Jun 13 2007
Hammond Fine Homes of Cotati, CA, selected Arxx Walls & Foundations, manufacturer of insulated concrete form (ICF) technology to construct the foundation/basement of a showcase green home in Bennett Valley, Sonoma County, CA, featuring multiple energy saving and environmental benefits. The 3,000 sq. ft., two-story residence is owned by a typical American family and has an attractive, yet practical design. In a green rating system known as "GreenPoint Rated," by Build It Green (http://www.Builditgreen.org), the home achieved a final certification of 161 GreenPoints. The home has also received an ENERGY STAR HOME certification from the EPA. Since energy is large component of the point system, Arxx ICF foundation walls greatly contributed to the point total. Arxx technology utilizes stay-in-place, super insulated polystyrene forms, which are reinforced with poured concrete.
Other green measures included passive solar power, prioritized FSC and salvaged wood, recycled cellulose insulation, ENERGY STAR(R) rated appliances, solar thermal water heating, and ventilated reflective metal roofing. These and dozens of other energy saving strategies as well as low-VOC and sustainable products added up to one of the highest GreenPoint Ratings to date for a single family residence.
The Arxx ICF technology was for the in-ground basement and ground walls of the main floor den, resulting in reduced use of wood framing and added insulation. Other wood framing was either salvaged, engineered or FSC certified.
"In an area that can reach very high summer temperatures, the Arxx foundation walls insulate the home from the heat, while the concrete mass has a cooling effect all day long," said Bruce Hammond, president, Hammond Fine Homes. "Along with the high recycled content cellulose insulation, the insulating Arxx walls add to the comfort from room to room and will keep the couple and their three children happy and cozy, no matter what the weather."
Kent Yonker, Arxx Specialty Sales Representative at Central Concrete Westside Building Materials, the Arxx supplier of the project, said this is one of the most nicely designed ICF projects he has seen for a residence. "It is a pleasure to be part of a team on a project like this," said Yonkers. "It is amazing to see great design and fine craftsmanship integrated together to build a wonderful home." When Yonkers saw the plans, he knew the design was a winner. "Everything went smoothly and I could not have imagined how beautiful yet functional this home would for the family."
The Build It Green "GreenPoint Rated" system evolved from the Alameda County Guidelines for Green Building. Each green measure gets a point value based on its benefits to the homeowner and the environment. A home is considered "Green" if it earns at least 50 points and meets minimum points for each category: Energy (30), Indoor Air Quality (5), Resources (6) and Water (9).