FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Attention: HOME or BUSINESS Section
Release Date: February 22, 2006

NOTE: Rammed Earth Home Photos of the winning project are available for publication with this press release. Please go to the photo story at:
http://www.terrafirmabuilders.ca/re1.html

Rammed Earth Wins Two Gold Georgies

Terra Firma Builders, a rammed earth builder on Salt Spring Island, BC, has won two gold Georgies, including Best Single Family Detached Home 2,000-2,999 sq. ft.and Best Master Suite - New. The Georgie Awards are sponsored by the Canadian Home Builders of BC. The 2005 gold winners were announced at a ceremony in Vancouver on February 10, 2006.

Terra Firma has won over 25 gold CHBA awards for their earth-wall homes, including Best Home Builder in BC 2000. Terra Firma's founder, Meror Krayenhoff, developed the SIREwall system: Stabilized, Insulated Rammed Earth. Krayenhoff says he plans "to make the choice of insulated rammed earth homes available to everyone in North America."

Krayenhoff says that homeowners are attracted to the earth wall system for its durability, energy efficiency and the natural-look. The modern west-coast home that won the two gold Georgies has two-foot thick, earth walls with a sandstone-like colour and texture. The walls are sound-proof, fire resistant, and mould resistant. They also have a high-thermal mass that captures the sun's energy and radiates it out slowly.

Design innovations on this rammed earth home include 45-degree angles on the earth walls and chamfered window openings to let more light in past the thick walls. Glass canopies hang from exterior walls, creating outdoor living spaces. A multi-stage rainwater cleaning system harvests rooftop rainwater.

Krayenhoff has founded a new company, SIREwall Inc. that offers tools, training and support to those who wish to build with insulated rammed earth. SIREwall offers courses for homeowners, builders and designers. For more information about insulated rammed earth go to www.sirewall.com

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Contact: Athena George, Education and Marketing
Email: athena@sirewall.com
Phone: 250-537-9355