICIENT HOUSING SYSTEMS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application serial number 61/083,874, filed

07/25/08, entitled "ENERGY EFFICIENT HOUSING SYSTEMS", and is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application serial number 61/105,378, filed 10/14/08, entitled "ENERGY

EFFICIENT HOUSING SYSTEMS", the contents all of which are

incorporated herein by this reference and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference section.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to energy efficient housing systems. More particularly, this invention relates to providing components of such energy efficient housing systems and to methods of

designing and constructing such energy efficient housing systems.

The increase in energy costs increases the importance of energy efficiency in the built environment. A need exists for new methods of building, including methods and systems related to the construction of residential structures, providing structures with improved energy efficiency.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide a system overcoming the above-mentioned problem.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system providing residential-use structures of greatly improved energy efficiency.

It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide improved energy efficient wall components for greatly improved energy efficient exterior walls. It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide methods of making improved energy efficient wall components for greatly improved energy efficient exterior walls.

It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide improved energy efficient roof components for greatly improved energy efficient roofing.

It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide a plurality of energy efficient components combined into a single structure to greatly improved energy efficiency of such structure.

A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and structurally sound. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this

invention provides a method of constructing at least one wall, comprising the steps of: erecting at least one interior wall portion; erecting at least one exterior wall portion; between such at least one interior wall portion and such at least one exterior wall portion, providing a substantially separated space; erecting such at least one interior wall portion and such at least one exterior wall portion wherein the vertical studs of such at least one interior wall portion and such at least one exterior wall portion are offset from each other; providing at least one exterior finish layer to such at least one exterior wall portion;

essentially filling such at least one exterior wall portion and such at least one interior wall portion with insulation; providing at least one interior finish layer to such at least one interior wall portion. Moreover, it provides such a method further

comprising the step of: providing at least one structural- supporting wall from such at least one exterior wall portion and such at least one interior wall portion. Additionally, it provides such a method wherein such substantially separated space comprises about one inch.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a construction system, relating to constructing an energy efficient structure, comprising: at least one residence comprising exterior walls, each such exterior wall having an exterior portion and an interior portion; wherein such interior portion comprises: at least one first stud-framed wall; and at least one second stud-framed wall; wherein the vertical studs of such at least one first stud-framed wall and such at least one second stud-framed wall are offset from each other; wherein such at least one first stud-framed wall and such at least one second stud- framed wall are separated by a substantially separated space;

wherein such at least one first stud-framed wall is structural- supporting; wherein such at least one interior portion is

essentially filled with insulation; and wherein such at least one exterior portion comprises at least one exterior finish layer.

Also, it provides such a system wherein such substantially

separated space comprises about one inch.

In addition, it provides such a system wherein such interior wall is capped by at least one interior finish layer. And, it provides such a system wherein such at least one interior finish layer comprises gypsum board. Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one exterior portion comprises at least one structural panel. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one structural panel comprises oriented strand board (OSB) . Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least one exterior portion further comprises at least one exterior insulation finish. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one exterior insulation finish comprises polystyrene thermal insulation. Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one exterior portion comprises at least one structural panel. In addition, it provides such a system wherein such at least one exterior portion further comprises at least one exterior insulation finish. And, it provides such a system wherein each such exterior wall comprises an R-factor greater than R-45.

Further, it provides such a system further comprising at least one residence. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one residence further comprises at least one roof assembly comprising: at least one roof substrate, having a bottom portion and a top portion; at least one roof covering situate above such top portion; at least one plurality of battens, situate on such top portion, structured and arranged to provide at least one space between such at least one roof substrate and such at least one roof covering; and at least one insulate, situate on such bottom portion; wherein such at least one space is at least about one inch. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least one space is at least about three inches. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one roof covering comprises at least one tile roof component.

Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one insulate comprises spray-foam insulate. In addition, it provides such a system wherein such at least one roof assembly comprises an R-factor greater than R-45. And, it provides such a system further comprising at least one garage attached to such at least one residence. Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one garage comprises at least one insulated partition between such at least one residence and such at least one garage. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one residence further comprises energy efficient windows. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least one residence further comprises energy efficient doors. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one residence further comprises energy efficient appliances. Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one residence further comprises energy efficient lighting. In addition, it provides such a system wherein such energy efficient lighting comprises at least one solar-tube. And, it provides such a system wherein such at least one residence further comprises at least one basement. Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one basement is situate completely below-grade (ground) . Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one basement comprises at least 8-inch thick concrete walls.

Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one basement comprises energy efficient lighting. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such energy efficient lighting comprises at least one solar-tube. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such energy efficient lighting comprises at least one window well structured and arranged to assist light entry into such at least one basement. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such energy efficient lighting comprises at least one window structured and arranged to assist light entry into such at least one basement .

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides each and every novel feature, element,

combination, step and/or method disclosed or suggested by this patent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows an elevation view, of a preferred residence comprising energy efficient components of the energy efficient housing systems, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an enlarged detail view, of a double-wall energy efficient component of the energy-efficient housing systems, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view through section 3-3 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows a sectional view through section 4-4 of FIG. 1, illustrating an elevation view of an alternate preferred garage of the energy efficient housing systems, according to an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows methods of making an energy efficient wall component of the energy efficient housing systems according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows steps in the methods of making an energy

efficient wall component of the energy efficient housing systems according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES

AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows an elevation view of a preferred residence 102 comprising energy efficient components of the energy efficient housing systems 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Residence 102 preferably comprises a plurality of energy efficient components, preferably comprising at least energy efficient exterior walls 110 and energy efficient roof structure 120, as shown. In addition, preferably in combination with energy efficient exterior walls 110 and energy efficient roof structure 120, residence 102 preferably comprises energy efficient: basement 140; windows 150; natural lighting devices 138; garage

210; air conditioning/heating sub-system 220; electrical sub^¬ systems 240 (including energy efficient appliances) ; low water use plumbing fixtures 230; energy efficient doors 260; and alternately preferably, solar energy collectors 250.

Residence 102 is preferably constructed using energy efficient components as described above and below. Preferably, residence 102 comprises basement 140, preferably a full basement, preferably comprising a footprint approximately having the area dimension of at least the living area directly situated above such basement 140, as shown. Basement 140 preferably comprises poured concrete walls 142, preferably about eight inches thick, preferably reinforced with steel rebar. Basement walls 144 preferably sit on footings 146 of a size that preferably meet code for the industry standards of the authority having jurisdiction in such building codes.

Basement walls 144 walls are preferably attached to the footings, preferably by using steel rebar that preferably meet code for the industry standards of the authority having jurisdiction in such building codes. Basement walls 144 are preferably about 12 feet in height, giving a preferred finished ceiling height in the basement of about 10 feet.

Basement walls 144 are preferably sealed on the outside with at least one waterproofing-sealer, preferably using a product known as Watchdog Waterproofing (available through

http://www.tremcobarriersolutions.com). Such sealer preferably prevents water penetration through such basement walls 144 which may occur after backfill such basement walls 144 with surrounding soil 148 (when below grade) . Preferably, basement 140 is placed entirely below grade and uses the soil 148 as an insulating layer around basement walls 144, as shown. Upon reading this

specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing

preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other insulation arrangements around the basement walls such as, for example, other insulating layers, waterproofing board, foam insulation panels, etc., may suffice.

Basement floor 149 is preferably poured concrete, preferably about four inches thick, preferably on a base of compacted rock, preferably ABC compacted material, such compacted material preferably about four inches thick that preferably meets code for the industry standards of the authority having jurisdiction in such building codes. There are preferably two sump pumps in the

basement 140 to extract any water that might enter into such basement 140. Preferably, at least one sump pump is preferably used to preferably drain any window well drains. The other

preferred sump pump is preferably used to preferably drain any basement bathroom (s) . Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of sump pumps and water drainage as described herein, methods of installing such devices will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art.

Preferably, basement 140 comprises natural lighting devices 138 to reduce the need for electrical lighting devices in order to light basement 140 and reduce electrical lighting needs.

Preferably, natural lighting devices 138 comprise at least windows 150 and at least one solar-tube 158, as shown. Basement 140

preferably utilizes windows 150 placed below grade in window wells 152 to assist natural lighting to enter into the basement space, as shown. Preferably, windows 150 are about five-foot square. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,

considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other window dimensions and arrangements may suffice.

