Perhaps no home demonstrates the beauty and versatility of concrete more than this home, built just a few miles south of Minneapolis, Minn.

“A very nice family home!” raved one of the judges.  “The mix of stone, EIFS, and patterned concrete create a very pleasing and harmonious exterior.”

But the decorative concrete that surrounds this residence is only part of the story.  Concrete was also used in the interior and exterior walls and even floors to create a home of outstanding beauty and energy efficiency.

The exterior walls are made from insulating concrete forms (ICFs) which provide strength and insulation.  ICFs extend from the footers all the way to the gables, which allowed the designer to create an beautiful open floor plan with lots of windows to showcase the outstanding view, while still keeping heating and cooling costs well under $100 per month.

Insulating concrete forms are also fantastic for absorbing noise, so ICFs are also used in the theater room and elevator shaft.

Construction on the home began in September, and despite a cold northern winter just weeks away, the contractor, Vogue Homes, wanted to have the project completed in time for the area’s Parade of Homes in early March.

“It would have been more convenient to start the home earlier,” admits John Vogstrom, president of the company, “But by using ICFs, we were able to reduce the construction timeline and complete this house in just 6 months while keeping winter heating costs to a minimum.”   Vogue Homes has acquired a reputation in the Mineapolis area for homes that are quiet, strong, and energy efficient.  All or their homes, including this one, are built with iForm ICFs from Reward Wall Systems.

Built on a lot overlooking Blackhawk Lake, the 9,200 sq. ft. home has several other outstanding features.  A wall of windows in the back provide unparalleled views of the lake. In the basement, the owner enjoys a 1,140 sq. ft. shop under the garage, thanks to the precast concrete floor planks used to create the garage floor. The ICF walls easily support the weight of the planks and the vehicles parked on them.

Perhaps the home’s most unusual feature is the heating system. Under the driveway, eight geothermal wells pump naturally heated water through thousands of feet of tubing embedded in the home’s floors.  This radiant hydronic heat system, coupled with the ICF walls, is unbelievably efficient. Heating and cooling costs have averaged $750 annually since the home’s completion in spring 2005.

 And yes, Vogue Homes did finish the home in time for the home show, where it was seen by 3,500 visitors, and named best concrete home in the state by the Minnesota Ready Mix Association.