Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 16, 2000 04:53am | #1

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   You sure you got the right name? BTW what IS it?

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 16, 2000 05:10am | #2

   *Something to do with straw bale maybe???

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 16, 2000 06:42am | #3

   *Rastra is a brand name ICF made of recycled styrofoam and concrete, molded into blocks. You stack the blocks using urethane adhesive, with rebar run through the channels and then pour a slurry mix of concrete to fill the channels. Offers some R-value and some thermal mass. Finishes can be applyed directly to the blocks, ie., plaster, stucco, stone. You can cut out the foam after you pour for electrical and let-in for wood nailing. My experience is that it can add 15-20% more to the cost, but you get a very solid sound house. Coupled with hydronic heat you have a very efficient house year round. FINE HOMEBUILDING's current issue had a good article about the use of these blocks, though I think Matt may have used a different brand name. walk good david

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 16, 2000 06:49am | #4

   *TC. http://www.rastra.com is their address. It is made in Mexico here on the west coast. Mexicali, just below Calexico Calif. Shipping ain't cheap, it's bulky & heavy. They claim it's great stuff........Joe H

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 16, 2000 12:14pm | #5

   *T.C.,

   There's an article about it in this issue of FHB.

   View Image © 1999-2000"More than any time in history mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness, the other to total extinction. Let us pray that we have the wisdom to choose correctly." Woody Allen

2. 
   T._C. | Jun 16, 2000 12:17pm | #6

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   What applications have you used it in? Is it suitable for use in the midwest? How does somebody locate this product? Where is it manufactured? We saw a show on TV where they built a beautiful house. It was low cost and energy efficient.

   Thanks for any info.