The above-grade concrete housing market is still virtually untapped. This alternative to stick-built construction is the way of the future. The energy efficiency of insulated concrete will provide savings in the long run with lowered energy costs. Our approach to insulating above grade concrete housing is to use a ThermaEZE insulating product on the outside wall only. We leave plain concrete on the inside surface. The interior walls are then plastered and painted looking exactly like dry wall surfaces, but take advantage of the thermal mass properties of concrete. When heating or cooling a room, the plain concrete wall soaks up and stores the energy, releasing it back into the living area over time. This decreases energy costs and temperature swings while increasing comfort.

Cornerstone Foundations' office (prior to building our new facility in 2004) stood as an above-grade concrete model, an addition to our home. The walls and ceilings/floors were poured monolithically. While no difference can be detected with the naked eye, the advantages are many.

Here are several different views of the solid concrete home-office:

Outside

This shows the above-grade section of the structure.	The basement floor next to the retaining wall serves as a storage room.

Inside

Donna's corner - all concrete	This is an example of a concrete wall joining up to dry wall. Can't see a difference? Which is which?
Tim's office - all concrete walls	An office desk - behind the desk, all dry wall

Benefits of Building a Concrete House

• Rock-solid construction
  
  
• Withstands fire, infestation and forces of nature like tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes
  
  
• Unparalleled safety and security
  
  
• Withstands collapsing and structure damage
  
  
• Concrete has proven itself as one of the most fire and heat resistant construction material. Unlike wood or steel, concrete does not burn, soften, or bend so is more likely to remain standing through a fire.
  
  
• Unlike wood, concrete is not susceptible to rotting or insect damage
  
  
• Concrete homes can have the design of your choice. From contemporary, traditional, one or two-story and either single or multifamily
  
  
• Low-maintenance
  
  
• Once cast, the exterior walls can be covered in a wide varitey of attractive, low-maintenance materials. You choose: brick, stone, stucco, or siding
  
  
• Environmentally friendly
  
  
• Concrete home construction follows the "Green Building" objectives and also significantly conserves trees by reducing the need for lumber
  
  
• Comfortable and quiet
  
  
• Concrete homes are warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Also, noise from traffic, airplanes, and neighbors, as well as inside noise from room to room is minimized.
  
  
• Energy efficiency yields lower monthly utility bills, reducing ownership cost.
  
  
• Insurance companies often recognize the disaster-resistant qualities of concrete homes by offering significant discounts on premiums.
  
  
• Mortgage options are available. The EPA offers homebuyers access to preferred financing, including lower interest rates, closing-cost reductions, and a 2% stretch on standard debt-to-income ratios for loans.

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