| CONSTRUCTION METHODS |
The basic concrete technique is the precision design and engineering of the concrete walls including foundation, slab floor and insulation. The house is designed according to the homeowners’ specifications for passive solar strategies. A licensed structural engineer does calculations validating the seismic and structural integrity of the building. A steel perimeter frame (huricane frame) received a web of reinforcing steel remesh and rebar are positioned then the electrical boxes with conduit are attached to the top. Concrete is poured on these elements and allowed to cure. The interior walls are also cast with steel reinforcement and imbedded electrical outlets. |
| Tierra Concrete Homes 2306 US Highway 50 Fowler, CO 81039 Phone (719) 263-4192 Fax (719) 263-4194 info@tierraconcretehomes.com |
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| Window and door blockouts are secured in place before concrete is poured. While the walls are curing, the foundation of the structure is excavated and the reinforced leveling pads are poured. Exterior walls are then raised by crane and welded together. |
| For the floor, a layer of insulation is laid down with reinforcement over it. Radiant in- floor heat tubing and in-ground plumbing are installed. The slab floor is poured and then interior wall panels are placed. Specially designed and engineered “energy- heel” wood trusses are used to provide adequate insulation at the top of perimeter walls. The plumbing walls in the bathroom(s) are framed to allow for piping. Only the ceiling and plumbing walls need to be finished with gypsum board. A variety of floor treatments and wall finishes are available. Renewable energy technologies are recommended. The remainder of the construction process is similar to conventional building techniques although a concrete roofing or structural insulated panel (SIP) system is possible. A fireproof roofing material such as tile or metal panels is suggested. The exterior walls are generally finished with stucco including accents of cultured stone or brick; the interior walls are textured and painted, or finished with other decorative treatment. Concrete walls also make it possible to build safe rooms, vaults, climbing walls, decorative rock textures, round openings, and other unique features. |
ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTION
An alternative concrete method is sometimes necessary due to site restrictions, logistics in getting to the jobsite, travel
distance, or wall height. In these situations insulated concrete forms can be used instead of tilt-up construction
method. Tierra is a distributor/installer of Logix ICFs and has experience in this method. The main difference in the
two methods is that with ICFs the thermal mass of concrete is not exposed on the inside for exchanging temperature
with the room air. Interior concrete walls may still be used for added mass. The principles of passive solar design,
window management, high performance equipment, lighting and appliances are all still used.
An alternative concrete method is sometimes necessary due to site restrictions, logistics in getting to the jobsite, travel
distance, or wall height. In these situations insulated concrete forms can be used instead of tilt-up construction
method. Tierra is a distributor/installer of Logix ICFs and has experience in this method. The main difference in the
two methods is that with ICFs the thermal mass of concrete is not exposed on the inside for exchanging temperature
with the room air. Interior concrete walls may still be used for added mass. The principles of passive solar design,
window management, high performance equipment, lighting and appliances are all still used.