Deanna Harms
Greteman Group
316.263.1004, ext. 111
dharms@gretemangroup.com
Vera Novak
ECO-Block, LLC
Environmental Specialist
801.292.2424
v.novak@eco-block.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ECO-Block ICFs build learning facility with all the comforts of
home
Kaysville, Utah - The Utah Botanical Center's newest exhibit is opening
its thermal-efficient doors to the public - without the concern of running
up the utility bill.
The Utah House in Kaysville isn't the house next door. Owned by Utah
State University, this demonstration house includes a garage for a learning
center that looks like a typical wood-frame building, but has all the
benefits of being built with ECO-Block insulating concrete forms (ICFs).
In 1996, Utah State University's Extension and the Utah Agricultural
Experiment Station set out to create a facility that would demonstrate
new ways of building homes and creating landscapes. The result: Utah
House. Its design exemplifies energy efficiency, water conservation,
healthy indoor environments and universal design principles. All these
concepts are taught at hands-on workshops and on house tours.
"We know people learn more by seeing something actually working,"
said Leona Hawks, Utah House project director. "That's why the
Utah House is a living, breathing, working facility that teaches our
visitors about the alternative materials available for building homes,
while experiencing the benefits firsthand."
One educational program offered in the learning center is the Green
Student Project. At this workshop, high school and elementary school
teachers learn about the importance of healthy homes and conservation
so they can spread the news to their students. The demonstration house
has a number of tours, too. On the energy tour, guides point out all
the features that make the home energy efficient, including a real-life
sample of ECO-Block ICFs.
"Using ECO-Block ICFs was perfect for this concept," said
Larry Hepworth, project architect with DesignWest Architecture in Logan,
Utah. "The way all the pieces come together to form a solid, airtight
building not only demonstrates an innovative method of construction
but optimal energy efficiency."
In addition to the ECO-Block ICF system, the Utah House boasts a number
of other advantages. Solar tubes bring in natural light. Solar panels
generate an abundant supply of electricity. And with the help of a water-wise
distribution system and landscaping plan, low-flow faucets and toilets
cut water waste by 40%.
"The Utah House not only conserves water and incorporates universal
design principles, it is also beautiful," said Hawks. " The
house showcases some of the latest color schemes and materials that
are environmentally friendly, including carpet made of recycled materials
and countertops made of recycled glass. It's energy efficient, too.
One of the goals of the facility was to reduce energy usage by 50%.
Using ECO-Block ICFs helped us achieve this, and our utility bills show
it."
Constructing a home with ICFs has multiple advantages to both the homeowner
and the environment. It consistently saves in time, money and energy
resources. A study backed by the Portland Cement Association found that
homes built with ICF exterior walls need less energy to heat and cool
than their wood-frame counterparts. An average-size home can save up
to 41 trees if concrete products - such as ICF exterior walls - are
used in place of wood products.
Concrete offers a number of benefits as a building material. In addition
to being inert and non-toxic, the costs of a concrete building are comparable
to one built with wood. Experienced crews report that building with
ICFs can take less time than using wood-frame construction. It eliminates
several steps - such as sheathing and insulating the exterior walls
- that are necessary with wood-frame construction. The use of concrete
also helps ensure durability.
The Utah House opens to the public in early summer for tours, workshops
and individual consultations. This demonstration house and learning
center is located at the Utah Botanical Center in Davis County near
Kaysville. For education on a whole new level, call Leona Hawks at (435)
797-1529 for more information.
ECO-Block LLC is one of the world's most innovative and experienced
providers of insulating concrete form (ICF) technology. The Florida-based
company manufactures and supplies the most versatile and technologically
advanced ICF systems available for both commercial and residential construction.
Use of ECO-Block's ICF technology creates super-insulated, monolithic
concrete walls that save energy, keep noise out and improve air quality.
Building owners can enjoy energy savings of 30-50% a year. Greater fire,
wind and weather resistance also help make ECO-Block homes more durable
and secure than those using conventional construction methods. The use
of renewable resources in ECO-Block ICF systems reduces reliance on
wood products, helping protect our threatened forests. ICF technology
is rapidly integrating into mainstream commercial and residential construction.
In 1998, 20,000 new homes benefited from ICFs. Industry projections
for 2003 estimate that approximately 100,000 homes will take advantage
of ICF technology.