Innovation

EnergyEdge, “Form with Function”

EnergyEdge Installation Graphic

The development of EnergyEdge© is an example of identifying, focusing and solving a design challenge.   In 2004, faced with a sub-standard energy compliance report for a Compton Associates Pizza Hut project in Watertown, New York, the exposed concrete  slab edge emerged as the major flaw in the buildings energy performance.  Efforts to detail solutions to block this “wicking” of energy through the buildings thermal envelope yielded only cumbersome and labor intensive answers.  RTom implemented his own development/design effort to create a solution to this problem.   Focusing on the best and most efficient of his solutions, he proceeded to develop a prototype, applied for a patent, began manufacturing, marketing and sales efforts forming the EnergyEdge, LLC venture.  In 2011 the product received U.S. patent protection with pending status in Canada.  The EnergyEdge design detailing solution is now available to architects and builders across the U.S. and Canada through the Foundations Division of CertainTeed© Corporation distributed through and expanding number of  local, regional and national building product outlets, including Menards©.

This critical thinking and problem solving experience, learned and inspired through the practice of architecture, is applied to all Compton Architecture design solutions.  The EnergyEdge invention has also intensified an already great appreciation for the entrepreneurial process and the spirit of those who dare to risk.  The commitment required to develop a new product and follow through to manufacturing requires relentless tenacity and faith that the many setbacks endured will be followed by even greater successes.  Good luck to us all.

Why EnergyEdge? Slab and foundation edges represent the last gaping hole in the building’s thermal envelope.  It is a problem recognized by ASHRAE 90.1 and all energy codes based on those criteria including the most widely accepted International Building (IBC) and Energy Codes (IECC).  This difficult transition from below grade foundation insulation to above grade insulated wall assemblies has traditionally been left exposed.  The patented, stay-in-place, EnergyEdge product was invented by architect R. Tom Compton to provide a forming, insulating & protective assembly that remains in place to finish this at-grade flaw in the thermal envelope.  The product has been installed in various project types from coast-to-coast.  Notable projects include the LEED Gold, Sun Chips Business Incubator in Greensburg, KS; the LEED Platinum Southface Office Building in Atlanta, GA; the Ultimate Home Design, in Sea Ranch CA; and numerous Habitat for Humanity homes and developments built to meet ENERGYSTAR standards. In February 2011, EnergyEdge announced at the World of Concrete in Las Vegas that its’ products would be distributed by CertainTeed Corporations, Foundatons Division, across the USA and Canada.  EnergyEdge, LLC will continue to design and market products to cut energy consumption in buildings. For additional information on EnergyEdge products visit: www.eeform.com.