Two special homes under construction

Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley is partnering with The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s (NRMCA) Build with Strength coalition to build two affordable homes to help solve the affordable housing crisis in the New River Valley.

The project represents the first Habitat New River Valley home to use insulated concrete forms (ICFs), a sustainable, noncombustible concrete building system that will reduce upfront expenses and on-site construction time while maximizing the structure’s durability and energy performance.

Community members, volunteers, local leaders, and media are invited to a “Behind the Build” event Tuesday, October 18th from 10AM – 12PM on the project site at 400 Wenonah Ave. to celebrate the progress made and meet the many people and partners who have contributed to this build.

The event will feature remarks from local leaders, a guided hard-hat tour, and a “block signing ceremony” where attendees will have a chance to write well wishes and blessings for the future Habitat homeowners on the ICFs. Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn more about the many benefits of building with Insulating Concrete Forms. The event is free and open to the press. Interviews are available upon request.

“Working with ICFs has been eye-opening,” says Jim Drader, Executive Director of Habitat New River Valley.” “This home is a model for sustainable and affordable construction in our community, making homeownership more attainable for local families.”

High school students from Giles Technical Center’s Building Technology Program will be helping with the build. This is the 9th project Giles Technical Center has partnered on with Habitat New River Valley.

“October is National Fire Prevention Month,” says Bob Chandler, Vice President of Chandler Concrete. “An average of 358,500 homes experience a structural fire each year in the U.S. Building with non-combustible materials such as concrete and ICFs protects the structural integrity of homes across the nation and reduces potential damage and costs to homeowners in the event of a fire or other natural disaster.”

Chandler Concrete has over 50 employees living in the New River Valley. They, along with several other NRMCA members, have donated and/or discounted materials for this build including, Quad-Lock, Salem Stone, Titan American, Roanoke Cement, Solid Rock, and Airfoam.

This project is part of a wider initiative between Build with Strength and Habitat for Humanity International to construct 50 sustainable concrete homes in 50 states in five years. Since the initiative launched in February 2021, 47 homes have been constructed in 27 states.