Korwall Industries, River Legacy, and the Stinky Place

Korwall Industries www.korwall.com
has been building panels since 1958.  Over the years they have taken on different formats and served different purposes; primarily the mobile home industry.  These days, they are called "SIPS"  or structured insulated panels.  A polystyrene foam is used and all panels are custom made to order.  One of the greatest frustrations is having to convert architectural plans so they have a planner on staff.  They have also had to overcome city inspectors by constantly proving their case of safety and energy savings.  This is no longer an issue. SIPS are gaining more public acceptance.  The panels are warrantied to infinity and cost about 5% more than stick built.  There is savings in building time because it only takes about 2 days to put up - saving labor wages and weather delays.  Liquid nail and screws are used in the construction - no nails.  SIPs are used for envelope construction only.

Panels curing 

Foam beads are recycled to plant nurseries

Sample of SIPs walls and roof.  Slab accuracy is paramount!

The tree growing through the roof at the River Legacy Science Center www.riverlegacy.org is one of its many sustainable features.  It provides structural support for the building and roof. 


It was a beautiful morning for a walk through the park.  There are good examples of natural Texas habitat.  Many of the plants were wilted - a way of protecting themselves in the excruciating heat - sustainable!  


The center has a large educational display on the sustainability features of the building and grounds.  Some of these include:  impervious parking surface, decomposed granite walkways, restroom tiles made of crushed windshields, recycled carpet fibers, and a gray-water plumbing system.

This rock retaining wall is a sustainable way to prevent soil erosion.

If you could only smell this picture!  Some would equate it with the smell of money.  I understood that once I got past the stinky!  This is one of my cohort's giving his famous pose atop the McCommas Landfill.  John, a member of our cohort was our guide.  McCommas is one of the largest landfills in the country.  It's projected life span ends in 2056.  A Leachate Recirculation system has been installed to prolong the life of the landfill.  Other benefits of this system include re-using landfill airspace, modest cost and efficient operations.  As liquids are introduced into the landfill, it speeds decomposition which enhances the production of landfill gas.  The gas can then be used as an energy source for approximately 30,000 homes in the Dallas area.  


The landfill consists of about 2,000 acres.  Of this, 1,000 acres are devoted to wildlife.

Reclaimed crushed glass in used as a permeable layer in the landfill.

The safety vests - not a great look but definitely needed!