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Featured Projects
Vestal Elk's Lodge
Organizations like the Elk's Lodge and other fraternal groups usually don't have huge budgets or excess cash waiting around to help fund things like expansion projects or new construction. The Vestal Elk's Lodge is no exception, they desperately needed a newer, bigger facility but affordability both from an initial cost standpoint and from a long term standpoint was a high priority, and one of the many reasons they turned to insulated concrete forms (ICF's).
John Gardner, who along with being a member of Lodge #2508, also served as Construction Manager for the project realized early on the ICF's are easy to build with. The crew had no problems with constructing both the below and above grade walls because of the lightweight nature of the blocks. Using the versatile ICF components, John and his team were able to integrate the walk in freezer with the outside walls and the interior bar, allowing bartenders access to the cooler from the bar area through convenient sliding cooler doors, and the ability to stock the shelves from the inside. They took advantage of both the benefits of energy efficiency and design versatility.
Their new building is about three times the size of the old one, which has allowed members to take advantage of the space with more meetings, parties, and events than ever before. Considering the size, and how much more use the facility gets, the lower operating costs due to the energy efficiency of the concrete walls has been a major benefit.
With the increase in activities at the Lodge, Elk's leaders were worried that noise levels, which in the past posed some problems with a few neighbors, might get worse. As it turns out, having solid concrete walls basically sound proofs the building. So the folks bellied up to the bar are not bothered by the noise from the adjacent highway traffic, and when the band inside kicks it into high gear, the neighbors can still sleep soundly.
They have recently recieved the F. Hughes Neely Earth Preserver Award in recognition of their outstanding example and efforts to reduce energy consumption and preserve natural resources.
Vestal Volunteer Emergency Squad
The need for a larger and more efficient building prompted the Vestal Volunteer Emergency Squad to look at the option of building a brand new one on their present site. As the plans were being drawn the members began looking at insulated concrete forms (ICF's) and their benefits. Two benefits they felt strongly about were the energy savings and the sound barrier that the walls give. After consulting with the Town of Vestal Engineer they drew up the plans.
The 2 story building has 10" frost walls and 8" exterior walls. The garage area is 4,488 square feet with 13' high walls. The crew quarters tow floors that are 4,224 square feet with 18' high walls. Radiant floor heating provide warmth not only to the crew in their quarters but also in the garage area.
The application of ICF's for the squad building proved to be beneficial not only to the crew but also the surrounding residential neighborhood.
Pierce Residence
Originally the 2,000 square foot house was designed as a log home. However when the Pierce's saw the benefits of building with insulated concrete forms, the plans were converted over.
The homeowner was interested in saving time initially, then found that building the house with IntegrSpec insulated concrete forms all the way to the roof also simplified the process. It also eliminated the need for studs and insulation. The energy savings, the comfortable living with warm consistant temperatures throughout the house, and the freedom from outside noises will give the family many years of enjoyment.
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