Mexico, Montana

Field Evaluation: Hopke Buildings and Grounds David Hopke, a Mexico, Missouri builder and the principal of Hopke Buildings and Grounds, employed a construction technology to give added value to his customers - peace of mind. He constructed a MADE (marketable, affordable, durable, entry-level) house with insulating concrete form (ICF) exterior walls, Trade ReadyŽ steel floor joists, steel interior framing, and conventionally framed steel roof rafters. The house was erected on a five-acre site that his clients called home for many years before a fire destroyed their wood frame home and its contents. This two-story house with in-ground basement was the builder's first experience with both ICF's and steel in the same structure. He was encouraged to continue building with ICF's after he used them in a successful renovation project. David Hopke had some experience with commercial steel projects and noted that the 'price was right' for introducing steel framing into residential construction. NAHB Research Center personnel were on site for the installation of Trade ReadyŽ floors and steel roof framing to report on the cost, time, tools, fasteners, and other distinctions of steel assembly with ICF structures. The house was completed in September 2000. Final details are being compiled. Click here for more information