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DOE OSTI · 3365759

Optimization of wall assembly for DOE Efficient New Homes Program in HUD’s Climate Zones 2 and 3

Hayes, Nolan [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000332245718)·Aldykiewicz Jr., Anthony J. [Saint-Gobain, Northborough, MA (United States)]·Mabe, Gavin [Clayton Homes, Maryville, TN (United States)]·Salonvaara, Mikael [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000318991554)·Hun, Diana E. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000164746002)
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Abstract

Manufactured homes provide affordable housing for over 20 million Americans. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Efficient New Homes (ENH) program has introduced new energy certification requirements that manufacturers can optionally target to ensure outstanding levels of energy savings, comfort, health, and durability. In collaboration with Clayton Homes (under User Agreement (NN-23-1469)), Oak Ridge National Laboratory evaluated multiple wall assembly options to meet ENH requirements in HUD Climate Zones 2 and 3, with a target maximum cost premium of 5%. After analyzing thermal performance, cost, and manufacturability, insulated structural sheathing was identified as the most practical and effective solution. A full-scale manufactured home prototype demonstrated that this approach meets energy performance goals with minimal disruption to existing manufacturing processes and a cost premium of less than 10% with a path to further lower costs, offering a promising path forward for more efficient manufactured housing.

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Hayes, Nolan [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000332245718), Aldykiewicz Jr., Anthony J. [Saint-Gobain, Northborough, MA (United States)], Mabe, Gavin [Clayton Homes, Maryville, TN (United States)], Salonvaara, Mikael [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000318991554), Hun, Diana E. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000164746002). 2026-05-01. Optimization of wall assembly for DOE Efficient New Homes Program in HUD’s Climate Zones 2 and 3. https://doi.org/10.2172/3365759

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