Welcome to the first installment of our blog series chronicling the transformation of Project 77—a 1900-era home in desperate need of renewal. This step-by-step guide to the home building process will take you behind the scenes of our ambitious renovation, exploring the challenges, bumps in the road and innovative solutions we implement along the way.
Why Project 77?
This project is more than just a construction endeavor; it’s a testament to our commitment to preserving history while embracing modern building practices. By collaborating with local resources and longtime residents, we aim to uncover and honor the rich stories woven into the fabric of this home and its community.
After sitting vacant for over a decade, this house had become a symbol of neglect, with structural decay, pest infestations, and outdated infrastructure threatening its future. Instead of allowing it to fall into further disrepair, we saw an opportunity—to restore and reimagine it into a modern, energy-efficient home that pays homage to its past.
The Road to Restoration
Our initial assessments revealed extensive damage, requiring us to make a critical decision: attempt a piecemeal renovation or rebuild from the ground up while preserving key historical elements. Ultimately, we chose the latter, ensuring the home meets today’s safety, comfort, and efficiency standards while respecting its architectural legacy.
This project allows us to seamlessly integrate historical charm with cutting-edge construction techniques, demonstrating how sustainability and tradition can coexist. Through smart design and environmentally friendly materials, we’re creating a home that minimizes its environmental footprint without sacrificing character.
Innovations in Construction: Building for the Future
One of the most significant upgrades in our latest project is the construction of a new foundation and finished basement using Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). This innovative building method enhances energy efficiency, structural integrity, and durability—essential components of modern green building practices. By incorporating ICF, we’re not only creating a strong foundation for the home itself but also meeting the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) requirements to qualify for Cleveland’s 15-year tax abatement.
What is Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) Construction?
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) are a modern building technology that combines durability, energy efficiency, and sustainability into one superior construction method. ICF consists of hollow, interlocking blocks made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, which are stacked to form walls and then filled with reinforced concrete. Once set, the foam remains in place, providing continuous insulation and structural framework.
Originally developed in the mid-20th century, ICF has gained popularity in residential, commercial, and even high-performance green building projects due to its strength, efficiency, and environmental benefits.
Why Use ICF in Cleveland, Ohio?
Cleveland’s climate presents unique challenges for home and building construction. With harsh winters, high winds, and fluctuating temperatures, traditional wood-framed structures often struggle with energy loss, moisture issues, and long-term durability. ICF construction offers a solution perfectly suited to Cleveland’s environment.
The Key Benefits of ICF in Cleveland
- Superior Energy Efficiency
ICF walls provide high thermal resistance (R-values often exceeding R-22) and an airtight envelope, significantly reducing heat loss during Cleveland’s frigid winters and keeping homes cooler in the summer. This translates to lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment. - Strength and Durability
Cleveland experiences strong winds and occasional severe weather events. ICF structures are disaster-resistant, capable of withstanding extreme conditions such as high winds, heavy snow loads, and even fire exposure. The reinforced concrete core gives ICF homes a lifespan far beyond traditional wood-frame buildings. - Soundproofing
Living in an urban setting or near major roadways? ICF walls have excellent sound-dampening properties, reducing noise pollution and creating a quieter, more peaceful indoor space. - Moisture and Mold Resistance
Cleveland’s lake-effect weather can lead to high humidity and moisture-related issues in homes. ICF walls are resistant to mold, mildew, and rot, unlike wood framing, which is more susceptible to decay over time. - Sustainability & Tax Incentives
Building with ICF supports green building practices by reducing energy consumption and using recycled materials in foam production. Additionally, Cleveland offers a 15-year tax abatement for homes built to NGBS (National Green Building Standard) certification, which ICF construction helps achieve. - Lower Maintenance Costs
With its durability and resistance to common structural issues like warping, settling, and pest damage, ICF reduces long-term maintenance expenses, making it an excellent investment for homeowners and developers alike.
The Future of ICF in Cleveland
As Cleveland continues to embrace sustainable development and energy-efficient housing, ICF construction is emerging as a go-to solution for builders and homeowners looking to create high-performance, resilient homes. With growing incentives and a greater focus on green building, expect to see more ICF homes and commercial buildings shaping the city’s future.
Whether you’re building a single-family home, a townhouse project, or a commercial structure, ICF provides a strong, sustainable, and cost-effective way to create buildings that stand the test of time in Cleveland’s challenging climate.
The finished basement at Project 77 will serve as a versatile space for family gatherings, storage, or even future expansions, maximizing the property’s usability and long-term value. This approach ensures that the home is built to last while maintaining optimal indoor comfort and lower energy costs for future homeowners.
Overhauling for the Future
Since the property has been vacant for an extended period, a complete utility overhaul is necessary. This includes installing new water lines, sewer connections, gas lines, and electrical systems to bring the home up to modern standards. Upgrading these essential systems not only improves efficiency and reliability but also ensures compliance with today’s building codes—laying the groundwork for a safer, smarter, and more sustainable living space.
What’s Next?
Throughout this blog series, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to the home building process, from foundation work to final finishes. In-depth discussions on materials, design choices, and the creative solutions we use to overcome obstacles.
We invite you to be part of this journey—share your thoughts, ask questions, and engage with us as we breathe new life into this forgotten home. Stay tuned for the next update as we break ground on Project 77!
