Thicker Walls For High-Performance Homes

The thickest residential walls are typically found in high-performance homes built to achieve exceptional energy efficiency and durability. Research conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), International Code Council (ICC), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) has demonstrated the benefits of thicker walls, which provide better insulation, improved airtightness, and increased structural stability. These organizations, along with the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), structural engineers, architects, and building contractors, play crucial roles in developing building science research, codes, and standards that promote the construction of homes with thicker walls, enhancing overall building performance and occupant comfort.

Highly Relevant Entities (9)

Building Science Powerhouses: Meet the Key Players

In the world of building science, these organizations are like the superheroes saving us from shoddy construction and energy-wasting homes. Let’s take a closer look at their capes and superpowers:

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)

Picture this: You’re building a new castle, but you’re not sure about the blueprints. Enter the NAHB, the OG house builders. They represent over 140,000 members and are the go-to experts for building codes, construction practices, and everything in between.

International Code Council (ICC)

These guys are the gatekeepers of building safety. They develop and maintain those pesky building codes that keep our homes secure. Imagine them as the Gandalf of building science, guiding us through the treacherous path of construction.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

Think of ORNL as the Avengers of energy efficiency. They’re always researching and testing new ways to make our homes more eco-friendly. From solar panels to smart appliances, they’re like the Iron Man of building science.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL)

These scientists are the Sherlock Holmeses of healthy homes. They study indoor air quality, daylighting, and acoustics to make sure our homes are not only safe but also comfortable. Imagine them with magnifying glasses and test tubes, unraveling the mysteries of home life.

Moderately-Highly Relevant Entities (8)

Moderately-Highly Relevant Entities in Building Science

While the National Association of Home Builders, International Code Council, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are heavy hitters in building science, there are others who contribute significantly to shaping our built environment.

National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)

NIBS is a non-profit organization that serves as a bridge between the public and private sectors in the building industry. They’re like the peacekeepers of building science, bringing together experts from different fields to develop consensus standards and guidelines that ensure our buildings are safe and sustainable.

S. Department of Energy (DOE)

The DOE is the federal agency responsible for energy research and development. They’re the ones who fund cutting-edge projects that explore new ways to make our buildings more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. From smart thermostats to self-healing concrete, the DOE is driving innovation in the industry.

Structural Engineers, Architects, and Building Contractors

The folks who design, engineer, and construct our buildings play a crucial role in advancing building science. Structural engineers ensure our buildings can withstand the forces of nature, architects create spaces that are both beautiful and functional, and building contractors bring it all to life with their expertise in construction methods. Their combined knowledge and skills are what make our built environment safe, comfortable, and sustainable.