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LaHouse is a display of high-performance building practices to create more sustainable, resilient and healthy homes in the gulf region. The research-based facility is located on LSU's Baton Rouge campus and displays home-building techniques and solutions for Louisiana's unique climate. LaHouse is open weekdays from 10 am to 4:30 p.m. for self-guided tours or can be toured completely virtually.
Experience the Lahouse via virtual tour
This system prevents the foundation from moving when there is instability or movement in the soil.
Cinder blocks are capable of high compression strength. This style can take a large amount of weight on its top. Elevating the foundation allows the building to resist flooding, insects, and pests.
One drawback found in a cinder block wall foundation is they are more likely to suffer issues like buckling and bowing. Buckling and bowing result from poor construction or underground lateral water pressure.
Soil compaction increases the density of the soil, making it less prone to moisture and settling.
Barrier sheeting prevents moisture from passing through. Since concrete is porous, water vapor transmits from the ground to the concrete slab into the house.
A low water-cement ratio leads to stronger concrete. Concrete becomes weaker when the water-cement ratio is increased—adding more water results in a paste with more pores at the micro level. These make the concrete weak and result in cracks and shrinkage issues.
Using fly ash and slag concrete significantly reduces the carbon footprint of using concrete.
Fly ash and slag are byproducts produced by coal-fired power plants. Carbon emissions are reduced by up to 90 percent by using concrete made with fly ash.
The ICF system is constructed by stacking Styrofoam blocks and pouring concrete between the two layers
