Pub. 1 2018 Directory

45 Was working with ICF walls, floors, and roof a challenge?: Overall, it was pretty smooth. The ICF supplier (California ICF) provided onsite training and taught us and a crew of 5 or 6 people how to put it together. We used Insul-Deck ICF deck forms for the first floor and the two roof levels. Additional insulation was added to the roof decks to acheive an additional R20 beyond the manufactured R39 for the deck forms. I would consider using ICF again. It was definitely more costly than wood frame construction, and we certainly included a few complicated details in the project. The panels still made for a very sustainable house. The house is performing really well. It would have been difficult to get the R-value we wanted from wood frame construction, and the fact the completed ICF system is completely fire-proof is comforting as well. Has being your own client given you a different perspective on client/architect?: We are serial remodelers. We remodeled or built 7 houses together. Basically, anytime the place we were living needed a new paint job, we decided to start a new project and move, which was more fun than painting. On each project we learn something that gives us a new perspective on working with clients. It’s also nice to have the control to make a design change quickly. Have you been involved with the local AIA or with the community otherwise?: I (Joan) have been involved with the Commercial Carbon Taskforce that Lynn Barker at the City of Reno is running. I had been involved in New York on the mayor’s taskforce for a similar initiative and wanted to help that get started here. They are now moving into the implementation stage. Anything else you would like to add?: I (Robert) recommend this experience to any architect who gets the chance to design for themselves. It’s rewarding, it’s super educational. I think it makes us better practitioners. b