3.4 Sub-floors We decided to use something instead of wood for the exterior walls. We also wanted to eliminate wood use on the interior as well. Because we decided to build with a concrete system for our walls, and for sub-floors within the building envelope, we wanted to avoid wood products, even those rated as insect or fire resistant. It seems logical to look for a concrete solution for our porches or decks as well. To fully enjoy coastal living and…
Design Ideas – Structural Concrete In the Keys, newer construction is using concrete rather than wood pilings or columns. The concrete specification for a house in a high salt climate can have additional additives to prevent spalling. Other additives can aid the concrete pour by making the mix slippery, to insure all areas inside the ICF blocks are filled. Fixing areas of visual concrete corrosion (spalling) is an good-sized industry in the Florida Keys. One person I talked with said…
Site Work The FEMA requirement for structures in this area to be above the flood level, is +7.1 feet above sea level. Our average lot elevation is about +3.5 feet above sea level. We are allowed to start the total height of the structure at the highest street elevation of +4.93 feet above sea level. Currently 37′ is new height limit of the structure. So the total house height can be +41.93 feet above sea level. If the CC&Rs are no longer valid…