Windows 150 are preferably set into the basement walls 144 and preferably sealable to keep out unwanted moisture and vermin.

Windows 150 preferably may be opened to provide for fire escape or fresh air as desired by the user and to preferably meet code for the industry standards of the authority having jurisdiction in such building codes. Windows 150 are preferably "low-e" double pane windows, preferably LoE-140 windows such as from Alenco, series 1120S/1130S, preferably having a minimum energy efficiency equal to or better than a U-factor of .36 and a solar heat gain co-efficient of .21. Window frames are preferably caulked and then preferably mounted on eight-inch seal craft paper to assist prevention of water penetration. Windows 150 are preferably sealed in the inside, preferably using spray foam to prevent any air loss. Sun screens are preferably added where the sun hits the windows

directly.

Windows 150 preferably comprise frames manufactured of

aluminum, or alternately preferably, nylon. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing

preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other energy efficient window systems and material arrangements such as, for example, thermally broken window wall, triple pane windows, etc., may suffice.

Window wells 152 preferably comprise a polymer plastic

retention shield 154 and a ladder 156 for escape and window well 152 maintenance. Preferably, drains are placed into the bottom of each window well 152 and connected to sump pumps for water drainage and, potentially, water re-use as grey water for plants above grade.

Preferably, at least one solar-tube 158 is placed within residence 102 to assist bringing natural light into basement 140 by directing such natural light from at least one location above ground, preferably the roof of residence 102, through to basement 140, as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with

ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under

appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological

advances, etc., other natural lighting arrangements such as, for example, stained glass, translucent panels, clerestory windows, etc., may suffice.

Basement 140 preferably comprises a ceiling/first floor 160 comprising engineered floor trusses 162, preferably engineered by a truss manufacture to meet code requirements of the local authority having jurisdiction, preferably comprising environmentally

preferred lumber, or recyclable material, to preferably create the floor 160 for the first floor level 164 of residence 102. Trusses 162 are preferably attached using ledgers secured to the inside of basement walls 144. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of attachment as described herein, methods of truss attachment to the basement walls will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art .

Floor 160 preferably comprises 3/4-inch tongue-and-groove plywood preferably placed over the trusses and secured with

fasteners, preferably screws and also preferably glue (to prevent squeaks) . Floor 160 is preferably further (over the 3/4-inch, tongue-and-groove plywood) covered with 3/4-inch Gyp-Crete® Floor Underlayment 166 (to provide a firmer floor and improve sound deadening qualities for the basement area below) . Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing

preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other floor arrangements such as, for example, ceramic tile, carpet, finish wood flooring, etc., may suffice . FIG. 2 shows an enlarged detail of an energy efficient wall component 170 of the energy-efficient housing systems 100 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a sectional view through section 3-3 of FIG. 2. Residence 102 preferably comprises at least one energy efficient wall component 170,

preferably comprising double wall 172 having at least one exterior insulation finish system (EIFS) 174, on exterior portion 176 of the double wall 172 and comprising at least one interior finish 178 on the interior portion 180 of double wall 172, as shown. Preferably, the exterior portion 176 of double wall 172 is preferably also covered with felt paper for dry-in purposes. Wire mesh is then preferably attached over the felt paper to which the EIFS will adhere (including styrofoam/styrene insulation board as part of the EIFS system) ; then it will be covered with an EIFS at a thickness of about 3/8 inch. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of EIFS as described herein, methods of choosing and applying such EIFS will be understood by those

knowledgeable in such art .

Double wall 172 preferably comprises at least one exterior framed wall 182, preferably comprising essentially wood framing members, preferably using nominal 2 X 4 wood framing members, preferably having vertical studs 183 about at least every 16 inches with a top plate 184 and a bottom plate 186, as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,

considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other wood framing

arrangements such as, for example, larger or smaller wood size, combination sizes, etc., may suffice. Even further, Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing

preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other framing arrangements such as, for example, metal framing, insulated concrete frame, etc., may suffice .

