Building Foundations, Building Lives
Habitat for Humanity has been a beacon of hope for countless families across the United States and around the world. Founded on the principle that everyone deserves a decent place to live, this organization has been working tirelessly for decades to break the cycle of poverty and provide affordable housing solutions.
Airfoam is a company known for its cutting-edge insulating construction technology. Their Quad-Lock Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) provide superior insulation and strength, making them ideal for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. By teaming up with Habitat for Humanity and leveraging the expertise of Airfoam’s Quad-Lock ICF brings innovation to the forefront of the affordable housing movement.
Gig Harbor: A Community of Compassion
Gig Harbor, nestled along the Puget Sound, is a place known for its natural beauty and tight-knit community. It’s also a region where the rising cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for many families to secure safe and stable housing. Habitat for Humanity recognized the need and decided to act.
The partnership between Habitat for Humanity and Airfoam is bringing hope to this community. By utilizing the innovative ICF technology, the teams can construct homes that are not only affordable but also highly energy-efficient. These homes will not only provide shelter but also reduce the long-term financial burden on the families who call them home.
Harnessing the Power of Generosity
Numerous dedicated groups joined forces to transform this visionary home into a reality. Contributing companies include: Airfoam, the Insulating Concrete Forms Manufacturers Association (ICFMA), the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), Solid Carbon, Heidelberg Materials, and Clark Construction, to name just a few. The unwavering support and contributions of these exceptional members have played an indispensable role in bringing this remarkable project to fruition.
Award Winning Innovation in Building Science
Airfoam, as a member of the ICFMA, stands out for its sustainability and durability. Their Quad-Lock ICF walls offer excellent thermal insulation, reducing energy costs and environmental impact. This aligns perfectly with Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to building sustainable communities that thrive for generations.
This distinctive two story, 3-bedroom residence has garnered recognition through the prestigious Tacoma-Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium’s Sustainability Award, commending its remarkable use of energy-efficient ICF construction materials and zero-carbon concrete, setting an inspiring example for sustainable living. Moreover, it proudly stands as the very first Zero-Carbon Habitat for Humanity Building in the United States.
Additionally, the strength of Quad-Lock ICF ensures that these homes will withstand the test of time and the Pacific Northwest’s unpredictable weather, providing families with a secure and comfortable living environment.
“Part of building better buildings is to build more resilient buildings which will last longer and have multiple uses over their lifespan. It gives us the opportunity to build with ICF, which is the perfect forming solution for low and mid-rise buildings. Because it is the perfect forming system for ready mixed concrete, we can pour in all different weathers. We can build any form system and style that you’re looking for and once the building is completed, you cannot tell that the building is made of concrete. We are building resilient buildings that last for generations and millennia – we’re not rebuilding or adding material to the landfill. We’re creating an energy efficient building which then saves the environment.” Says Patrick Matsche, Senior Director of Building Innovations for the NRMCA.
Community Involvement: A Cornerstone of Success
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Habitat for Humanity project in Gig Harbor is the strong sense of community involvement. Local volunteers, businesses, and individuals have rallied around this endeavor, donating their time, skills, and resources to make it all happen. It’s a testament to the caring spirit of Gig Harbor residents and their dedication to improving the lives of their neighbors.
The Dream of Affordable Homeownership
For the families chosen to receive these Habitat for Humanity homes, the impact is immeasurable. Homeownership, which might have once seemed like an unattainable dream, becomes a reality. Stable housing not only provides shelter but also stability, security, and a sense of pride and belonging.
Better Construction, Better Future
As these sustainable and energy-efficient homes take shape, they are a testament to what can be achieved when individuals, organizations, and associations come together with a shared purpose. Gig Harbor is not only witnessing the construction of physical structures; it is witnessing the construction of better lives and a stronger community.
This project is part of a broader collaboration between Build with Strength (NRMCA) and Habitat for Humanity International to construct at least 50 sustainable concrete homes in 50 states in 5 years. The partnership currently has 76 homes in various stages of construction in 33 states in just under 2-½ years. Airfoam, in partnership with the ICFMA, is proud to be a part of this initiative providing the ICF for several of these homes over the past few years.
The collaboration between Habitat for Humanity and the many contributing groups for this build in Gig Harbor, Washington, exemplifies the power of community, innovation, and compassion. Together, they are not just constructing homes; they are building hope, dreams, and a greener, more sustainable future for deserving families, forging a path toward a more environmentally responsible construction industry.
To read more about this amazing build, click here: https://www.tpc-habitat.org/icf/
Learn more about our Quad-Lock Insulated Concrete Forms and Quad-Deck Roof & Floor systems to help you with your next building project.
