I am happy to be working with the Baja California Sur distributor of Logix ICF (insulated concrete foam) building systems, Canadian-born La Paz resident Kelly Hoogers. My own home is the traditional concrete block construction—it has an R value of about 1—which is pretty hot in the summer. Kelly is building with material that provides R24 insulation, requires about half the tonnage of air conditioning and so is much cheaper to cool and heat. (Yes! Heat! It’s nice to take the chill off on those cool January mornings.) The Logix ICF system is constructed of interlocking foam blocks with a solid reinforced concrete core. Here are some quotes from the Logix website: Superior Energy Savings The combination of the LOGIX continuous foam insulation and the thermal mass properties of insulated concrete provide a high thermal resistance wall system that reduces the peak heating and cooling loads of the building. The LOGIX thermal envelope produces an airtight structure and dramatically reduces air leakage, energy use and HVAC requirements. Superior Health Quality LOGIX walls will not promote the growth of mold or mildew. In addition, airtight LOGIX buildings make it easier to control and monitor airflow and contaminants. The end result is a healthier, more comfortable environment for the building’s occupants. Superior Durability In the last 30 years, the growth of insurance losses has outstripped the growth of GDP by ten times. LOGIX walls are designed to withstand the harshest conditions imposed by water, wind and fire. Superior Sustainability LOGIX contributes to the protection of our natural resources by using less wood for the construction of buildings. Superior Recycling and Re–Use Up to 50% of LOGIX blocks, by weight, are made from recycled materials. These are all great reasons to consider Logix if you are thinking of building a home here in Baja. How does it compare price-wise to the traditional block homes? Well, it’s comparing apples and oranges, but the price will be in the neighbourhood of 10% more over concrete block. However, there will be savings on the tonnage of air-conditioning needed and the bi-monthly electrical bills. And a LOGIX home is much faster to build. If you’re interested, contact me at robin@vistabaja.com. I’ll send you more information, help you with a quote, and introduce you to builders. Let me help you build your Baja dream! |