01-06-2010, 02:32 PM
Blake,
Single wall construction being illegal is a strong word to use and highly unlikely, single wall construction cannot be removed from Hawaii or other States as not all homes use heaters or air conditioners, therefore they are exempt from the double wall (default) standards set forth in the energy code with regard to insulation. The energy code becomes largely null and void under a couple situations.
If the home is using site generated renewable energy sources, not using deletable fuel sources for heating or ac systems, and or omitting/not using heating and cooling, then the energy code becomes non-applicable with regard to the corresponding consideration.
Even building codes have to meet to a low level standard of rational application.
Just remember, if you're not going with a single wall house and not using AC/heat, make sure you get a great deal of natural ventilation throughout the house. IMO, it's not possible to get good ventilation with a double wall house in Hawaii unless each cavity is ventilated and every room is well ventilated as well @ 24/7.
I've been in many homes in Hawaii and to be perfectly honest... Hawaii will be facing some serious revisions in the near future that go far beyond the current IBC standards. The air quality in most homes in Hawaii is substandard at best and most the house designs have 0 business being in Hawaii though some even meet current IBC standards.
E ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa.
Single wall construction being illegal is a strong word to use and highly unlikely, single wall construction cannot be removed from Hawaii or other States as not all homes use heaters or air conditioners, therefore they are exempt from the double wall (default) standards set forth in the energy code with regard to insulation. The energy code becomes largely null and void under a couple situations.
If the home is using site generated renewable energy sources, not using deletable fuel sources for heating or ac systems, and or omitting/not using heating and cooling, then the energy code becomes non-applicable with regard to the corresponding consideration.
Even building codes have to meet to a low level standard of rational application.
Just remember, if you're not going with a single wall house and not using AC/heat, make sure you get a great deal of natural ventilation throughout the house. IMO, it's not possible to get good ventilation with a double wall house in Hawaii unless each cavity is ventilated and every room is well ventilated as well @ 24/7.
I've been in many homes in Hawaii and to be perfectly honest... Hawaii will be facing some serious revisions in the near future that go far beyond the current IBC standards. The air quality in most homes in Hawaii is substandard at best and most the house designs have 0 business being in Hawaii though some even meet current IBC standards.
E ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa.