In 1948, the Department of Defense worked with Higgins Industries to develop a standard house design to meet the Army’s housing shortage. Higgins Industries designed and mass-produced landing craft during World War II and held the patent for ‘Thermo-Con,’ a cement material that expanded as it cured. The renowned industrial architects, Albert Kahn & Associates, designed the prototype in the International style and the 410th Engineer Battalion (Construction) completed the building in 1949. Due to its innovative design and construction techniques, the house was placed on the Virginia Landmarks Register in 1997. In 2000, the Army renovated and returned ‘Thermo-Con’ House to use as distinguished visitor housing.
LOG PASSWORD: On a telephone pole out front of the house, you'll find a silver sign with 10 squares and 9 characters (ignore the one with the the full word). The password will be the 9 characters together with no spaces and in CAPS. The format is LNNNNLNNN (L=a letter, N=a number). It will make sense when you're there.
Photos are appreciated, but not required. You'll get "bonus points" if you do post one, though.
In order to log a find, you need to have visited the spot indicated.
You will also have an opporunity to log a Waymark associated with this site - WM4CZ2.
The Thermo-Con House is located on Fort Belvoir, a controlled access US Army installation. It is possible, however, to enter through the Tully Gate by simply showing a drivers license.
Visitors who wish to enter Fort Belvoir and do not have a Department of Defense ID must use Tulley Gate. Simply drive to the checkpoint, as directed, and show a valid state driver's license. The Visitor Processing Operations Center (VPOC) is located at Tulley Gate (just north of Route One and VA 7100). For current information, call the VPOC at (703) 806-4892 or visit their web page.
CAUTION: While on post, be sure to strictly abide by the speed limits. You can not rely on the same sort of buffer you might otherwise enjoy. Also note that you must use a hands free device for your cell phone while driving on post.
If you'd like to plan to meet up, drop me a note and I'll see if we can work it out.
For more information see this site on the history of Fort Belvoir housing.
Symbole | Type | Coordonnées | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Aire de stationnement | --- | Since it is used as visitor housing, you should not park at the house. | |
Endroit intéressant | --- | Tulley Gate, where you need to enter, if you do not have a DOD decal on your vehicle. |