InsulStar SPF Insulation Helps a California Business Seek Platinum LEED CertificationOwner plans to use historic renovation as an example of what can be done with new green technologies.

Using a wide variety of green technologies, including InsulStar SPF insulation from NCFI, Chris Avant has tuned a dilapidated, 90-year-old building in Moraga, California into a prime example of energy efficient design that also happens to serve as the new headquarters of his company, Canyon Construction. Now his goal is to have the building receive a Platinum certification (the highest possible) under The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™, a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.

Built in 1914, the building in question is the oldest in Moraga and was, from the 1920s until 1997, a very popular bar known as The Moraga Barn (because during prohibition, using the word "Bar" was illegal). Unfortunately, when Chris bought the building it was, in his words, "in very poor shape. The foundation was shot, the roof was gone, and there was water damage." But since 70% of his company's business involves renovation, he was prepared for the task at hand. In fact, the condition of the building actually suited his plans perfectly. "I saw this building as an opportunity to show people that a green building doesn't need to have one type of aesthetic. That it can be very traditional or very contemporary."

NCFI

The green technologies employed included Geothermal, solar electricity, rainwater catchment for landscape irrigation, lime plaster for reduced CO2 emissions, high volume fly-ash cement, poured earth exterior courtyard walls, solar tubes, energy and water efficient appliances, natural lighting, energy efficient windows and doors, and use of Forest Stewardship Council certified or salvaged lumber. To insulate the building, Chris chose InsulStar (www.InsulStar.com) high performance spray foam insulation from NCFI. "We were going for the most energy efficient solution we could find, and foam was that solution," he says. Using foam in the walls and the ceiling, Chris was able to create "an ultra-tight insulation shell." On top of that, he added a double layer of dry wall, "creating density on the interior of the shell, and that allows your heat to stay in there."

By combining InsulStar with a host of other energy efficient technologies, Chris created a building that he is confident will receive a Platinum LEED certification. "It will happen," he says. Chris plans to use it as an example of what can be done with new green technologies. "A place to show homeowners, city officials, and even other builders and designers what's out there in terms pf modern technologies and how we can integrate those technologies into an existing building." Using InsulStar and other energy efficient products, Chris has turned a neglected building with a storied past into a showplace that represents the future.

About NCFI
Since 1964, NCFI Polyurethanes has been an industry leader and innovator of spray foam insulation and roofing systems solutions. NCFI's superior roofing technologies not only help businesses save on heating and cooling costs, they have helped secure commercial facilities against some of nature's harshest forces such as hurricanes. Additionally, we sell and service the equipment that enables these applications, assuring end users of a single, reliable support resource for their foam-in-place operations.

From the carpet you walk on, to the warmth of your home in winter, to the sofa you and your family watch television on, NCFI Polyurethanes has been working hard to make your world a more comfortable, secure, affordable place for you and your family. (www.NCFI.com)

About Canyon Construction
Canyon Construction has been building and remodeling in the Bay Area for 40 years. Founded in 1966, we have developed a distinguished reputation for excellence, craftsmanship and service. Our work ethic, experience and commitment have made us one of the most trusted builders in the Bay Area.

Whether it is a residential or commercial job, our goal is to achieve your vision on both a professional and personal level. When you select us as the prime contractor for your project we approach it as if it were our own home. The pride and care we put into every project has helped our reputation for integrity grow throughout the years, while gaining trust from our clients. (www.CanyonConstruction.com)

Don Schumacher
NCFI Polyurethanes
800.346.8229x 2218 /o
don.schumacher@ncfi.net

Neil Myers
The Bloom Agency
336.724.1766 /o
neil@thebloomagency.com