Concrete Rib House describes the mechanical and value engineering of using concrete, not just for the sides of a home (eg ICF) but also for the roof and, obviously, the foundation/floor. The innovative roof and supports are thin and the ability of the finished home (using low cost forms) not only to withstand difficult weather, but to satisfy green heating/cooling requirements is unparalleled.

1. The Concrete Rib House Eugenio Aburto, AIA-E

3. THE CONCRETE RIB HOUSE THE SOLUTION TO RESIST NATURAL DISASTERS

4. THE CONCRETE RIB HOUSE A CASE STUDY The system is simple, similar to structures built by the Romans using puzzolanas (natural cement of volcanic origin) concrete. Their structures have stood for millennia and today are tourist attractions. The CRH system is similar to that of the Romans but has been updated with today’s technology, new materials, and structural engineering. The Romans used brick walls as formwork. I used plywood panels for the case study and blocks of rigid foam as formwork and insulation. Plywood could be replaced by metal or fiberglass panels to achieve a more sustainable and longer lasting formwork, avoiding use of trees to support the green building movement.