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By Sara Hart

They discovered that encroaching on the steep topography could be managed better with structural-concrete-insulating panels (SCIPs), rather than poured-in-place concrete and tall retaining walls. Custom designed by Green Sandwich Technologies, the panels are lightweight and easy to install. They are more cost-effective than poured-in-place concrete, too. By limiting the width to 15 feet throughout, the architects reduced spans and further simplified construction.

 

Architect Jim Jennings, artist David Rabinowitch, and owner Steven Oliver collaborated on a guest house for visiting artists in Geyserville, California. The space is defined by two concrete walls etched with fluid lines in the polished surface. Photography: © Tim Griffith

The use of SCIPs reflects the effort manufacturers are making to demonstrate how green concrete can be. The Green Sandwich Panels at the Vail-Grant Residence provide an R-40 insulating performance(as well as high sound-coefficient protection). Their composition is impressive: Their recycled-material content is 40 percent by weight and 60 percent by volume; fly ash accounts for 50 percent of the content; waste is 100 percent recyclable. This is a clear indication of how both innovation and invention are being applied to all aspects of this highly versatile material.