Module 3 - 2.5 CPD

On DEMAND NOW

DFC03

Framing the Home: Exploring options beyond stick frame.

2.5 Hours (2.5 CPD)

Lightweight frame construction in North America dates back to the 18th Century, and it quickly evolved into the very efficient and well-understood trade that is still the norm in modern construction. With all of the new deliverables recently integrated into the Building Code in Canada, there has been an effort to revisit the design and construction of modern Step/Tier Code 3, 4 & 5 homes to see if the old ways are still valid. This process has confirmed the relevance of modern, light-weight frame construction methods. It is also becoming apparent that alternative approaches can work as well, and some friendly modifications to existing methods may be necessary.

This session explores:

• An exploration of the modification of traditional site-framed construction to accommodate higher energy efficiency, and current earthquake and high wind provisions,
• Understanding the risk to humans of exposure to heat dome events and increasing seasonal temperatures,
• Considerations for wildfire resiliency at the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI),
• Re-thinking wall cavities and attic spaces, and
• Considerations for alternative structural approaches, such as:
• Steel stud and truss construction,
• ICF construction of the whole house,
• heavy or mass timber-framed buildings, and
• component modular construction.