| 
Specialty
Block Perfects Home
Concrete
Products, Aug 1, 2003 12:00 PM
Providing
a model for affordable, energy-efficient housing that
residents can build right now, Aercon Industries announced
ground-
breaking on “The Perfect Home” in early July.
The two-story, 1,600-
sq.-ft. home — Indiana's first residential project
built and furnished
substantially with environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient
products — will be constructed largely of autoclaved
aerated
concrete (AAC). Throughout the residence, from countertops
and
carpeting to energy-efficient geothermal water furnace,
recyclable and energy-safe materials will be utilized to
the maximum extent possible.
Advocates contend that AAC is more environmentally sound
and energy-efficient than any other construction material,
including wood and conventional concrete. Weighing up to
50 percent less than standard concrete, it is also exceptionally
sturdy and durable, they add. The material resembles porous
concrete but can be shaped, sawed or nailed to fit a building's
specifications. Further environmental benefits are related
to its production using sand or fly ash, Aercon officials
note. Created in Sweden more than 70 years ago, the concrete
wall and floor construction conforms to guidelines in current
building codes.
Allan Zukerman of Aercon Industries began contacting Perfect
Home partners in mid-2002. Architect Sam Miller of CSO Architects,
designer Liz Coles of the School of Construction Interior
Design of Indiana University/Purdue University of Indianapolis,
and landscape architect and urban designer Tom Gallagher
of Ecology House of Indianapolis, Inc., are donating their
time and talent to the project.
The turn-of-the century architectural style of the residence
was designed by Indiana architect Todd Rottman of Rottman
Architects on the basis of plans typically found in the
historic Herron-Morton Place and Fall Creek Place areas
of downtown Indianapolis. Sam Miller, a volunteer architect
for Ecology House, converted the plan to incorporate Aercon
AAC.
Designer Coles hopes “the home will be a learning
laboratory exhibiting green technologies.” Green products
throughout the home will demonstrate that style doesn't
have to be sacrificed when building an environmentally-friendly
home, she notes. The interior design will utilize sustainable
wood, recycled products, natural finishes, low/no VOC (volatile
organic compound) paint and stains, energy-efficient appliances
and lighting, and high-efficiency HVAC systems. Aercon used
instead of traditional wood framing will resist insects
as it provides thermal insulation for greater energy efficiency.
Hardin Geotechnologies, headed by Senior Engineer Jim
Hardin, is coordinating the installation of the geothermal
water furnace. “The unit handles all heating, cooling
and a majority of the domestic hot water needs for the house.
It is 60 percent more efficient than gas,” says Hardin.
“The project proves that environmentally correct can
be the least expensive and of the highest quality.”
DEMONSTRATION
“Our
plan is to show how rapidly the house shell can be erected
while going slow enough to offer a chance for area builders
to drop by and see the construction,” says Jeff Cardwell
of general contractor AMI Do It Best.
Urban designer and landscape architect Tom
Gallagher adds that locating the home downtown has several
advantages: it will not contribute to suburban sprawl and
allows walking and other alternative forms of transportation;
encourages local economies and small business growth; improves
property values in adjacent areas; and, enhances safety
and security. In place of a manicured lawn, a native garden
will be planted to reduce the use of chemicals, run-off,
and emissions. The garden will need less water and less
chemicals and will provide a welcoming entry and public
face to the community.
“We are bringing the neighborhood
a much needed home and showcasing a number of affordable
environmental products, including autoclaved aerated concrete,”
affirms Aercon's Robert Montgomery. AAC has a long history
throughout the world and is now making an impact on U.S.
construction, he adds. Aercon produces block, panel and
building system units at a highly automated plant in Haines
City, Fla.
INDIANAPOLIS “PERFECT HOME”
AT
A GLANCE
2172
N. Pennsylvania St.
Herron-Morton Place
Historic District
PROJECT PARTNERS
Architects
— Todd Rottman, Rottman Architects, Fort Wayne, Indiana;
Sam Miller, CSO Architects, Indianapolis
Designer — Liz Coles, School of Construction
Interior Design, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis
Landscape Architect/Urban Designer —
Tom Gallagher, Ecology House of Indianapolis
Concrete supplier — Aercon Industries,
Indianapolis
General
Contractor — AMI Do It Best, Indianapolis
Return
to News & Research
|
