ARXX PRO, Issue #3

Pro
Verb | prō|
An expert at delivering energy efficient building projects with:
1. Big savings on heating and cooling costs,
2. Comfort and security, and
3. A faster and better build.
4. Redefining building.

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We’d love to hear how you’re using ARXX products – and help promote your business. Email us details and we’ll get back to you shortly.

ARXX Tips

		If you are a contractor looking to be successful with ICFs, document your jobs for future reference. Keep track of man hours per square foot of wall and document what really works well in your builds. Visit the "Tools and Resources" section for more ideas.

		Improving loft and roof insulation is a very effective way to reduce heating and cooling bills as uninsulated loft spaces or roofs are a major cause of heat loss. Loft spaces should be insulated with a minimum of 6 inches (150 mm) of insulation material. As well, care should be taken to insulate water tanks and pipes to ensure that heat is not wasted in unheated loft areas. Single-skin, flat and pitched roofs can be insulated with appropriate lining and sprays. An alternative measure is to install suspended ceilings to reduce the volume of air to be heated and provide the extra insulation.

February housing starts in US and Canada

The latest sign of recovery for the building industry shows another jump in housing starts for February, after showing some really good numbers in December.

The US Commerce Department released data on March 17th, 2010 advising that construction of new homes and apartments jumped 22.2 percent in February compared with January, pushing total activity to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 583,000 units.

In Canada, according to data released by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) on March 8th, 2010, housing starts were up 6.1% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 196,700 units in February 2010.

ARXX Ultimate Contractor Challenge 2009 - $19,000 Grand prize presentation

Congratulations to our Grand Prize winner - Mr. Mark Muro of Fortified Walls - shown here with Helen Nichols, VP of Sales and David Bonnell of CEMEX.

Helen Nichols - ARXX VP of Sales, presenting the Contractor Challenge Grand prize cheque

Contact our Product Specialists

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3 new "ICF Builder" awards won for ARXX projects Read more...
Industry news - February housing starts were up 22.2% in US and 6.1% in Canada Read more...
ARXX Ultimate Contractor Challenge 2009 prize presentation Read more...

ARXX projects win 3 ICF Builder Awards

ICF Builder Award Logo The winners of the prestigious 2009 ICF Builder Awards competition were announced at the 2010 World of Concrete Show in Los Angeles.

The Builder Awards competition is designed to showcase the innovation, quality, and energy-efficiency of ICF construction. Every year, numerous projects built with ARXX ICFs are nominated for the award. This year the winners are:

River Oaks Center - Winner in the Light Commercial Category

River Oaks Cebter - winner in the Light commercial category The $3.4 million, 20,000 sq. ft project used ARXX Steel ICFs for 9,620 sq. ft. of its exterior walls and took just 30 days of ICF start-to-finish time.

Located in the residential neighborhood of Paso Robles, California, this commercial center was designed to fit into the surrounding environment. This was achieved by following Prairie architecture principles including large roof overhangs. Click here to find more about this project and see more images of the project.

Fast Facts:

Saves 35% on natural gas and 30% on electricity annually
Reduces water usage by 50% (800,000 gallons annually)
Pre-certified LEED-Gold (Core and Shell)
A “Truth Wall” in the main lobby features a cross section of the ICF wall behind plexiglass
Features “ecoSmarts Interpretive Room” to educate visitors on products used, including ICFs

Congratulations to:
ARXX ICF Distributor: Estrella Associates
Architect: Leonard Grant Architecture
General Contractor: Carrol Building Company
ICF Installer: B.J. Harvey Construction

Ironwood Hall - Winner in the Heavy Commercial Category

River Oaks Cebter - winner in the Light commercial category This 710,000 sq. ft educational project used ARXX Prime ICFs for 58,000 sq. ft. of its exterior walls (plus 1,788 sq. ft. interior and landscaping) and took only 110 days of ICF start-to-finish time.

This community college in the southeastern suburbs of Phoenix, represents a breakthrough in the the use of ICFs for construction of an educational institution in the Western United States. The building achieves several engineering feats previously thought unworkable, such as cantilevering the second story ICF walls almost ten feet beyond the ground floor. LEED-Silver certification is pending. Click here to find more about this project and see more images of the project.

Fast Facts

Foam removed from some exterior walls for unique finish
The removed foam and ties were recycled
Utility and hydrant boxes were placed “blind”
Cantilevered 2nd story ICF walls

Congratulations to:
ARXX ICF Distributor: Southwest Wall Systems
Architect: Architekton
General Contractor: Caliente Construction
ICF Installer: Structured Builders

Kostatos Residence 2nd Runner Up in the Unlimited Residential Category

River Oaks Cebter - winner in the Light commercial category This residential 10,000 sq. ft project used ARXX Prime ICFs for 9,000 sq. ft. of its exterior and interior walls and took 120 days of ICF start-to-finish time.

Recently changed Massachusetts codes for wind loads require a house on the water to withstand 110 miles per hour wind load within one mile of the ocean. Since this home is right on the ocean in Cape Cod, ARXX ICF was perfect for the job. ARXX provides the contractor with no concerns at the building inspection to meet these new codes, as well as making construction easier with such a difficult build. It also provides the homeowner with a sense of security and 'insurance' from a major storm event. Due to the high R value of ARXX ICFs, the homeowner saved money by downsizing the heating and cooling equipment used for such a large home. Click here to find more about this project and see more images of the project.

Fast Facts

First time job for ICF Installer
Thirty 90 degree corners - The architect was pleased to find that there were no restraints when using ARXX ICF for his design, no matter how many angles and round rooms that were added to the drawings
Two round towers
Multiple Green features, such as solar hot water, smart home wiring and decentralized mechanical systems
Oceanside lot meant accessibility from one side only

Congratulations to:
ARXX ICF Distributor: Adams Construction
Architect: Saltonstall Architects
General Contractor / ICF Installer: Isabelle Construction