In the 1970's and 1980's, "Passive Solar" homes were beginning to attract attention for their fuel efficiency features in heating and cooling.  We did several homes with exciting new styles and details.  

    Most of these homes were basic masonry or concrete shells.  The exterior was a synthetic stucco system over rigid foam designed for the systems.  In some places, the rigid foam was six inches thick.  The average thickness was four inches.

    After the foam was installed with adhesive and mechanical fasteners, a fiberglass mesh was applied.  Then a thin stucco veneer basecoat as applied over the mesh.  Finally, a synthetic stucco finish was applied over the basecoat.  This system provided insulation and waterproofing, as well as an attractive finished look.

    The interior of the home had masonry or poured concrete walls.  These surfaces were natural lath for our veneer plasters.  We applied a veneer basecoat plaster over the concrete surfaces.  After this had set, we applied a textured finish with smooth finish plaster.  These walls and ceilings were white, unpainted plaster, and could remain unpainted for years.  The veneer basecoat plaster is a breathable material.  

 

    This period of construction was an exciting time, but I think the original costs of construction wouldn't justify the fuel savings in the '70's and '80's.  This is the type of construction that may make a comeback now, with fuel costs rising daily.