The Portland Cement Association (PCA), the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), and the Insurance Information Institute have joined together to rebuild a home in Queens that was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy.

“FLASH and PCA were actively looking for a case study in concrete performance to document and add to the award-winning FLASH “Tale of Two Homes” disaster-resilient building video story series,” explained Leslie Chapman-Henderson, president and CEO of FLASH, when asked about the steps leading up to this project. “The stories have proven to be the most effective way to help the public understand the value of strong, durable and resilient construction methods and products to meet the challenge of hazards like hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and more. Concrete construction meets and exceeds these requirements with the added benefits of energy efficiency and sustainability, so raising awareness of concrete as a resilience solution is a top priority.”

The house chosen for the project belongs to the Hellreigel family in Breezy Point, an area that was greatly damaged Superstorm Sandy. The new 1,300-sq-ft structure will include two bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a large kitchen and living area. It will also be flood resistant, said Donn C.

Thompson, director of marketing at PCA. The house will feature an insulated concrete wall system to provide a higher level of wind resistance, impact resistant fiber cement siding, an insulated concrete floor system with radiant heat and a spray foam conditioned attic space, he said. Construction is expected to be completed in roughly six months.

“(The house) will be the result of collaboration between many giving partners, working together to tell the story of resilient construction,” said Thompson. “While this unique opportunity doesn’t exist for most people who have lost their homes, the message of building back stronger can be an enduring legacy for future generations.”