The walls look like standard block walls, but they are not. They are insulated concrete forms, a much more efficient method of building that is stronger, quieter and more energy-efficient.

So, what are insulated concrete forms (ICFs)? They are stay-in-place concrete forms that offer many structural, economical and environmental benefits. ICFs allow you to build a structure that meets or exceeds all wind load and uplift requirements for our area. Due to the R-26 insulation factor, the cost to cool and heat any ICF-built building will be less than with other wall systems, yielding great energy savings for the homeowner.

Also, ICFs do not pollute the environment because they give off no toxic odors, gases or residue, even when subjected to fire. For these and many other reasons, we are proud to be a distributor of insulated concrete forms and use them in every home we build.

Here are a few of the advantages:

• Increased strength – ICFs are approved by every major building code in the United States. These walls are stronger than conventional wall systems and can even withstand hurricane-force winds.
• Built-in insulation – ICFs are manufactured with a built-in, highly effective insulation factor of up to R-26. This greatly reduces heating and cooling costs.
• Air tightness – ICFs offer an overlapping groove assembly, which means that walls constructed with these forms minimize cool air loss, air infiltration, drafts and dust.
• Fire-rated – ICFs are made of a fire-retarding expanded polystyrene and therefore are highly resistant to flame spread.
• Sound deadening – ICFs cut down dramatically on outside noise, offering a retreat from traffic, neighbors and the general loudness of everyday life.
• Moisture-resistant – ICFs offer the opportunity to build permanent moisture-resistant walls that do not decompose, mold or dry-rot.
• Environmentally correct – ICFs are made of expanded polystyrene, and no ozone layer-damaging CFCs are used during the manufacturing process. Building with ICFs reduces the cutting down of trees for lumber and the burning of fossil fuels for energy.

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For decades, Florida has treated this underground lake as a steady stream of water, unfortunately pulling more water than is seeping back into the aquifer. But there are ways to utilize this source of energy without damaging the environment.

Formosa Gardens Homes is utilizing a unique geothermal system for its air-conditioning system. The system pumps water from the aquifer through an open-looped system. The tubing runs from the aquifer through the air-conditioning system and then is pumped back into the aquifer, never being exposed to outside air or toxins.

The result is one of the most energy-efficient systems anywhere!

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Did you know that 65 percent of the water usage in your house comes from the bathroom? That’s right, approximately 30 percent of the water usage in the home comes from flushing the toilet, and 35 percent comes from using sinks, and taking showers and baths. Another 20 percent comes from doing your laundry (although a Formosa Gardens home uses a fraction of that).

Formosa Gardens understands that is a significant waste of water and is unnecessary. After all, water shortages are a significant issue for the future of our planet.

As such, we’ve installed Brac Grey Water Recycling systems in our homes. The water you use in the shower, bath and laundry facilities – more than half of the water used in a typical house – is filtered and stored in a cistern. The water is then recycled and used for the home’s toilets.

Homes using these sorts of systems typically see a 30 percent reduction in their water bill. Again, it’s not just saving the environment; it’s saving you money!

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The use of cisterns is just another way Formosa Gardens is significantly reducing the amount of potable water consumed within the household.

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All homes come equipped with either a Whirlpool Cabrio top-load washer and gas dryer set, or a Whirlpool Duet front-load washer and gas dryer set. Both washers are Energy Star-qualified, have 6th Sense technology and are rated CEE Tier 3 (the most energy-efficient level).

They also are equipped with Precision Dispense Plus (with oxygenated additives) for great cleaning. The EcoBoost option on the Whirlpool Cabrio allows you to wash more efficiently, and the Allergen cycle eliminates up to 95 percent of dust mites and pet dander. The FanFresh option on the Whirlpool Duet with Dynamic Venting Technology keeps your clean clothes fresh for up to 16 hours.

Both resource-saver dryers also feature 6th Sense technology, which keeps your clothes looking like new longer, and steam-enhanced cycles, which help relax wrinkles and reduce odors. They also use built-in sensors to read temperature and moisture levels and ensure the cycle ends when everything is perfectly dry, providing optimal drying.

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The signature design features of the All-Freezers include PureAdvantage Air Filters, Luxury-Glide full-width freezer drawers and a Soft Freeze bin for storing items such as ice cream. The top features of the All-Refrigerators include a Perfect Organization System for keeping food fresh and organized, Luxury-Glide crisper drawers and Luxury-Design lighting.

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Each dishwasher also has 16 place settings, 6 wash programs and an easy-to-use touchtronic screen. Each dishwasher is equipped with a double waterproof system, a cutlery tray and a built-in water softener. The dishwasher’s CleanAir drying system provides the most effective and hygienic drying possible by never introducing external air inside of the dishwasher. Not only do these appliances save energy, but they also are surrounded with layers of soundproof insulation to provide an ultra-quiet operation.

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OurMiele Electro Induction Stove Tops are made from premium quality glass ceramic and have a sleek design with residual heat indicators for each ring. Not only are they durable, but they also have induction technology that offers rapid heat-up times and integrated cooling fans to protect internal components. With 12 different power settings, these top-of-the-line cooktops are guaranteed to save energy.

Our Miele Gas Double Burners are made from stainless steel, are completely sealed burners and have improved heat distribution in the pan base. They have onset controls for electric ignition and a thermoelectric ignition safety device. All kitchens also are equipped with a 12-inch Gas Wok Burner, which is made from cast iron grate, has a 20,470-BTU output and runs on natural gas.

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But why choose native plants? The Florida Native Plant Society gives these reasons:

1. They promote biodiversity. The Central Florida ecosystem was built over millions of years, and we don’t need to change what the earth has built.

2. You can save time, energy and money. Native plants are cheaper and easier to maintain because they are accustomed to our climate.

3. There’s no need for pesticides. Over millions of years, the plants in Florida have been accustomed to our pests as well, eliminating the need for pesticides, which greatly harm our environment.

4. Native plants attract wildlife. Our native animals have a symbiotic relationship with native plants and are drawn to them. For instance, our native milkweed is the only plant a monarch butterfly will eat.

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However, outside of the summertime, there can be weeks without rain. It’s critical to plant landscaping and lawns that are tolerant of the long periods with no rain and won’t die.

At Formosa Gardens Homes, we’ve carefully chosen landscaping that is drought-tolerant or plants that can go two to three months without water.

Some of these are plants that you see in many homes, flowers of all colors and shapes. In fact, there are dozens of choices of plants that are native to Florida that you’ll find in a Formosa Gardens home.