Specialty block perfects home

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 geo-thermal 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 geo-thermal 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.