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RASTRA - A
Sensible Approach |
The Community of Civano has been fortunate to discover a
building product, RASTRA, that has met many of the standards set by the planners and
architects of this unique community. There are numerous reasons why RASTRA is one of the
most innovative products in the construction industry today, but it is the simplicity and
genius of its design — two building elements form an entire building system —
that makes RASTRA so interesting. Used in place of traditional stick framing, RASTRA has
demonstrated again and again, that it is a sensible approach to building your home.Choosing an alternative material to use in building the walls of
your home is an important decision that, today, encompasses more than just holding up your
roof. What about energy efficiency? What about noise reduction? The RASTRA wall not only
supports your roof, but it also reduces noise and your monthly utility bills. To these
advantages over traditional stick framing, it is important to point out one other huge
benefit: RASTRA is virtually fireproof and has a four hour U.L. fire rating.
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Ease of construction is another
benefit you have with RASTRA. To the naked eye, RASTRA panels look very heavy and
intimidating but, as the picture shows, a person can lift a 10” x 15” x 10’
panel. However, once the panels are put in place the
cavities running through them are filled with concrete, making a house structurally sound
and durable. The cavities are on 15” centers, both horizontally and vertically, so
that during construction you can stack them either way or in combination.
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| The reason RASTRA is so light is
because 85% of the material used to produce this amazing building system comes from
recycled polystyrene foam — the Styrofoam that was used to package your PC, VCR and
stereo. The attributes of RASTRA are readily apparent, and the advantages it offers
society and our environment present a thoughtful perspective that is not often seen these
days. |
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Excerpt
from the "Civano Magazine" |
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