In addition, exterior framed wall 182 preferably comprises an exterior sheathing layer 188, preferably oscillated strand board (OSB) preferably to assist structural integrity and sheer of the exterior framed wall 182, preferably using 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch OSB, or alternately preferably plywood for added strength, as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate

circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material arrangements such as, for example, other plywood, lumber, steel, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, exterior sheathing layer 188 is attached to exterior framed wall 182, by screws or nails. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this

specification and by their understanding the art of attachment as described herein, methods of attaching exterior sheathing layer 188 is attached to exterior framed wall 182 will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art.

Double wall 172 preferably comprises at least one interior framed wall 190, preferably comprising 2 x 4 wood framing members, preferably having vertical studs 196 about at least every 16 inches with a top plate 192 and a bottom plate 194, as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,

preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other framing arrangements such as, for example, metal framing, combined metal and wood framing, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, exterior framed wall 182 and interior framed wall 190 are placed adjacent and parallel to each other with each respective set of vertical studs (183 and 196) being offset from each other, preferably about 8 inches when using 16-inch vertical stud framing separation (or about one-half the distance between stud framing vertical members; for example, with 24-inch vertical stud framing separation the offset would preferably be about 12- inches) , such that such exterior framed wall 182 and interior framed wall 190 together form a single double wall 172, as shown.

Further, exterior framed wall 182 and interior framed wall 190 are preferably placed so that bottom plate 194 and bottom plate 186 are about 1-inch apart as shown on dimension S of FIG. 3,

preferably creating at least one thermal gap 208 between each respective exterior framed wall 182 and interior framed wall 190, preferably assisting prevention of thermal energy transfer through such double wall 172, as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, thermal separation preferences, cost, structural requirements, geographical area, technological advances, etc., other thermal gap arrangements such as, for example, greater or lesser than about than 1-inch, multiple gaps, etc., may suffice.

First floor level 164 exterior walls are preferably all double walls 172, preferably each about eight inches thick, as shown on dimension W of FIG. 3. Alternately preferably, double walls 172 can be built using steel studs (in lieu of, or in combination with, wood studs as the local building codes and material availability allow) . Double walls 172 are preferably sealed at the bottoms of the walls along the bottom plates, preferably bottom plate 194 and bottom plate 186, preferably with a foam-seal product know as

"Styrofoam Seal Sill" (as available by Dow® chemical corporation through Lowes® home centers) . Double walls 172 are preferably secured at the bottom plate 194 to the top of basement wall 144 with the use of redhead bolts, J-bolts, or equivalent fasteners

202, as shown. Basement walls 144 preferably extend about 1 inch above the first floor trusses 162 to provide a flush mount (to the finish floor level) for the double walls 172 after the

approximately 1-inch underlayment 166 is applied onto the floor

160, as shown.

Upon completion of the exterior portion 176 and interior portion 180, but prior to the application of the interior finish 178, double walls 172 are preferably filled with insulation 200, preferably spray foam, preferably Dura-Foam System, about 8 inches thick, or about the thickness of the entire interior portion of the double wall 172, as shown. Preferably, interior finish 178,

preferably comprising gypsum board is then applied completing the assembly of double wall 172. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost,

structural requirements, available materials, technological

advances, etc., other interior finish arrangements such as, for example, wall paneling, wallpaper, fiber-drywall , etc., may suffice .

Preferably, double wall 172 provides a functional R-value of greater than R45 highly preferably, between about R45 and about R70. R-value (resistive value) generally defined as a measure of heat conductivity of material (or resistance of such conductivity through such material) . Generally, the higher the R-value, the better the material serves as insulation from heat transfer.

Double walls 172 preferably increase resistance of conductivity and increase insulation value.

Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other insulation

increasing arrangements such as, for example, use of other

insulation types, multiple layers of insulation, use of radiation barriers, use of convection barriers, etc., may suffice.

Currently, at least one portion of double wall 172

structurally supports the energy efficient roof structure 120, as shown. Preferably, exterior portion 176 comprises the structural support of double wall 172, as shown. In other words, exterior portion 176 bears the weight and support of roof structure 120, and interior portion 180 provides partitioning and support to the finish materials 178 (drywall) and not the roof structure above, as shown. Alternately preferably, both the interior portion 180 and exterior portion 176 may comprise structural support.

Roof structure 120 preferably comprises a sub-structure framing using conventional roof trusses 122 preferably engineered and manufactured by at least one truss manufacturing company skilled in the art of truss manufacturing (reference FIG. 1) .

