Currently we are building in the Angora fire area with an exciting wall system, TriDi Panels, manufactured from 100% recycled polystyrene and steel.

In essence they are a hybrid of ICF and SIP technology with some distinct advantages over both. Like an ICF wall they are cement based, but unlike ICFs, the cement is on the outside of the insulation and is applied like stucco or plaster. There are several advantages to this. For an equivalent R value the walls are only 8” thick, roughly half the footprint of an ICF. Additionally, sandwiching the insulating layer between two thermal masses has been proven to create a more energy efficient wall, up to 8% greater than an ICF wall in Tahoe’s climate.

Like a SIP wall they come in panels that are quick to stand, but they do not use wood at panel connections therefore they have fewer thermal breaks. The added value here is a reduced impact on forests and again a more energy efficient wall. Ultimately the TriDi Panel has 3 advantages that drew us to them.

1) Because the cement can be textured as a finish wall, there is no need for sheetrock or siding.
2) They are virtually fire proof
3) Being made from recycled material reduces impact on land fills and saves trees.

For more information go to www.3dsmartstructures.com