Search
LaHouse is a display of high-performance building practices to create more sustainable, resilient and healthy homes in the gulf region. The research-based facility is located on LSU's Baton Rouge campus and displays home-building techniques and solutions for Louisiana's unique climate. LaHouse is open weekdays from 10 am to 4:30 p.m. for self-guided tours or can be toured completely virtually.
Experience the Lahouse via virtual tour
Most energy-conscious builders seal duct joints with mastic. After application, it hardens and forms a better air barrier than the more commonly used tape. Mastic will not deteriorate or lose its adhesion over time as tapes do, which makes it a permanent solution maximizing the benefits of duct sealing.
A trunk and branch system means that there is one central supply exhaust duct connected to the ventilation unit with many smaller ducts that branch off of it and deliver treated air to the many rooms of a home.
Trunk and branch duct systems require fewer materials than other HVAC layouts, which reduces construction costs. Unlike other systems, the trunk and branch is easier to repair as treated air flows in one direction, making it easier to identify problem points if some rooms are not reaching comfortable temperatures.
Poorly planned and installed ductwork can lead to thermal losses where the air you pay to heat or cool never reaches the living space in the home. Properly insulating your ducts with the appropriate R value can reduce this loss and keep the home at a comfortable temperature without having to pay more.
A well-insulated home can downsize furnaces and air conditioning systems, saving significant amounts of energy. Exploring all options when choosing the building system in a new house could save on energy costs once the home is finished a the HVAC system may need to be used less often.
A trunk and branch layout for ducts efficiently heats and cools a home
