Of course, there are some disadvantages, such as high embodied energy of
cement, CO2 emissions, water pollution from factory runoff, etc., but if
these problems could be conquered, (a big if), there are also many
advantages, such as thermal mass, fire and termite protection, structural
stability, etc. An intuitive reaction that I have is that a concrete
house would tend to last longer and have fewer maintenance requirements.
Indoor air quality effects would be positive, with the exception of
moisture/mildew, which ought to be controllable with proper construction
techniques and ventilation. All that thermal mass should keep temperature
swings fairly minor as well.
My questions are:
1) Do you think that the idea of building "solid" houses which are
designed to last is a viable alternative? Does a longer life justify
using a system which may be less "green"? Or do people's needs and house
styles change too often to make this sort of long range planning
unrealistic?
2) I have been investigating autoclaved cellular concrete, stay-in-place
insulated forms, Faswall wood-fiber cement forms, and various aerated
concretes, all of which still leave a little to be desired. Do you know
of any other alternatives which take advantage of the positive aspects of
concrete, but reduce some of the negatives? Or any suggestions about how
to deal with some of the problems of these systems?
3) Also, I am looking for "case study" houses that are built in NC, SC,
GA, or VA. Do you have any suggestions of houses that are in the
800-1200 sq. ft. range, with good solar orientation, in any of these
states?
4) Oh, also do you know any resources for finding out more about the
environmental ramifications of these systems? I can find information on
concrete in general, but probably someone has figured out that sort of
information for these specific products.
Thank you for your help!
Parie Hines
NCSU School of Design
Architecture Grad Student
Raleigh, NC
<plhines@unity.ncsu.edu>
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