As this year has progressed, we have participated in several notable projects up North.  As Chris mentioned in his article, we received an award for a project at UNI’s Maucker Union, where we supplied Larson Const.  It is a remarkable project with colored, stained, and bushhammered concrete.  We had also submitted the Cedar Falls Library for an award.  We worked with Prairie Construction on that job.  It is an eye-catching addition to downtown Cedar Falls.  Probably the only reason it didn’t win is because the Maucker Union was in the same category.  The Dysart Pool won in its category with an innovative design and wise use of the existing space. 

     Two other projects we are involved in now utilize ICF’s (insulated concrete forms)  to the rafters.  These projects have happened because the owners heard about this building method, investigated on their own, found that it could work for them, and then found someone who could build what they wanted.

     One is the new Prairie Lakes Church, (shown below) located on the south side of Cedar Falls, just off Highway #58 and Viking Rd.   This church has three wings, totaling over 50,000 s.f.  The west wing contains the sanctuary with 29-foot walls, a large stage, and seating for nearly 1,000 members.  The other two wings are both two stories and contain classrooms, meeting rooms, and offices.  ALL the exterior walls are ECO-BLOCK.  Folkerts Construction, working with Peters Construction as the general, installed the walls.  AHTS was the architectural firm in charge.  It is the largest ICF project in the state.  When completed, the building will furnish its members with a quiet, safe, and comfortable facility for years to come.

     The other is a new home west of Denver 1 mile (shown below).  It is a two story home with over 3000 square feet of living with an apartment over the garage.  A portion of the north wall is over 25 feet from grade to roofline.  This is an upscale home.  ECO-BLOCK was used in this home also and Folkerts Construction was the installer.