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.
Preparing for Tile
Schluter membranes work for waterproofing and uncoupling.
While the Atmosphere Design Build crew handles almost everything from framing to finish work, tile setting is one of the areas where it makes sense to bring in someone who sets tile day in and day out and has been doing it for years—especially with the expensive handmade Fireclay tile that will be installed. Before they start cutting tile, however, they address the tile substrate to waterproof the wet areas and control movement to protect tile and grout.
To prepare for the freestanding tub and separate shower, Schluter Ditra and Kerdi-Board manage moisture and eliminate concerns about substrate movement. The shower-kit system provides a sloping base that eliminates the need for a built-up mortar base.
A profile trim, Schluter Quadec, installed at the end of the tiled shower wall protects and hides the unfinished tile edges with a clean, stainless-steel look.
In the first-floor bathroom, the installers used Ditra as an uncoupling membrane. The fleece underside of the Ditra bonds to the AdvanTech subfloor. On the top side, the unmodified thinset bonds to the floor tile, but keys into the geometric plastic top layer rather than bonding to the plastic surface. This allows the system to absorb movement in the framed floor system without cracking the tile or grout.
For the tub/shower combo, the wet walls above the tub are covered with Kerdi-Board for a stable, waterproof tile substrate.
Screws with washers hold the Kerdi-Board in place. The seams and fastener penetrations are waterproofed with Kerdi-Band tape. The tile setters protected the tub with tape and plastic before mixing the thinset.
Final result: a nice shower and tub for the kids.
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Anchor Bolt Marker
Quickly transfer anchor bolt locations to mud sill stock without measuring mistakes.
A plate level allows to you plumb walls accurately because it registers off the plates without touching potentially warped or twisted studs. This one can reach the plates on 12-ft. tall walls.
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wonderful work, I like it
fantastic
Beautiful work