ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Sunday, May 5, 1996                    TAG: 9605070096
SECTION: HOMES                    PAGE: D-1  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

CONCEPT IN CONCRETE FOAM FORMING BLOCKS ARE HELPING TO ADD A NEW TWIST IN HOME BUILDING

European contractors have been building concrete homes for decades, and now they're coming to America.

The concept is built on a builder-friendly wall system that uses stay-in-place foam forming assemblies to hold the concrete. Two types of forms are available from several manufacturers. One uses hollow polystyrene blocks that stack (some interlock almost like Legos) and the other uses 4-foot-by-8-foot panels with a series of plastic ties to space them apart.

Both types can build many wall thicknesses. After erecting two panels with vertical and horizontal reinforcement, contractors pump concrete into the cavity to create a solid structural wall.

Produced with expanded polystrene containing up to 20 percent recycled materials, the forms provide 2 inches of insulation on both faces of a concrete wall, which usually is 6 inches thick. The result is a solid 10-inch assembly with strong thermal properties to hold down energy costs.

Builders are able to create super-efficient insulated walls from R-20 to R-56 in a faction of the time required with wood or steel frame. Since the forms enhance hydration and curing, builders are able to pour concrete even during extremes of weather.

The forms can be cut to any shape to allow unique home designs or site conditions. Stucco siding may be applied directly over the exterior surface or any popular siding material, such as wood, vinyl or even brick, can be used.

The concept got wide attention early this year when Houston contractor Andy Perlman of A. Lexis Home built his Concrete Concepts Home as part of the National Association of Home Builders Show.

Perlman said he was looking for a creative way to differentiate himself from his competition.

He said he became interested in building the home after seeing the technology unveiled two years ago at the home show in Las Vegas. 

LENGTH: Medium:   52 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  1. Lightweight foam forms are cut and stacked (below) to

          fit any home design. 2. Concrete is pumped into the forms (right), 

          which provide 2 inches of insulation on both sides of a 6-inch 

          concrete wall. 3. The Concrete Concepts Home (below) takes shape. 

          The forming assemblies will be hidden from view under sheetrock and 

          siding. 4. A Houston homebuilder built the Concrete Concepts Home 

          (above) for the National Association of Home Builders Show. 5. The 

          home shows the advantages of concrete as a whole-house building 

          material, including interior walls, floors, decorative patterned 

          concrete and cement-based stucco. color. 












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