SCIP

The SCIP (http://www.studio-rma.com/HOME-BLDG-SCIP.htm) building method is one of the building systems identified by William Mc Donough as a Cradle to Cradle building system. Current cement practices consume high amounts of energy and are loaded with pollution causing chemicals The China Building Boom - all concrete - has driven up the price of concrete worldwide. Now come new Eco-Cretes, where traditional cement is replaced by Geo-binders - that can actually get their strength from local dirt and other advanced techniques. Get rid of the chemicals and bring in the Geo-Binders! The SCIP panels weigh close to nothing – think of the energy savings in transporting them.
The panels contain 75% air! 1.5 Gall [think milk carton] of foam pellets creates a 4' by 40' ft panel. A 1/4 left front door of an Audi creates the space-age re-enforcing mesh for same panel. Sprayed-on, top and bottom, coats of special concrete mixes create a structure that can withstand 200MPH winds and easily the California seismic forces. Plus a 4 hr fire rating!
Easy erection - the panels are light weight - then you click-clack [stitch] them together - No cranes - No heavy equipment [Carbon emissions]
StudioRMA - www.studiorma.com is at the forefront of designing houses with Composite Concrete / SCIP building techniques. These houses create a higher energy efficiency than wood framed houses. In processing the LEED Certification for the SCIP Pasadena EcoHouse (www.thepasadenaecohouse.com) the energy efficiency of this SCIP Home is 63% higher than the Title 24 requirement, the current energy standard for California.
Robert Mechielsen, (www.studio-rma.com/PEOPLE-Robert-Mechielsen.htm) Principal of Studio RMA, is a Dutch native who is combining advanced engineering and design techniques to create an architectural vernacular that expresses “green building” in a new way. According to Mechielsen, “The Pasadena EcoHouse could not be built in a cost-effective manner with traditional wood- or steel-framed methods.