Floor deck framing with shiplap sheathing glued and nailed in place. This floor will have a thin concrete slab over it for in-floor radiant heat. If it were to have a wood floor, the sheathing would be run diagonally. Note vapor barrier (VB) flange in place.

Tu-tuff vapor barrier flange prepped for wall framing. This 2’ wide piece is placed as the floor framing is done, allowing the basement and first floor wall vapor barriers to be continuously sealed to each other

Wall framing rests directly on sill plate.

Second floor framing using sustainably harvested pine shiplap sheathing on walls and floors. Note vapor barrier flange at floor/wall intersection that will be sealed to the wall VB.

Typical walkout and basement framing showing 2x4 walls, spaced 2” away from walls (total 5 1/2”).

VB flanges around windows and timbers are put in place as these elements are set, allowing wall VB to be continuously airtight. Electrical boxes are set in airtight orange plastic boxes. Plumbing connections will be caulked or foamed airtight before insulating. Note horizontal strapping in place, making walls 7” thick(R-28).

First floor thin slab concrete over wood frame floor contains tubing for in-floor heat. Wall plates marking location of interior walls to allow easy nailing later and keep tubing out of harm’s way. Note VB flange from basement.

Timber elements used as load bearing elements as shown here, must be placed early in the framing process and detailed for future vapor barrier transitions.

Where interior walls abutt exterior walls, a VB flange is placed behind the framing member, to later tie into the wall VB. This ensures a continuous VB on exterior walls.