The Logic of the Assembly
A conventional framed wall becomes a high-performance wall through discipline, not exotic products: taped structural sheathing or a dedicated membrane as the air barrier, a proper weather-resistive barrier behind a ventilated cladding gap, insulation without voids, and window connections that link every layer across the rough opening.
Because it starts from standard framing, this is the system most crews adopt first — the sequencing notes matter more than any single component. General guidance; your design professional of record owns the final assembly.
Layers & Components
Air Barrier
Taped sheathing or membrane — chosen once, drawn continuously, tested while accessible.
Water Control
WRB lapped shingle-style behind a ventilated rain-screen gap.
Insulation
Full-cavity fill, with continuous exterior insulation where the design calls for it.
Openings
Sill-first window sequencing with pre-folded corners — the detail that decides the blower-door number.
Building It This Year?
Order the components as a package — the desk will take your section and quantity-check it.
Ask the Spec Desk