innovation in home building
Walls of Time Builders - a Leader in Using Innovation for Healthy, Beautiful Southern Oregon Homes
Expert in sustainable, efficient building materials and methods
Sourcing locally whenever possible, custom home designer/builder Steve Sirianni of Walls of Time has become an expert in the most sustainable and efficient home building materials and methods for Southern Oregon’s climate and soil conditions.
“I work with the homeowner to choose every material for its ability to increase efficiency, add to the beauty of the building and stand the test of time,” he says. In 2021, these are the basics he advises for homeowners who want healthy, beautiful homes.
A breathing wall material is best in its class
As a basic wall material, he uses Faswall (ICF blocks), an interlocking system of woodchip-concrete composite blocks manufactured in Oregon. Sirianni says Faswall (ICF blocks) is a “breathing” insulated thermal mass block that “far exceeds any product in its class, helps maintain good relative humidity in the home and blocks heat and cold from the outside.” Faswall is also impervious to mold and provides very stable indoor temperatures and great sound insulation.
Natural plaster and traditional stucco are beautiful and last decades
“All products inside and outside need to breathe along with the Faswall block, and natural plaster is the best fit for inside wall finishes” Sirianni says. “Hand applied by skilled artisans, it is a high quality, beautiful finish that lasts decades. Similarly, traditional stucco on the outside is a breathable, strong material that adds structural integrity to the walls and holds up beautifully to wet weather. It provides excellent fire resistance and sound insulation, as well as a soft, timeless look.
Heat recovery systems are essential
Sirianni says, “These provide continuous fresh, filtered, outdoor air to the living spaces inside and move stale air out of the home. In the process, heat leaving from the inside transfers to the incoming air without cross contaminating air streams.” The result is continuous, comfortable, fresh, filtered outdoor air – even when the outdoor air may be full of wildfire smoke or vehicle exhaust.
Healthy heating and lighting add efficiency and comfort
Siting the home is critical to getting the most from passive solar heating, and using thoughtfully placed windows, skylights and solatubes to light up the house and distribute heat add to its efficiency and comfort, Sirianni says.
“One indoor heating innovation I’m fond of is the Tulikivi,” he says. “This is a beautiful soapstone fireplace made in Finland that can be configured in hundreds of combinations, including a fireplace/slow-cook oven.” Extremely clean burning and efficient, the Tulikivi meets the toughest emission standards, produces very little ash and provides warm radiant heat while remaining cool to the touch.
In-ground water storage systems are highly efficient additions
“These act as ‘heat sinks’ and are best suited under the garage to make best use of the land’s square footage and take advantage of the earth’s constant 55 degree temperature” Sirianni says.
Steve Sirianni’s Walls of Time Builders is a full-service custom home design firm headquartered in Ashland, Oregon with over 25 years experience.
Contact wallsoftimebuilders.com for more information and a look at some recent projects.
Media contact:
Carolyn Patten. 505-919-8400