by Rebecca Sweinhagen

Nothing sounds sturdier than a home made of concrete.  If it also sounds cold or impersonal, well, you probably haven’t experienced some of the more famous concrete homes in the U.S.

Partially because of our dependence on the readily available lumber, and partially a result of tradition, we tend to build with lumber in most of the United States.  Now that we are learning more responsible practices in logging, the costs of lumber are rising, and many are seeking alternatives to the traditional stick-built home. What many people don’t realize is the rich history that accompanies a poured concrete home and the revolutionary architects of our past.

The sound of Vincent Price’s voice brings me back to the 5 o’clock movies on the TV station out of Detroit back in the 70’s and early 80’s.  The House on Haunted Hill was centered around the famous Frank Lloyd Wright Ennis House (1924) in Los Angeles.  The house also had a starring role in Blade Runner, Black Rain, Twin Peaks, Thirteenth Floor, Predator 2, and the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Hollyhock House (1921) on Hollywood Boulevard in L.A.  has been recognized by The American Institute of Architects as one of the 17 Frank Lloyd Wright buildings that is representative of his contribution to American Culture.  

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A few years ago, my husband and I travelled to Pennsylvania to visit Fallingwater.  After a 2+ hour drive through foggy, rainy, treacherous mountain roads from Pittsburgh, my mood was not at it’s optimum peak.

Arriving at the gate, we were informed it would be $24 to visit the house.  I was indignant.  There was no way, after the trip I had, I was going to pay $24 to see some house.  Fortunately, my husband told me to deal with it and I paid the guy.

I’ve regretting nothing about that trip except my poor attitude when we arrived.

Falling Water (1934-1938) in Pennsylvania is an experience like none other.  The property is stunning.  When I was finally able to tear myself away from the incredible surroundings, I was struck dumb by sheer disbelief that something this modern, this warm, this unusual was built in the 1930’s.  That doesn’t even begin to take into effect the colossal obstacles that had to be overcome to pour the concrete cantilevered sections and the walkway canopy.

While we were visiting, the engineers were working on an extensive restoration to support the cantilevered sections of the house.  The gentleman I spoke with said they couldn’t quite figure out how the house was in the good shape that it was in.  According to him, it should never have lasted as long as it did.  It’s a testament to genius design and strong building materials.

The interior of the house utilizes a myriad of earth-friendly products that we are just now beginning to rediscover.  Cork flooring adorned the bathrooms and still looked like new.  Natural stone flooring graced the great room, a flooring material that has not had to be updated since the 1930’s.  Concrete creates a thermal mass to help heat & cool the house.  Rattan woven shelving in the wardrobes to allow air to circulate around the clothing.  These are all materials that were grossly ignored until now.

After visiting the site of one of these architectural wonders, I had to ponder, why doesn’t everyone build with concrete?  Why does anyone hesitate to choose cork or stone?  Sure, the initial cost is higher.  Doesn’t everything cost a little more when it is going to stand the test of time?

Frank Lloyd Wright utilized a great deal of concrete and green build concepts in the construction of his home designs.  Regardless of your location in the United States, you probably aren’t too terribly far from a Frank Lloyd Wright building.  If you have even a passing fancy in architecture, it is certainly worth a trip to visit one of his structures.

Side note:  The first completely poured concrete above ground home in the United States is the Milton House (1844) in Wisconsin.  It was utilized in the Pre-Civil War Underground Railroad.

Here are a few things you can do to reduce your carbon imprint & save money:

Separate & Collect recyclable materials:  newspaper, white paper, glass, plastic bottles, aluminum, cardboard, batteries, flourescent light bulbs, magazines, and anything else your local recycler will take.  Just think of the amount pizza boxes would be recycled considering Americans eat 350 slices of pizza per second.

Replace your standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs that are ENERGY STAR rated to save $30 or more in electricity cost over each bulbs lifetime.  They will also last 8-10 times longer than a standard bulb while producing 75% less heat.  The average U.S. Household has more than 40 lightbulb sockets accounting for approximately 20% of annual household electricity bills.  (For light fixtures on a dimmer, ensure you choose a dimmer rated Energy Star light bulb).  For more details about light bulb conversion visit Energy Star.

Unplug chargers when you are not using them.  Set your computer to “sleep” and turn off monitors and printers when not in use.  Some estimates show phantom power drain at $4 billion annually in the United States and as much as 40% of household electricity!

Turn off the water when you brush your teeth to save up to 8 gallons a day. 

Repair dripping faucets & shower heads.  Until we can get there to fix it for you, collect the drips to use for watering house plants.

Water your lawn and garden during the cool morning hours.

A few statistics about Americans and energy consumption:

• Americans dispose of 200,000 tons of edible food every day
• Average American generates 52 tons of garbage by age 75
• The average American home has 40 light sockets
• Lights account for up to 20% of a home’s electric bill
• 90% of the energy used by a conventional light bulb is released as heat.  10% is converted into visible light.
• Americans are 5% of the world population but consume approximately 25% of the world’s energy