EcoSmart Stud 
With the first Minneapolis build starting with Sustainable 9, Minnesota is the next state with EcoSmart™ Studs being used in new home builds. Minnesota now joins the states of Colorado, Washington, and Utah.
With this Sustainable 9 build, the wall system has a different configuration. For those of you that have been following the EcoSmart™ Stud journey the picture below will look a bit different then what you are used to.
EcoSmart™ Perimeter Stud
This build is using the EcoSmart™ Perimeter Stud. We have had this version of the EcoSmart™ Stud in our design catalog since the start. It’s because of States Energy Codes compromises that we have decided to start milling it. We are seeing States and Counties use a 2×6 wall with R-29 Flash and Fill insulation option across the country. It is used as an alternative to the the Exterior Continuous Insulation (ECI) walls R13+10CI, R20+5CI, and R0+20CI.
R29 Flash and Fill Insulation
The R29 Flash and Fill insulation with solid 2×6 studs effective insulation value is far below ECI effective insulation value. But it is simple for builders to use, no changes to building technique. That is the EcoSmart™ Stud motto! While the EcoSmart™ Perimeter Stud was designed to be just used at the edge of the 4×8 sheathing for the contractors who want to nail as normal, it can be used for an entire build once a R-29 Flash and Fill insulation style is being used.
With the R29 higher chamber value, the EcoSmart™ Perimeter Stud with it’s R10.5 value for the framing studs brings the effective insulation value to a comparable level to the ECI wall system. It’s a minimal cost upgrade for the EcoSmart™ Perimeter studs vs the solid studs.
Mix and Match EcoSmart™ Studs
The standard EcoSmart™ Stud is now the “Field” stud. If all EcoSmart™ Field Studs are used in the wall system it would have a higher effective insulation value than the ECI wall system. All the EcoSmart™Studs are designed to be mixed together to meet the needed effective insulation value for the build along with budget requirements.
More Sustainable 9 Build Updates to Come!
As this Sustainable 9 build continues stay tuned for updates! The current plan is to have a framing tour like the Utah home is having next week. Make sure to stay tuned for those updates!