The Oosterhouse brothers, Todd and Carter are Traverse City natives who decided to satisfy a life-long dream building a winery of their own. The energy-efficient Bonobo Winery built with BuildBlock ICFs combines many systems and technologies to deliver a commercial success. This project is located in Traverse City Michigan, a tourist destination and regional area of commerce. People flock to the area in the spring, summer, and fall to see the lakes, sunsets, cherry trees and vineyards. This winery has a high traffic volume will help educate more people about the advantages of energy efficient construction and BuildBlock ICF technology, especially in
READ MORE →FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BuildBlock ICFs Releases BuildShield Termite & Fire Stop Protection Oklahoma City, OK – BuildBlock Building Systems is pleased to announce the release of BuildShield Termite & Fire Stop Protection. BuildShield combines an extruded vinyl membrane with an adhesive stainless steel material to form an impenetrable barrier to termites and a terminal cap that prevents flames from reaching beyond the top of an ICF wall. One product using the same materials applied slightly differently in different areas of an ICF wall. “We initially created a cost effective solution for termites in an ICF wall.” says Mike Garrett, BuildBlock
READ MORE →FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BuildBlock ICFs Releases BuildShield Fire Stop Protection Oklahoma City, OK – BuildBlock Building Systems is introducing BuildShield, a barrier for firestop protection in an ICF wall. BuildShield is a combination of two materials when combined offer fire stop protection providing additional protection in fire prone areas. This product will be available in early January 2016. BuildBlock built an ASTM 814E Fire Stop. BuildShield combines an extruded PVC plastic track with an adhesive stainless steel material applied together between near the top of the wall in an above grade course when constructing an ICF wall. The track supports
READ MORE →Discover how Nestledown B&B uses BuildBlock ICFs to create energy-efficient lodging as a leader in energy conservation & providing comfort for their guests on the shores of Lake Superior. The Schauland’s, Ken and Sue, set out to create their dream job, owning a bed and breakfast even though neither of them had ever worked in hospitality or specialized in construction. Ken is a drywall contractor and his wife Sue is a pediatric nurse at St. Vincent’s hospital in Wisconsin. Nestledown B&B uses BuildBlock ICFs to create efficient lodging for themselves and their guests. When deciding to build this project they chose BuildBlock ICFs because of their comfort level with
READ MORE →The Table in the Wilderness Ministry above Centennial, Wyoming is nestled at the base of the Snowy Range of the Medicine Bow Mountains in southeast Wyoming was built using BuildBlock ICFs. Table in the Wilderness Ministries (twmcamp.net) is a year-round camping, conference and retreat ministry center. The Table in the Wilderness Ministry Camp chose BuildBlock ICFs for their energy-efficient project, the main lodge building, and their first ICF project. The Table in the Wilderness Ministry Camp needed a highly-insulated structure that could withstand the rapid temperature changes associated with high elevation. The ministry camp also needed to meet budget restraints, be a
READ MORE →Texas Tripe Company Chooses BuildBlock ICFs for in Freezer Project in Detroit, Texas. The Texas Tripe project is a unique use of ICF products with sustainability at the heart of the design and purpose. Texas Tripe is a company that produces raw frozen pet food. Running tight on the freezer space shared with a sister company that processes meat and smoked sausage, the decision was made to build a new warehouse and freezer space with three critical requirements: The building needed to be energy efficient while maintaining a temperature below 0 degrees. The building needed to be strong, disaster resistant,
READ MORE →We are going to step inside the Lloyd House: An ICF project showcasing the resiliency and versatility of BuildBlock ICFs. This project was a flagship project for Lloyd Concrete Services and BuildBlock of Central Virginia. The natural beauty of this lot inspired the homeowner to make as little impact on the environment as possible.The efficiency of the ICF wall system in addition to the geothermal heat pump are expected to drastically reduce the carbon emissions over the life of the home. Utilizing online CAD details and the Prescriptive Method, the home owners easily designed this home to the highest standards of efficiency and
READ MORE →BuildBlock will be exhibiting at the World of Concrete in Las Vegas, Nevada from February 2-5, 2016. The trade show is held at the Las Vegas Convention Center and BuildBlock will be presenting in Booth N2104. The World of Concrete (www.WorldofConcrete.com) trade show is an annual event focusing on the concrete and masonry industry. “WOC features innovative tools, construction machinery, construction equipment, safety training courses and training, technologies and unlimited networking opportunities to give you new ways to sustain and grow your business.” (www.worldofconcrete.com) BuildBlock is exhibiting in booth #N2104 and you can get your tickets by registering online at www.worldofconcrete.com/Attendee/Register.
READ MORE →BuildBlock Building System will once again exhibit at the 2016 NAHB International Builders Show in Las Vegas January 19th-21st. BuildBlock is excited once again to contribute to the largest light construction show in the world. Located in the South Hall Booth S2602 BuildBlock will introduce new products for 2016 and have all products available for participants to explore. “IBS is a great show for us to demonstrate the value and excitement that BuildBlock energy-efficient construction products make possible for our customers both builders and homeowners. says Mike Garrett, BuildBlock Founder & CEO. We show people practical, affordable, and life saving options when it comes to building their dream home.
READ MORE →Separate fact from fiction and dispel ICF Myths, Half-Truths, and Misconceptions. ICFs are too expensive… ICFs cost 3%-7% more on average compared to using traditional wood construction. This difference can be reduced by smaller HVAC requirements, energy-efficiency tax breaks, and lower utility bills. ICFs are too complicated to use… Building with ICFs is like any other technology. Make sure your ICF installer is well trained and is familiar with the product. ICFs, in general, are simple enough for DIY and even simpler than building with wood. I can get the same efficiency with wood… Wood structures can be built
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