The Sustainability of ICF

Originally posted in Bison Tracks Go Green There’s some debate about whether ICF construction should be considered a “green” way to build, as ICF blocks are made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), which is initially made from fossil fuels and is not biodegradable. Regardless of whether or not ICF construction is “green enough,” it is still […]

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Sustainable Alternatives to Concrete

As builders of ICF homes, we at ORC will always be one of the first to praise the benefits of concrete as a primary building material. It’s superior in many ways when compared to its more mainstream counterparts, from its resilience against natural disasters and pests, to its impressive lifespan of 30-100 years. Its highly […]

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Cold Comforts: A Look At Radiant Heating

First Published in Bison Tracks v.1 Consider the possibility of heating your home and your floor while you design your new dream home. Radiant heating is our favorite heating system here at Open Range, not only because it pairs well with the insulative properties of ICF, but because a radiant heated floor means there’s little […]

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Eco-Architecture From Around the World

As we’ve mentioned in previous articles, sustainability often means something different from person to person, and a sustainable lifestyle that works for one may not work for another. The same is true for houses if the many different build methods and standards around the world alone are anything to go by. In some countries, sustainability […]

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WHAT’S NEW FOR 2022?

We’re looking forward to another great year and we are optimistic that the construction industry will see more new homes and businesses using ICFs. For High Performance Structures, we continue to assist do-it-yourself home builders with their ICF foundations. Our project in Canon City has used our expertise in radiant heating and LiteDeck flooring systems.   […]

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Innovative, Touch-Free Fixtures

Whether you’re worried about flu season or its simply a matter of convenience, installing touch-free fixtures in your home or office is a great wat to help promote a healthier living environment. Here we have a few of our favorite examples of hands-free technology. Touch-Free wash bar This multifunction fixture provides easy-to-identify icons that will […]

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Fixtures & Finishes

Originally posted in our November 2020 newsletter Choosing the fixtures in your home is one of the last steps in the design process and should be chosen in conjunction with your home’s finishes. While finishes include countertops, paint colors, flooring, and drywall types (i.e. anything that makes your home look “finished”), fixtures are hardware that […]

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