I thought I was doing well BUT Alaska temps help -49 was brutal as I want to see but appreciate you posting your adventures
I don’t understand why houses in cold climates have been built with 4” walls for so long. I would want AT LEAST 8” walls in a new build, but favoring 10-12”. Offset studs would be another great option if using 2x6. That would be right in the 10-12” range and no thermal bridging. The r value would be exceptional. A friend of ours built his own house about 30 years ago. He used 2x6 walls and it is quite comfy and easy to heat. Offset 2x6 would be a thing of beauty to heat and cool. We are planning a house for my son, and it will have excellent r values with thick walls and lots of insulation. Even when heating with wood, why use more than you have to? I would love to get our usage down to 3-4 cord per year.
I have Tok as one of the bookmarked places on my weather app. From what I have seen this winter it is a fairly warm one for you there. Last winter whenever I looked it seemed like it was way below zero. Next time I pass that way I'll send you a message. I do some gold mining-work of the Denali highway near the Susitna river.
