Each year as summer approaches, we look forward to long lazy days and beautiful weather along our coast. But we anxiously watch weather reports throughout hurricane season, hoping we don’t see the formation of a storm heading our way, hoping to avoid another Hugo. We all remember seeing the ravages of Hurricane Katrina, and the devastated homes appearing as if they had exploded into pieces. What if you could build a home strong enough to withstand a natural disaster?
Carolina Concrete Homes is doing just that. This company is building homes that are not only strong enough to withstand hurricanes, but beautiful as well. The secret? Eco-Block insulating concrete forms. In the same manner that a home is framed for construction to begin, expanded polysterene panels are locked into place to create the walls of the home. The space in between the panels is then filled with poured concrete, which hardens into a solid reinforced concrete core. Since the polystyrene panels stay in place, the walls are essentially twelve inches thick. The thermal mass of the concrete provides superior energy efficiency which will last through the life of the home. You don’t feel any drafts as you walk through, and homes stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Home design with Eco-Block is limited only by your imagination. Any shape or contour can be created, such as arches, contours and curved walls. This design flexibility is used to thoughtfully create each home this company builds. Each home is unique, combining form and function to create architectural masterpieces.
What’s your style? Mediterranean? Victorian? Old Charleston? Carolina Concrete Homes has done it all. Beautiful yellow stucco and wood shutters adorn the Italianate villa the company built on the bank of the Wando River. The Italian theme is evident throughout the house, from the travertine floors in the foyer, to the wrought iron ballusters on the stairs. The transition from inside to outside appears seamless, as the slate floors in the kitchen were perfectly mimicked on the outside veranda using stamped concrete. These homes are built for the owners to enjoy our wonderful weather, with outdoor kitchens, outdoor fireplaces, and massive concrete decks and verandas. A stately Victorian style home was constructed next door to share a deepwater dock. With 6800 square feet of living space and over 2500 square feet of porches and verandas, the owners have plenty of space, yet the design creates a sense of warmth and comfort. Magnificent details such as brick arches in the kitchen and natural stone in the bathrooms add to the beauty of the home. The trimwork and detail is unlike any other home in the Charleston area. Now, the “Country Lady” is in the early stages of construction- a spectacular 7000 square foot home built in a French country style.
Eco-Block not only provides strength and weather resistance, but resistance to mold, moisture and fire. Fewer natural resources are consumed during construction, and Eco-Block homes have been rated as Energy Star Homes by the EPA. Considering all of the benefits, I don’t understand why more people aren’t building concrete homes.
Visit the builders website at www.engineered-concrete.com or read all about Eco-Block at www.Eco-Block.com.
Call me with questions anytime- Linda Gordon (843)324-3476
