Furbish Company Installs West Virginia's First Vegetated Retaining Wall System
Sustainable Building Systems Developer Installs SmartSlope for Habitat for Humanity.
- Baltimore, MD (1888PressRelease) July 05, 2010 - Baltimore-based Furbish Company recently announced the installation of West Virginia's first vegetated retaining wall system known as SmartSlope at River Bend Gardens in Franklin.
River Bend Gardens is the latest effort of Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity, a West Virginia branch of Habitat for Humanity International. River Bend Gardens is comprised of three individual homes with unique floor plans, for a total of 15 new affordable housing units that serve homeless, disabled and able-bodied individuals and families.
Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity was established in 1988 to meet the housing needs of the residents of Pendleton County, West Virginia. Since then, they have built 76 homes in partnership with low-income families, making their dream of homeownership a reality.
"We selected the SmartSlope system after seeing a display at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C.," said Almost Heaven's Executive Director, Michelle Connor. "This product supports our green initiatives and we are absolutely thrilled with the results," Connor further explained.
Manufactured in concrete modules, the SmartSlope system will be planted with edible thyme, which is currently being grown in a local nursery. Soon after the herbs are planted, they cover the SmartSlope modules, transforming the "hardscape" into a distinctive vertical landscape. "We chose edible thyme because they will grow year-round," said Connor. "And as a bonus, the residents can use the herb for cooking."
Furbish Company has been committed to the development of plant-based living systems that are functional, ecological and economical. SmartSlope was recognized by the Department of Natural Resources for its innovation and contributions that improve water quality.
The SmartSlope modules are made with post-consumer recycled materials that use 50 percent less concrete than traditional retaining walls, helping to reduce heat island effects and stormwater runoff while creating a distinct urban environment.
Sales specialist Jimmy Dick from Furbish Company volunteered his technical expertise during installation, working with a team of landscape architecture students from West Virginia University and students from James Madison University.
ABOUT FURBISH COMPANY
Furbish Company delivers state-of-the-art, innovative building systems that enhance comfort and health, lower utility bills, increase asset value and restore the natural systems that support us. The systems the firm currently offers include living roofs, interior living walls and SmartSlopeŽ vegetated retaining wall systems. Learn more at www.furbishco.com and www.smartslope.com.
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