In traditional construction, the structure of a building is built piece by piece - a piece of lumber is cut and nailed to another piece of lumber to create a framework. The spaces between the studs are filled with fiberglass insulation. Then each side of the wall is covered with pieces of plywood or drywall. The very nature of putting the pieces together leaves the opportunity for gaps and cracks that can be infiltrated by air, dust and pests.

A Premium Structure, using insulated concrete forms from Amvic, eliminates the "piecemeal" approach to assembling a structure. The walls, from the footings to the rafters, are one continuous envelope with no cracks or gaps whatsoever, other than window and door openings. There is literally no opportunity for air, dust or pests to infiltrate the walls. The concrete is captured between two surfaces of foam insulation, providing superior insulating capabilities - a wall that performs at greater than R-50, versus R-15 to R-19 for a traditional stud wall.



It makes little sense to insulate walls to this degree if doors and windows are not of the highest caliber. A Premium Structure uses windows from Minnkota Windows. These custom made, energy efficient windows use the latest advances in window construction, such as Low "E" Factor glass, double or triple glazing, and thick extruded vinyl frames with insulating air chambers to keep the elements out. Insulated doors of fiberglass, wood or steel come from the industry's leading manufacturers.

There's nothing more comfortable than radiant heat. Ask anyone who has sat by a fire or a woodstove. It eliminates the need to move air through the room, and provides a constant, consistent warmth under your feet. Floors are always warm and dry, inhibiting mold and mildew. There is no noise and no drafts because there is no fan to distribute dust and other allergens. A Premium Structure uses radiate heating from Rehau, the company that pioneered PEX piping.

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