BOISE, Idaho, Oct. 23, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boise Cascade, L.L.C., headquartered in Boise, Idaho, announced selection of its ultra-strong Versa-Lam® laminated veneer lumber (LVL) for structural use in the Pensmore Estate, the energy-efficient, disaster-resistant home which will be America's 4th-largest residence. Occupying 72,000 square feet on a mountaintop in Southwestern Missouri, Pensmore will be larger than the White House or Hearst Castle. The exterior of the 13-bedroom home resembles a French chateau with its strikingly steep 23/12 roof pitches. Pensmore is the brainchild and property of Steven T. Huff, successful software entrepreneur and chairman of TF Concrete Forming Systems, a major structural product in the home.
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The structure is being built on a site between Branson and Springfield, Missouri, only 90 miles from Joplin, scene of the disastrous category 5 tornado earlier this year -- the worst to strike mainland U.S. since 1950. The outer structure of the French-style masterpiece was designed to withstand a tornado equal to Joplin's disaster. The Southwest Missouri area and adjacent states are located in "Tornado Alley," notorious for its violent storms. The structure is made largely of three ultra-strong building materials –Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs), steel beams, and Boise Cascade Versa-Lam® engineered wood beams and joists.
The exterior is made using the Transform System™ from TF Concrete Forming Systems, a leader in Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) chaired by Pensmore owner Steven Huff. The Transform System combines the best of the ThermoForm System of vertical ICFs and the flexibility and industrial strength of traditional concrete forms. The massive concrete structure contains millions of additional reinforcing agents, tiny "Helix" steel spirals produced by PolyTorx of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The twist-shaped fibers interconnect the concrete throughout and make the building much stronger and more durable.
Ultra-strong Boise Cascade Versa-Lam® LVL roof and ceiling beams are also designed to withstand high loads. Up to 42' long roof trusses provide the long lengths and extra strength to create the steep roof of a French chateau. "Versa-Lam® offers higher design values than dimension lumber, is dimensionally stable, straight and true, and manufactured at virtually ideal 10% moisture content to eliminate twisting, shrinking and splitting and deliver flatter, more perfect surfaces," said Denny Huston, Boise Cascade Engineered Wood Products vice president of sales and marketing. "We are grateful to be a supplier of structural products for this fantastic home, and want to thank both Steven and Joe Huff (of Huff Construction, general contractor), and our outstanding dealer, Meek's, The Builder's Choice, for this wonderful opportunity," Huston said.
Architects and engineers have big plans for the Pensmore Estate, which will be a living laboratory for energy efficiency and a virtual test bed for disaster-resistant technology – particularly advanced building methods in America's tornado belt. The Pensmore Estate is an opportunity to experiment with new technologies and to showcase innovative new products.
About Boise Cascade: Boise Cascade Wood Products, L.L.C., headquartered in Boise, Idaho, manufactures engineered wood products, plywood, lumber and particleboard and distributes a broad line of building materials including wood products manufactured by the company's wood products division. For more information, visit the Boise Cascade website at www.BCewp.com
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About TF Concrete Forming Systems: TF Concrete Forming Systems is a leader in the ICF industry with a proven track record of innovation, successful installations and superior customer service.
© 2012 Boise Cascade Wood Products, L.L.C. BOISE CASCADE, the TREE-IN-A-CIRCLE symbol and Versa-Lam are trademarks of Boise Cascade, L.L.C. or its affiliates.
