5 Net Zero Energy Homes That Will Inspire
We’ve compiled a list of zero-energy homes that incorporate sustainable construction into the building process. The results are 5 facilities that prove zero net energy can be achieved with careful planning and appropriate implementation.
SOFIA COURT
The homeowners wanted to build a home that would be beautiful, functional, and sustainable. They brought in an ICF expert contractor who selected Fox Blocks as the ideal building material to accomplish the homeowners goals. This home was built directly into a natural rock ledge and features large covered porches and breezeways on the exterior and beautiful oak floors throughout the interior.
How to Measure and Plan for Energy Efficiency in Your Building
As climate change becomes a greater issue, architects are under increasing pressure to design sustainable, yet high-performance buildings. In this blog, we go over some effective strategies you can use during the design process to enhance your building’s energy efficiency
Is ICF Construction Worth the Cost for Commercial Buildings?
ICF construction for commercial buildings has skyrocketed over the past few years. ICF benefits ranging from sound insulation to durability to building strength and disaster resistance have piqued a lot of interest for builders and architects. But it has some scratching their heads, mistakenly thinking ICF is more expensive and then wondering, “Is ICF construction cost worth it?”
Can you build and pour concrete in cold weather?
Yes. The forms insulate the concrete and enhance the curing process. The top of the forms, or exposed concrete areas will need to be covered, temporarily, with insulation to prevent the exposed concrete from freezing. Fox Blocks projects can be constructed any time of the year, no delays for cold weather.
Does EPS ‘off gas’?
EPS does not off-gas. Fox Blocks forms do not and never have contained any CFC or HCFC products. The forms are made by a steam process that utilizes ‘pentene gas’ as a blowing agent. The blowing agent dissipates from the product within 48 hours of manufacturing. Fox Blocks forms are odorless, do not deteriorate, and do not off gas.
ADAM GEHRING RESIDENCE
In order to maximize the available project footprint and achieve the beautiful mediterranean-inspired look, the design required complex, tight-radius corners and openings.
How do I apply an acrylic stucco finish to an ICF?
Acrylic stucco is a thin coat finish which can be directly applied to the EPS insulation on the exterior face of the ICF. Fox Blocks provides a continuous EPS surface conducive for the application of acrylic stucco. All acrylic stucco manufactures are familiar with ICFs as a substrate and each have their recommendations for application over ICFs. Note there is a difference in the installation procedures between acrylic stucco and traditional stucco.
HOFBRAUHAUS RESTAURANT & BEER
Hofbrauhaus-Cleveland required a 24,000 square foot addition to accommodate its growing business.
Sustainability is at Our Core
Our parent company, Airlite Plastics, creates plastic products for a variety of applications – so we have a constant supply of first-generation recycled material. And since it’s right here in our facilities, we work toward the smallest carbon footprint possible.