Residential Construction Science 101: Part 2 – The House as a System
A learning series created by the Paul Gray Homes team of residential construction experts.
This series is designed for construction students and early-career professionals who want to understand how residential homes truly function. Whether you’re studying drafting, construction science, or project management, this guide connects classroom learning with real-world homebuilding in Wichita and the South-Central Kansas region.
Introduction: Why “The House as a System” Matters
One of the most important concepts in residential construction is recognizing that a house is not a group of materials thrown together.
A house is a system, and every decision influences how the entire home performs.
Most construction issues — cold rooms, moisture problems, high energy bills, mold, comfort complaints — are symptoms of deeper system imbalances.
In this lesson, we break down how heat, air, and moisture interact throughout a home, and why understanding these forces is essential for building durable and comfortable homes.
The House as a System: Core Principles
Every home has three primary forces constantly at work:
1. Heat: Moving From Warm to Cold
Heat naturally moves:
- out of the home in winter
- into the home in summer
Key heat flow paths:
- attic and roof
- windows
- exterior walls
- rim joists
- uninsulated or poorly insulated areas
When heat isn’t controlled, homeowners experience:
- cold rooms
- temperature swings
- high energy bills
2. Air: Moving From High Pressure to Low Pressure
Airflow affects:
- comfort
- energy use
- indoor air quality
- moisture levels
Common air leakage points:
- attic access doors
- window/door gaps
- plumbing and electrical penetrations
- rim joists
- unsealed top plates
- recessed lights
Uncontrolled air movement carries moisture, heat, and odors throughout the home.
3. Moisture: Moving From Wet to Dry
Moisture shows up as:
- humidity
- liquid water
- vapor
- condensation
- leaks
- damp foundations or crawlspaces
If moisture is not managed properly, it leads to:
- mold
- rot
- structural damage
- comfort issues
Moisture problems are the #1 cause of long-term home durability failures.
How These Forces Interact
Cold Room Example
Possible combined causes:
- thermal bridging
- missing insulation
- air leakage from attic or underfloor
- HVAC imbalance
Condensation on Windows
Occurs when:
- warm interior air (air)
- high humidity (moisture)
- touches cold glass (heat loss surface)
Mold in Attics or Closets
Often caused by:
- warm air leaking into cold spaces
- poor ventilation
- trapped moisture unsealed bypasses
- unsealed bypasses
Understanding how heat, air, and moisture move through a home is essential to making the “house as a system” function properly.
How Paul Gray Homes Applies the House-as-a-System Approach
At Paul Gray Homes
, we use a systems-based approach for every residential project in Wichita and South-Central Kansas.
Our team:
- coordinates insulation, air sealing, and ventilation as one unified performance plan
- designs drainage systems to prevent bulk water intrusion
- evaluates heat flow patterns specific to Wichita’s climate
- verifies mechanical systems match actual home performance needs
- reduces long-term maintenance and comfort complaints through smarter detailing
To see how this works in completed homes, explore our available homes
.
Glossary — Key Terms From This Lesson
House-as-a-System
Viewing a home as interconnected parts that must work together for proper performance.
Heat Flow
Movement of heat from warm to cold surfaces.
Air Leakage
Uncontrolled air movement through gaps and penetrations.
Stack Effect
Warm air rises inside a house, pulling cold air in at the lower levels.
Moisture Migration
Movement of water or vapor through materials or openings.
Internships for Students
Students in drafting, construction science, or project management can gain real experience through internships with Paul Gray Homes
.
We offer hands-on roles in:
- Drafting & Residential Plan Design
- Project Management & Field Coordination
Students can also reach out directly:
How Students & Instructors Can Use This Series
- Students: Compare these lessons with what you see on jobsite tours or during internships.
- Instructors: You are welcome to reference or link to this series when teaching building science concepts.
What’s Next in the Series
Residential Construction Science 101 Series
- Part 1: What Is Residential Construction Science?
- Part 2: The House as a System (you are here)
- Part 3: Load Paths – How a House Carries Weight (coming next)
About Paul Gray Homes
Paul Gray Homes
is a leading residential builder in Wichita and the South-Central Kansas region
, delivering high-performance, energy-efficient homes with a science-based approach to modern homebuilding.
We also offer internship opportunities in drafting and project management
for students and early-career professionals seeking hands-on industry experience.
For more information, visit our contact page
.
Connect with Us: