Wood has an estimated R-value of 1 per inch. All commercially available insulations have 3 to 6 times more R-value per inch. It stands to reason, if you reduce the wood in a home’s frame, you not only reduce the amount of lumber needed but also leave more room for insulation.
For a comprehensive guide on Advaced Framing techniques, check out this detailed FREE download from Engineered Wood Association.
This side section of a basement back-walkout wall shows the excessive framing involved in holding a main floor flush-mounted side wall vented gas fireplace.
This window opening shows excessive cripple and jack studs.
This point load is a significant thermal bridge. Through advanced framing, loads would be more evenly distributed, but it stands to reason that there will be point loads that still need outside insulated sheathing to reduce thermal bridging.