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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
Borate is used in construction to permanently protect the lumber from termites, decay, fungi, and wood destroying insects.
Structural insulated panels have a foam core between two oriented strand boards. This offers more structural security and also better insulation.
R13 and R15 offer almost the same thermal performance. The heat resistance is slightly lower with R13 insulation, which slightly affects temperature regulation in warmer climates.
Insulation ratings, or R ratings are a measure of a material’s ability to prevent the transfer of heat. The higher the number, the better insulating power.
For the Louisiana climate, R30 insulation is the minimum insulation recommended.
Insulation ratings, or R ratings are a measure of a material’s ability to prevent the transfer of heat. The higher the number, the better insulating power.
Compared to the traditional framed wall system, structural insulated walls and roof panels carry nearly double the load, vertically and horizontally.
The spline adds strength to an otherwise delicate joint. It also helps to align the two joining parts during assembly.
SIPS panels can come in large sheets which can speed up the construction process significantly