Preferably, roof structure 120 comprises a truss sheathing substrate 124 applied over the roof trusses 122 to act as a substrate for roofing material 126, as shown. Truss sheathing substrate 124 preferably comprises 1/2-inch OSB or alternately preferably 1/2-inch plywood. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost,

structural requirements, available materials, technological

advances, etc., other sheathing arrangements such as, for example, lumber, metal, thicker or thinner materials, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, at least one waterproofing membrane 128 is applied over truss sheathing substrate 124, preferably using material preferably providing at least a radiation reflective, preferably also solar-reflective surface, reducing heat transfer into the roof (preferably such as, Sisalkraft building papers - Sisalkraft-714 comprising a foil-faced waterproofing membrane) . Alternately preferably, bitumen modified roofing material preferably comprising light colored granules to assist heat reflection may also be utilized as a waterproofing membrane 128. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing

preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other solar-reflective surface reducing heat transfer arrangements may suffice.

Roof structure 120 preferably further comprises roofing material, preferably roof tile 130, preferably elevated about 3-1/2 inches above truss sheathing substrate 124 preferably using lumber "2 x 4" battens placed horizontally, or alternately preferably, two "2 x 2s" lumber battens 132 preferably placed in a lattice pattern. The above arrangement preferably provides at least one air space 134 between the truss sheathing substrate 124 and roof tile 130 of about 3-1/2 inches and preferably assists insulating the roof structure 120 from the attic space 136, as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing

preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other batten arrangements such as, for example, plastic battens, concrete battens, spacer blocking, other types of roofing material, etc., may suffice.

Roof tiles 130 are preferably made of a light concrete

material. Roof tiles 130 are preferably fiber reinforced, and of light color to further assist increased light reflection value and, preferably provide increased solar radiation reflection. Light concrete roof tiles are preferably Class A fire rated and resistant to damage from hail high winds and will withstand a pressure of between about three hundred pounds to about four hundred pounds across the middle of the unsupported section. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing

preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other roofing arrangements such as, for example, wood shake roofing, ceramic tile roofing, other tile materials, shingle roofing, foam roofing, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, insulation 200 preferably spray foam, preferably

Dura-Foam System, is not only applied within double wall 172 but is also preferably sprayed to about a six-inch thickness on the underside 204 of truss sheathing substrate 124 and along the exposed sides of the truss members, as shown. Preferably,

insulating of the underside 204 of truss sheathing substrate 124 and along the exposed sides of the truss members to a thickness of about 6 inches provides a functional R-value of about R45 for roof structure 120, as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost,

structural requirements, available materials, technological

advances, etc., other insulation arrangements such as, for example, greater or lesser than 6-inches of foam, use of other insulation, double roof substrate, thermal break below the roof substrate, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, insulation 200 is applied congruously from the underside 204 of truss sheathing substrate 124 through to the top of the double wall 172, so as to leave as little gapping in the insulation layer between exterior and interior of the structure as possible .

Preferably, no attic roof vents are needed with this preferred design as attic space 136 may be used as livable space.

Preferably, air space 134 below roof tiles 130 and above truss sheathing substrate 124 is vented, preferably using tile vents 206, preferably O'Hagen tile vents (http://www.ohaginvent.com/)

preferably low visibility and placed to allow venting of heated air from air space 134, as shown (preferably, near at least one ridge of the roof tile) .

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view through section 4-4 of FIG. 1, illustrating an elevation view of an alternate preferred garage 210 of the energy efficient housing systems 100, according to an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Preferably, residence 102 comprises at least one garage 210,

preferably at least comprising space for between one and about three vehicles. Garage 210 preferably comprises at least the above mentioned energy efficient exterior walls 110 and energy-efficient roof structure 120, as shown. In addition, garage 210 preferably comprises at least one thermal barrier 212 preferably situate between the garage 210 and the interior living area 214 of residence 102, as shown. Thermal barrier 212 preferably comprises at least one double wall 172, wherein the insulation of such double wall 172 continues to the underside 204 of truss sheathing

substrate 124, as shown. The above-described arrangement provides such thermal barrier 212 and further enhances the energy efficiency of the interior living area 214. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost,

structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other thermal barrier arrangements such as, for example, multiple walls, solid wall barriers, thicker insulation, detached garage, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, residence 102 further comprises additional preferred energy efficient features as technology and costs permit to increase the energy efficiency of the residence 102. Residence 102 preferably further comprises energy efficient air

conditioning/heating sub-system 220, preferably at least one heat pump (will vary depending on at least square footage of the home) . Such heat pumps preferably have a seasonal energy efficiency rating or "SEER rating" of about 13 or greater (SEER being an acronym for seasonal energy efficiency rating wherein the higher such rating number the greater the efficiency of the air conditioner in terms of energy usage and ratio of cooling effect) . In a preferred embodiment of residence 102, residence 102 comprises two heat pumps; one preferably for the upstairs portion and one for the basement, which preferably work individually from one another.

Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of attachment as described herein, methods of heat pump sizing will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. Residence 102 is preferably a total electric home and, as such, such heat pumps are preferably electric, however, alternately preferably, residence 102 may comprise geothermal heat pumps.

Residence 102 preferably further comprises energy efficient electrical sub-systems 240, including energy efficient appliances. Preferably, electrical sub-systems comprise at least a main breaker 200-amp panel for the main floor and a sub panel for the basement. Light bulbs used throughout the house are preferably energy

efficient fluorescent bulbs. Solar energy collectors 250 may alternately preferably be used to bring the net energy cost to about net zero over a one year period.

Residence 102 preferably further comprises low water use plumbing fixtures 230, including toilets, faucets, and preferably other low water usage fixtures to assist water conservation.

Preferably, such plumbing fixtures include at least partial solar water heating operation for added energy conservation.

Residence 102 preferably further comprises energy efficient doors 260. Preferably, all exterior doors are weather tight and sealed along the door jambs, preferably using spray foam to prevent any air leakage. All exterior doors preferably contain weather stripping for better seal.

The preferred residence 102 building materials and

arrangements preferably reduce energy costs to less than half of a home without such improvements, which is substantial. With the preferred use of solar panels, such residence 102 can operate with a net-zero electrical cost over the period of one year. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,

considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other energy efficient arrangements such as, for example, energy efficient appliances, recycled products, low carbon footprint, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 5 illustrates portions of steps of making energy

efficient wall component 170 of the energy efficient housing systems 100 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 shows steps in the method of making an energy efficient wall component 170 of the energy efficient housing systems 100 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5.

Preferably, a preferred method 300 of constructing at least one double wall 172, comprises the steps of: preferred step 302, erecting at least one interior wall portion 320; preferred step

304, erecting at least one exterior wall portion 322; preferred step 306, between such at least one interior wall portion 320 and such at least one exterior wall portion 322, providing a

substantially separated space 324; preferred step 308, erecting such at least one interior wall portion 320 and such at least one exterior wall portion 322 wherein the vertical studs 330 of such at least one interior wall portion 320 and such at least one exterior wall portion 322 are offset from each other; preferred step 310, providing at least one exterior finish layer 332 to such at least one exterior wall portion 322; preferred step 312, essentially filling such at least one exterior wall portion 322 and such at least one interior wall portion 320 with insulation 336; preferred step 314, providing at least one interior finish layer 340 to such at least one interior wall portion 320.

Additionally, such method 300 preferably further comprises the step of: 316, providing at least one structural-supporting wall from such at least one exterior wall portion 322 and such at least one interior wall portion 320.

Preferably, step 304 comprises wherein such substantially separated space 324 is about one inch.

Although applicant has described applicant's preferred

embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes modifications such as diverse shapes, sizes, and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above

specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1) A method of constructing at least one wall, comprising the steps of:

a) erecting at least one interior wall portion;

b) erecting at least one exterior wall portion;

c) between such at least one interior wall portion and such at least one exterior wall portion, providing a substantially separated space;

d) erecting such at least one interior wall portion and such at least one exterior wall portion wherein the vertical studs of such at least one interior wall portion and such at least one exterior wall portion are offset from each other;

e) providing at least one exterior finish layer to such at least one exterior wall portion;

f) essentially filling such at least one exterior wall

portion and such at least one interior wall portion with insulation;

g) providing at least one interior finish layer to such at least one interior wall portion.

