How Four Control Layers Facilitate High-Performance Home Building
Science.
High energy efficiency. Low HERS scores. Top R and U values. There are plenty of facts and figures that typify the higher standards to which we build a Passive House. But what is it about our unique construction process that delivers this kind of high performance and gives you the unparalleled comfort, durability, health, and sustainability that our clients enjoy?
The simple answer is building science. We are obsessed with finding the most efficient ways to build a better home, which gives you a higher quality of life. We’re passionate about killing the low-quality spec home that only lasts a few years, and in its place creating a home that will endure for a century or more.
At the heart of our process is an interdependent core of four control layers that manage water, thermal, vapor, and air.
Bulk Water Control Layer
Nothing will do more damage to your home than water. That’s why we take a holistic, bottom-up approach to every element of the structure, starting below grade to handle groundwater. To back up a bit, controlling water begins before we even pour the
water-protected foundation and footings, with careful site orientation that ensures water isn’t flowing down toward the home. From there, every feature all the way up to the roof is designed to quickly take water down, out, and away.
Airtight Control Layer
If you leave a door or window open, air will flow in and out. The basic flow of air is a concept that we can all easily grasp. But did you know that even with all the windows and doors closed, more air is leaking in and out of your current home through small channels? In contrast, Kala uses an airtight wall assembly that ensures that excess air doesn’t leak in or out. This allows you to maintain a constant and comfortable temperature and humidity level, even during the extreme highs and lows of a Midwest summer and winter.
Vapor Control Layer
We hate to say it, but in house construction, water usually finds its way in somehow. Whether it’s a rising water table, surface-level runoff, or heavy rain, sleet, and snow, vapor can become a silent, unseen enemy of your home’s durability. We mitigate this in several ways, starting with a vapor-open wall assembly to prevent the kind of condensation buildup that causes fail points in stick-built homes.
Thermal Control Layer
A thermal bridge is a localized area of the building envelope where energy flow is different in comparison to adjacent areas. More simply, think about how an ice cube melts into a cup of water on a hot summer day. Heat flows from hot to cold. This same concept applies to building science and can lead to moisture build up and mold in places you wouldn’t expect, unless you were paying attention. Passive House design and construction aims to reduce/eliminate thermal bridgesWe also wrap all six sides in thick, continuous insulation that acts like a down jacket and removes the small gaps that are common in regular homes. This minimizes seasonal temperature swings. Thermally broken window frames, premium glazing, and careful window placement enhance the thermal control layer.
