The Future of Framing

I read an interesting article tonight on the Fine Homebuilding web site entitled The Future of Framing is Here. It discusses smarter framing practices that use less materials and provide for significant improvements in energy efficiency. Some of the changes proposed in this framing methodology for exterior walls include:

• Using 2x6 studs at 24 inches on center;
• Supporting window/door headers with header hangers instead of jack studs;
• Using a single stud at rough openings with no cripple studs under the ends of window sills (I definitely agree that there can be a lot of waste when framing windows/doors);
• Framing corners with just two studs (and drywall clips); and
• Placing windows and doors on stud layout and lining up joists, studs and rafters (seems obvious, eh?).

I didn't notice until after reading the article that this was written back in 2005, which is interesting because I had not heard of some of these concepts before (e.g. header hangers). I don't know if all of these framing techniques are permissible by code (not even sure of a good place to look up code requirements in Ontario?), but the argument for better energy efficiency is convincing.