AK Steel Unveils Concept Home; Antimicrobial-Coated Steel Products to Demonstrate a Cleaner, Low Maintenance Home

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. -- AK Steel today announced the completion of the AK Steel Concept Home, the nation's first antimicrobial home. Located northwest of Los Angeles, the AK Steel Concept Home features products made from carbon and stainless steels utilizing coatings containing the AgION(TM) antimicrobial compound. Antimicrobial- coated steels reduce bacteria, mold and fungus growth.

In total, the AK Steel Concept Home incorporates about 200,000 pounds of steel, including 35,000 pounds of steel coated with the antimicrobial compound. In the kitchen, antimicrobial-coated stainless steels are utilized on appliances, cabinets and even ceiling panels. Throughout the home, "high-touch" features such as door handles utilize antimicrobial steel. In addition, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is made with carbon steel coated with the microbe-resistant compound. The home's structural framing and portions of the exterior are also made of steel. The roof and many architectural elements are made from stainless steel, enhancing the home's appearance, making it easier to maintain and making it more resistant to fire, earthquakes and insect damage.

"The home's unique use of antimicrobial-coated steel is in response to the demand for products that help keep homes cleaner," said Alan H. McCoy, vice president, public affairs for AK Steel. "Public awareness of microbes has grown rapidly in the past few years, and with it so has the interest in products that can help address concerns for cleanliness. The AK Steel Concept Home also demonstrates how steel can enhance structural and architectural elements of residential construction," he said.

The AK Steel Concept Home is the residence of Ed and Madeleine Landry. The Los Angeles couple wanted an architecturally significant, low-maintenance home. This home meets these goals and provides the Landry's an ideal location to host philanthropic events for the many charities in which they are involved.

The dramatic 11,000-square-foot home is nestled on 130 hillside acres. Designed by nationally renowned architect David Martin of AC Martin Partners, the home's property borders Rocky Peak State Park and Pioneer Park in Simi Valley, Calif. The home is constructed of 200,000 pounds of steel and boasts a 6,000-bottle wine cellar, a tennis court, a swimming pool and a sweeping view of the Simi Valley. More information about the AK Concept Home is available at www.akconcepthome.com .

Source: AK Steel Corporation