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Combining Beachfront Luxury with Resilient SCIP Construction in Port Aransas

Nestled in Port Aransas on Mustang Island, a two-story Contemporary Mediterranean beachfront home showcases innovative design. Conceived by JSDISEÑOS LLC and brought to life by Island Builders, this residence offers captivating views of the Gulf of Mexico and Corpus Christi Bay. Its modern design is not only unique in its architectural approach and outdoor spaces but also distinctive in possessing increased structural strength and energy efficiency, all thanks to our Structural Panels GCT System.

Project Overview:

Under the guidance of Scott Beard, the contracting team at Island Builders specifically chose our Structural Concrete Insulated Panels (SCIPs) to shape a hurricane-resilient, sustainable home. Island Builders boasts a decade-long family history with these panels, rooted in the experience of their lead engineer and owner’s uncle, José Villarreal. José worked with SCIP panels in overseas Navy projects for over a decade! Paired with Scott Beard’s extensive 14+ years of collaboration as a contractor with our GCT Structural Panels team, the decision was straightforward. Having witnessed the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, especially the devastation in leveled Port Aransas, both teams acknowledged unparalleled advantages in integrating SCIP homes into coastal communities and islands. They aim to construct hurricane, fire, and earthquake-resistant homes, reflecting their commitment to a future-ready approach.

Project Highlights:

This single-family home, designed for short-term rentals (STR), boasts 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and an upstairs entertainment area. Noteworthy features include a 1600 sq ft rooftop deck, an outdoor kitchen, a hurricane-proof table and countertops, a natural pool, a SCIP-paneled outer wall for the home, and high-traffic roof coating. On top of all these benefits the home is engineered to withstand CAT 5 Hurricane Storms. The house also received the highest energy rating locally due to the foam insulation of our panels, maintaining an ambient temperature of 74 to 76 degrees regardless of outside temperature.

Our system granted the contracting team and interior designer the flexibility to design an efficient structure for a seamless integration with the island environment, optimal cooling, and a strong connection to nature.

GCT Products Used in the Home’s Construction:

  • SCIP Building System: The home was created using our innovative Structural Concrete Insulated Panels (SCIPs) System with a high R-value and lightweight construction. The System offers a solid, energy-efficient, and durable construction. The panel’s thermal insulation properties help regulate both hot and cold temperatures, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and reduced overall heating costs. Our system also allowed the homeowner the architectural freedom necessary to create the most optimized structure, maximizing the full range of our building panel components to assemble exterior walls, interior bearing walls, roof panels.
  • Carmelo Structural Mortar Mix: This structural mortar mix has a high compression strength of 4000 psi following ASTM C-387. We frequently use it as a base coat after creating the initial structure using our System. It can be applied with mortar application machines over our Panels or any concrete substrate, and in this case provides additional support to additional features like a rooftop deck.
  • M-Tec Mono Mix: Streamlining installation, this mortar application machine enhances efficiency and versatility, contributing to a smoother construction process with easy cleaning, power, and portability.

Here you can see how our client took advantage of the GCT System to create a rooftop deck with a hurricane-proof table and countertops.

Conclusion:

In Port Aransas, this residence harmoniously combines luxury, sustainability, and resilience. The contractors’ vision for a durable, energy-efficient, and hurricane-resistant home comes to life, setting a new standard for modern construction in coastal communities that extends beyond conventional wood-based constructions that require rebuilding after natural disasters. This project serves as a Proof of Concept for an SCIP house locally. Additionally, it marks a groundbreaking venture in a new city that has never built anything like it, showcasing a home that can challenge climate threats well into the 21st century.

For more on GCT Structural Panels check out www.structuralpanelsgct.com or contact Scott Miller (GCT Technical Advisor and Sales Lead) at smiller@gctm2.com.

All photos are sourced from realtor.com with permission from Island Builders.

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