Ron Barter and Dick Skeers, the developers of the Edgewater Place Condominiums, know the importance of sustainability in construction. As members of Sustainable Connections, Barter and Skeers’ vision is “future proofing” the building by being environmentally smart, which is in the inherent design of the building. Years of research are reflected in the use of materials, interior design, maintenance, sustainability, and soundproofing.
Edgewater Place Condominiums, located above Boulevard Park, is the first condominium project in Whatcom County to utilize Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction. ICF is long-lasting, energy efficient, moisture resistant, quick to build, sound proofed, and has a 4-hour fire resistance rating. The walls are steel reinforced concrete between two thick layers of high insulation polystyrene foam.
The essence of green building is use of life-long materials. Edgewater Place embodies a healthy and energy efficient building by using ICF construction. Experts estimate that ICF buildings are up to 8.5 times stronger than wood–framed buildings. According to the Concrete Form Association, buildings with ICF exterior walls need an estimated 44 % less energy to heat and 32 % less energy to cool than comparable wood frame buildings.
Recently, Washington state laws have changed in regards to condominium construction and ongoing maintenance issues. Many condominium owners have fallen victim to increasingly high assessments due to poorly maintained buildings and insufficient reserves to cover the cost of repairs. Using ICF construction is a proactive way to address these concerns, as ICF is extremely moisture resistant and up to 8.5 times stronger than conventionally framed buildings.
Being Green is easier than you think ………. Not only is it socially and environmentally responsible, but it make great long-term economic sense as well!
