The strength and everlasting
beauty of Architectural concrete
PRIME CONTRACTOR
The strength and everlasting
beauty of Architectural concrete
PRIME CONTRACTOR
Iconic concrete courtyards
Imagine
creating a space as calm and safe as your family deserves
Build
Garden and swiming recreational areas
Architects: James Russell Architect
Architects: James Russell Architect
Architects: James Russell Architect
Build for life
Discover Solid Advantages of Concrete Homes
Green construction. Not only do they require less energy for heating and cooling, but concrete-walled houses also conserve resources by using fewer wood products. Typically they incorporate lumber only for interior framing. They can provide healthy environments with fewer air-borne allergens, molds and contaminants than most frame houses, and they have cleaner indoor air.
Economic value. Although concrete houses usually cost more to build than frame houses, once constructed, they are veritable saving machines due to lower utility costs.
ICF concrete and foam homes
A home needs 30 percent to 40 percent less energy for heating and cooling if it's built with Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) walls instead of wood framing. The inherent strength and solidity of concrete and the insulating value of foam give ICFs several advantages in terms of energy efficiency, safety and soundproofing.
ICFs are hollow foam blocks or panels stacked together and filled with concrete. Foam not only helps to form the wall, but it also provides insulation that's built into the permanent structure. The two types of plastic foam commonly used in ICFs are expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS); XPS is slightly more resistant to moisture and air and has a greater R-value. Some ICFs contain small, pre-assembled blocks that lock together like LEGO bricks, while others use panels or planks that are connected with brackets or ties.
Advantages
With built-in insulation and heat-absorbing concrete, ICFs create an airtight and energy-efficient home. According to the Department of Energy, ICFs can cut up to 19 percent of enrgy costs. Also, concrete is a thermal mass material, which means it absorbs and stores heat, and releases it when the surrounding air is cooler. The thermal mass of ICFs helps to mitigate temperature swings in the home, eliminating drafts and cold spots. Because of this improvement to the building envelope, smaller HVAC equipment can be installed to heat and cool the home, reducing construction costs by $500 to $2,000.
The tight, sturdy construction of ICFs also enables the walls to withstand hurricane winds and earthquake tremors. They muffle noises better than wood frame walls, making homes quieter and more comfortable. Because ICFs are made of concrete, they are more fire resistant than wood walls, as well.
Why Choose Us?
We work with architects and designers to produce beautiful green, functional structures. Call us today and bring our project management skills and extensive construction experience to your next project.