http://www.ConcreteDecor.net

Concrete Decor - Index

Concrete Decor - Concrete Decor Magazine, The Journal for Decorative Concrete - Index

Project Profi le
A concrete countertop that looks like an old, rough-sawn log overlooks a compass-rose patterned concrete fl oor in the kitchen of this Chehalis, Wash., home.
Concrete Home, Chehalis, Wash.
84 | www.ConcreteDecor.net | Dec. ’07/Jan. ’08
by Chris Camara
conversation at a trade show,
A prodding from a friend, and
research into green building techniques
led Kevin Winkler to create not just
a home, but a showcase for concrete
construction and design.
Winkler, owner of KW Specialized
Construction LLC, based in Chehalis,
Wash., became intrigued with the idea
of using insulating concrete forms,
or ICFs, during the Tacoma Home &
Garden Show a couple of years ago.
While displaying samples from his
decorative concrete construction,
stamping, staining and refi nishing
business, he struck up a conversation
with Bob Thompson, a manager at Miles
Sand & Gravel Co., of Auburn, Wash.,
about concrete home construction. “It
was just obvious that it was the future,”
he says.
Winkler had already received the
building permit for a stick-built home
he had planned for fi ve acres in the
Boistfort Valley, but switched directions
with the urging of Justin Farley, an
electrician friend and fellow concrete
specialist who promised to help out.
“When you can build green and
save energy at the same time and go fast
— I built my house in three months and
three weeks — it’s going to put money
Photos courtesy of Kevin Winkler