ECO-Block building receives architectural achievement award

21 March 2003

Wichita, Kan. – As if energy efficiency and superior sound resistance weren’t enough, the walls of the new Wichita Area Builders Association headquarters will soon offer one more feature: the 2003 Keeper of the Plains award for architectural achievement, given by the Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce.

Just a few years ago, WABA had inadequate meeting space and costly maintenance bills. Rather than modify the old building, WABA officials chose to build a new one with ECO-Block insulating concrete forms (ICFs), one of the nation’s most sought-after ICF systems. Today, in addition to 9600 square feet of space utilized by the association, the building offers the advantages of quality and durability from the inside out.

The criteria for the Keeper of the Plains award includes appealing aesthetics, improved surroundings, high public visibility and pristine maintenance. In addition to meeting these, WABA incorporated state-of-the-art features to produce an upscale facility that would stand the test of time.

The highest grade of Pella windows let the sun in and keep the draft out. Colored tiles offer versatility. Corian kitchen counters provide a top-of-the-line surface area. The receptionist’s Zodiac fused-quartz desktop adds beauty to the gallery. And ECO-Block keeps the facility quiet and energy efficient.

“It was the Wichita Area Builder’s Association mission to build a facility that featured the latest in innovative building systems, yet offer the distinctive charm of a solid, beautiful building,” said Wess Galyon, WABA CEO. “We captured the best of both worlds. And we’re honored to receive the Chamber’s Keeper of the Plains award and this kind of recognition.”

WABA will receive the Keeper of the Plains award at the annual Chamber of Commerce Honors Night recognition banquet on April 24.

“I want to congratulate the Wichita Area Builder’s Association on receiving the much-deserved Keeper of the Plains award,” said Tom Rives, vice president, ICF Solutions. “WABA’s new headquarters highlights the essence of our local building community in its use of the highest quality and technologically advanced products available to builders today. As a WABA member, all of us at ICF Solutions were thrilled with the association’s use of ECO-Block. It was a great testimonial for ECO-Block’s ultra-energy efficiency and unparalleled durability.”

ICF Solutions has several training sessions currently scheduled at the new building’s training facility to educate builders, architects and code officials on the use of ECO-Block. “What better place to train these groups than in this tremendous facility?” said Rives.