FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

California 2018

The 2018 FHB House is a net-zero energy, high-performance home in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills designed to meet the goals of the California 2020 initiative and comply with the most progressive energy code in the country. The project combines a very tight, well-insulated envelope, cutting-edge mechanical systems, and unique material choices, all wrapped up in a one-of-a-kind modern design.

Sponsored Post
Tools & Materials

Dörken Systems – An Ally in the Pursuit of the Net-Zero Ideal in Construction

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

To achieve a Net-Zero designation, today’s builders need to focus on using products that deliver energy savings, durability, and occupant health and comfort. Air and moisture barriers play a critical role in this process. As a proud sponsor of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House, Dörken’s innovative, high-performance air and moisture barriers provide the advanced technology and durability needed to help create a comfortable, sustainable, energy-smart home.

Here are some of Dörken’s high performance products used throughout the project:

DELTA®-VENT SA—The only self-adhering, water-resistive barrier with an adhesive edge lap
DELTA®-VENT SA serves as a critical component of any energy-efficient building enclosure. Using industry-leading technology, DELTA®-VENT SA creates a continuous water, air, and weather-tight barrier that is also highly vapor permeable, so buildings stay dry and last longer. By allowing moisture to escape, DELTA®-VENT SA eliminates the risk of mold and other problems caused by moisture.

DeltaVent-SA

DELTA®-VENT SA also improves the performance of the wall system by adhering directly to the substrate, meaning fasteners are not required. This eliminates the risk of leaks and provides increased airtightness for optimal building performance. Using the complete DELTA®-VENT SA line of air barrier system accessories, builders can ensure every corner, window gap, and edge is always 100% sealed.

DELTA®-TRELA—Protecting the underside of a metal roof or cladding for longer roof life
When moisture accumulates in the roof substructure, two problems arise. The first is premature damage to the roof substructure, leading to major repairs. The second is condensation on the underside of the metal, which can lead to corrosion and require the metal to be replaced sooner than necessary. DELTA®-TRELA is a vapor-permeable underlayment that prevents the accumulation of the moisture by using structured separation and drainage. The product is specifically designed for metal roofs and façades with metal cladding.

Delta-MS3DELTA®-MS—Exclusive air-gap technology for permanent basement protection
The most common problem associated with basements is unwanted moisture. DELTA®-MS is the high-performance dimpled membrane that keeps basements permanently dry and protected. Unlike sprays, which crack when concrete walls crack, DELTA®-MS bridges cracks so no water intrusions can occur. Using exclusive Air-gap Technology, DELTA®-MS keeps water away from walls and allows for any incidental moisture to drain harmlessly to the perimeter drain.

DELTA®-MS UNDERSLAB—Long-term protection for dry concrete slabs
When floor slabs are composed of porous concrete, they are known to collect moisture and mold. To preserve a building’s foundation, proper moisture protection is essential. Using a sub-base course helps to prevent the concrete from pulling water up from the dirt, which would otherwise allow moisture to seep through walls, joints, and the floor. This is where DELTA®-MS UNDERSLAB comes into play, preventing the passage of water and providing reliable, long-term protection to achieve permanently dry concrete slabs.

A variety of other Dörken products were used in the making of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House, including: DELTA®-REFLEX, DELTA®-FL, DELTA®-MOLD STRIP, DELTA®-SEALANT, DELTA®-MOISTURE PROOF TAPE, DELTA®-FLASHING 6”, DELTA®-FLASHING 9″, DELTA®-MULTI-BAND 60, DELTA®-MULTI-BAND 100, DELTA®-FLEXX-BAND, DELTA®-TILAXX, DELTA®-FAST’ner, DELTA®-HF PRIMER, and DELTA®-THAN. For more information, please visit Dörken’s website at www.dorken.com

About Dörken
Dörken is the North American division of Ewald Dörken AG in Germany. Ewald Dörken AG has been in business since 1892, longer than almost any building materials company. For more than 125 years, Dörken has been delivering innovative, high-performance air and moisture barriers for both commercial and residential construction, protecting all types of buildings from around the world in the most extreme weather conditions.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

QuikDrive PRO300s

Whether you're installing floor sheathing or decking, this tool will keep the installer upright, putting less stress on workers while saving time and energy.
Buy at Amazon

Magoog Tall Stair Gauges

These are a must-have when laying out stairs with a framing square. They attach easily and save time, especially on long or multiple stringers.
Buy at Amazon

Leather Tool Rig

This is tool rig is heavy duty, professional, and well-thought-out for tool storage — plus it can help reduce fatigue throughout the day.
Buy at Amazon

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
California 2018 Videos

Navigate the Build

  • Introduction
  • Foundation
  • Framing
  • Windows and Doors
  • Insulation
  • Roof
  • Siding and Trim
  • Mechanicals
  • Interior Finishes
  • Kitchen and Baths
  • Completed Home

Behind the Build

  • New York 2023
  • Kansas 2022
  • Wisconsin 2021
  • Nebraska 2021
  • Connecticut 2020
  • Kentucky 2019
  • California 2018
  • Vermont 2017
  • Rhode Island 2016
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More California 2018

View All
  • A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance
  • Tour the California FHB House in Person
  • A Houseful of Cabinets and Built-ins
  • Preparing for Tile
View All

Fine Homebuilding House California 2018 Sponsors

  • Huber – Advantech Logo
  • Bridger Steel Logo
  • BuildDirect Logo
  • CabParts Logo
  • Dorken TruExterior Logo
  • Dryerbox Logo
  • DryerWallVent Logo
  • FLIR Logo
  • Lenox Logo
  • Maine Deck Bracket Logo
  • Mitsubishi Logo
  • Rockwool Logo
  • Schluter Logo
  • Simpson Strong Tie Logo
  • Stanley Logo
  • Titebond Logo
  • Weyerhaeuser Logo

Donating Sponsors

  • Beko Logo
  • Chief Architect Logo
  • Cor-A-Vent Logo
  • Duravit Logo
  • Ferguson Logo
  • Morso Logo
  • Patagonia Logo
  • StepStone Logo

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

A New Approach for Millwork Finishes

The LED-cure products from LED Coating Solutions offer a fast-curing, zero-VOC finish that works well for trim and cabinetry in small shop settings.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • A Practical Approach to Exterior Insulation
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Designing and Building an Efficient Slab-On-Grade Home
  • Anneke Dunnington, Carpenter
  • Tall Deck on a Sloped Lot

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Designing and Building an Efficient Slab-On-Grade Home
  • FHB Podcast Segment: A Homemade Radiant Heat Floor Assembly
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Advice for an Efficient and Affordable New Build
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Making Smart Investments in Your Home's Energy Efficiency
View All

Net-Zero

View All Net-Zero Articles
  • Passive House 3.0
  • Leah Karmaker, Design and Project Coordinator at Just Housing
  • New Hampshire Net-Zero-Ready
View All Net-Zero Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data