2) The method according to Claim 1 further comprising the step of:

a) providing at least one structural-supporting wall from such at least one exterior wall portion and such at least one interior wall portion. The method according to Claim 1 wherein such substantially separated space comprises about one inch.

A construction system, relating to constructing an energy efficient structure, comprising:

a) at least one structure comprising exterior walls, each said exterior wall having an exterior portion and an interior portion;

b) wherein said interior portion comprises

i) at least one first stud-framed wall, and

ii) at least one second stud-framed wall,

iii) wherein the vertical studs of said at least one

first stud-framed wall and said at least one second stud-framed wall are offset from each other, iv) wherein such at least one first stud-framed wall and such at least one second stud-framed wall are separated by a substantially separated space, v) wherein said at least one first stud-framed wall is structural-supporting;

c) wherein said at least one interior portion is essentially filled with insulation; and

d) wherein said at least one exterior portion comprises at least one exterior finish layer.

The construction system according to Claim 4 wherein such substantially separated space comprises about one inch. 6) The construction system according to Claim 4 wherein said interior wall is capped by at least one interior finish layer,

7) The construction system according to Claim 6 wherein said at least one interior finish layer comprises gypsum board.

8) The construction system according to Claim 4 wherein said at least one exterior portion comprises at least one structural panel .

9) The construction system according to Claim 8 wherein said at least one structural panel comprises oriented strand board (OSB) .

10) The construction system according to Claim 4 wherein said at least one exterior portion further comprises at least one exterior insulation finish.

11) The construction system according to Claim 10 wherein said at least one exterior insulation finish comprises polystyrene thermal insulation.

12) The construction system according to Claim 6 wherein said at least one exterior portion comprises at least one structural panel .

13) The construction system according to Claim 12 wherein said at least one exterior portion further comprises at least one exterior insulation finish. 14) The construction system according to Claim 13 wherein each said exterior wall comprises an R-factor greater than about R- 35.

15) The construction system according to Claim 4 further

comprising at least one residence.

16) The construction system according to Claim 15 wherein said at least one residence further comprises at least one roof assembly comprising:

a) at least one roof substrate, having a bottom portion and a top portion;

b) at least one roof covering situate above said top

portion;

c) at least one plurality of battens, situate on said top portion, structured and arranged to provide at least one space between said at least one roof substrate and said at least one roof covering; and

d) at least one insulate, situate on said bottom portion; e) wherein such at least one space is at least about one

inch .

17) The construction system according to Claim 17 wherein such at least one space is at least about three inches.

18) The construction system according to Claim 16 wherein said at least one roof covering comprises at least one tile roof component . 19) The construction system according to Claim 18 wherein said at least one insulate comprises spray-foam insulate.

20) The construction system according to Claim 19 wherein said at least one roof assembly comprises an R-factor greater than about R-35.

21) The construction system according to Claim 15 further

comprising at least one garage attached to said at least one residence .

22) The construction system according to Claim 21 wherein said at least one garage comprises at least one insulated partition between said at least one residence and said at least one garage .

23) The construction system according to Claim 15 wherein said at least one residence further comprises energy efficient windows .

24) The construction system according to Claim 15 wherein said at least one residence further comprises energy efficient doors.

25) The construction system according to Claim 15 wherein said at least one residence further comprises energy efficient appliances.

26) The construction system according to Claim 15 wherein said at least one residence further comprises energy efficient lighting . 27) The system according to Claim 26 wherein said energy efficient lighting comprises at least one solar-tube.

28) The construction system according to Claim 15 wherein said at least one residence further comprises at least one basement. 29) The construction system according to Claim 28 wherein said at least one basement is situate completely below-grade (ground) . 30) The construction system according to Claim 28 wherein said at least one basement comprises at least 8-inch thick concrete walls .

31) The construction system according to Claim 28 wherein said at least one basement comprises energy efficient lighting.

32) The construction system according to Claim 28 wherein said

energy efficient lighting comprises at least one solar-tube.

33) The construction system according to Claim 31 wherein said

energy efficient lighting comprises at least one window well structured and arranged to assist light entry into said at least one basement .

34) The construction system according to Claim 33 wherein said

energy efficient lighting comprises at least one window structured and arranged to assist light entry into said at least one basement .