Building the future,
We specialize in building residential homes using steel and Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, also known as AAC, as an alternative to wood frame construction.
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AAC is highly resistant to fire, mold, and pests.
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The blocks absorb sound, making homes sound proof.
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AAC homes withstand the tests of extreme climate, including wildfires and earthquakes.​
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It's thermally efficient and ecologically friendly.
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And most importantly, it can create a home you feel safe in.
We're raising the bar for American residential construction.
one block at a time.
What's AAC?
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
is made from a slurry of
sand, gypsum, lime, cement, and aluminum.
During manufacturing, these naturally abundant materials create a non-toxic, non-pollutant,
100% recyclable product.
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The final product uses a third of the cement in comparison to a typical concrete masonry unit or cinderblock.
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AAC was first developed in Germany in the 1880s, then perfected and patented in the 1920s by a Swedish architect named Johan Axel Eriksson.
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AAC homes make up the primary market share in countries like England, Australia, Germany, Poland, and China.
AAC blocks have a porous structure,
giving the material a superior fire resistance and the industry's highest Fire Rating:
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AAC: 1600°C, 2912°F
Steel: 1400°C, 2552°F
Fire-retardant Lumber: <71°C, <160°F
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The blocks provide superior thermal insulation, while also preventing termites, mold, or mildew from ever becoming an issue.​
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AAC homes are tornado and hurricane resistant, and can be engineered to resist up to 200+ mph winds. They're also high strength, boasting a high compression strength which helps resist the destructive forces of earthquakes or foundation shifts.
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Homes built from AAC have a long life, and are not affected by harsh climates or extreme weather conditions.
Our mission is to redefine residential construction by establishing a new standard of excellence through globally innovative practices and sustainable solutions.
Meet the team that's making it happen
Founder & Partner
Shay Millheiser
Shay has over a decade of hands-on experience in all facets of real estate, including construction management, interior design, and residential sales & marketing. This rare “hat trick” of experience has led her to dedicate her career to finding a better way to build residential real estate in the US. Shay’s true passion lies in raising the bar for residential construction for the masses by using autoclave aerated concrete (“AAC”) and steel as building alternatives to wood framing.
Shay has managed the purchase, design, construction, and sale of over 200 residential properties in her career. Her dedication to her craft has won her acclaim by leading real estate professionals. Her construction and remodeling work has been featured on HGTV, dozens of news networks, and multiple national publications. She has also been a featured presenter at the Real Estate Wealth Expo, alongside Tony Robbins and other HGTV personalities.
Shay is also the founder of Branch | Design & Construction Consulting - a full-service construction management and consulting firm, a co-owner of Ampersand Property Management, and the lead broker for a top-performing sales team at Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty.
Ibrahim (Abe) Khaldi
Founder & Partner
Abe has a Master’s degree in Sustainability Solutions and an extensive background in the commercial, mixed-use, and residential construction sectors worldwide. He founded GSS Solar, a company dedicated to advancing solar energy solutions, co-founded AACE Construction Inc. in the Caribbean, and U & Us Homes in the United States.
U & Us Homes specializes in residential and commercial property construction and solely utilizes Aerated Autoclave Concrete (AAC). His diverse experience and leadership have significantly contributed to the growth and success of these enterprises.
Jon Kaplan
Partner & Director of Construction Implementation
Jon is an International Code Council (ICC) licensed inspector and carries a National Council of Building Design Certification (NCBDC).
As the owner of Urban Build Services TX, Jon has decades of experience in residential and commercial building design, construction management, and implementation of new build technologies & sustainable solutions.
Jose Zarco
Construction Manager
Originally from Mexico, Jose brings over 15 years of international construction experience to our team - including a background in complex concrete, foundation and framing, HVAC design, and decades of construction management experience.