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block and when compared to other ICFs, this system offers waste levels as low as one per cent, thanks to a four-way reversible design. When the form is able to be folded, this reduces installations times, increases transport capacity by up to 40 per cent and decreases the amount of space required for on-site storage.
The main benefits explained
Energy efficiency: ICF structures greatly reduce air infiltration, which optimises energy performance and offer excellent thermal bridging values. The best forms on the market, when combined with the structural strength and thermal mass of con- crete, can provide U-values as low 0.11, meeting and exceeding Passivhaus/Code for Sustainable Homes. This can save building owners up to 70 per cent in energy costs. Fire resistance: ICF structures offer maximum safety with a
fire protection rating of up to four hours. With an ICF struc- ture, walls are built with steel reinforced concrete and the forms are manufactured with a non-toxic fire retardant expanded polystyrene foam to ensure maximum safety. Acoustic performance: ICF structures act as an effective
This 410 sq m crescent- shaped, contemporary, low-energy home (above) steps and slides into the slopes on the West Sussex site. ICFs are highly suited for both complex and curved structures and the same system can be used for below and above grade walls
Concrete is poured into the formwork (right) creating the floor and walls as a continuous element. The best ICFs allow the concrete to be vibrated within the formwork to ensure that there are no voids in the wall
Six building steps are completed within one product: form
and wall structure, insulation, air and vapour barriers, and the interior and exterior finish anchorage. So ICFs are the perfect partner to fast track construction
programmes and the savings in terms of time and labour speak for themselves. The largest and most advanced ICFs available make building measurably easier and faster. Building in tradi- tional brick and block, a wall 2.75m high x 7.3m long without openings would typically be erected by three men in 16 hours with a total labour time of 48 hours. Using ICF technology, the same wall can be erected and
poured in five hours by two men utilising only 10 hours’ labour, so there’s almost an 80 per cent saving on labour costs. The best ICFs are 50 per cent faster than concrete cavity construction and require as low as 0.5 man-hours/m2
. Size does matter and premier products are typically larger
than standard systems. They consist of two panels up to 70 mm in thickness and are connected together by an industry-leading interlocking web design. Site waste is 50 per cent less than cavity
‘Using ICF technology, the same wall can be erected and poured in five hours by two men utilising only 10 hours’ labour, so there’s almost an 80 per cent saving on labour costs. The best ICFs are 50 per cent faster than concrete cavity construction and require as low as 0.5 man-hours/m2
’ respond online at
www.architectsdatafile.co.uk
sound barrier, filtering out unwanted noise, dampening sound vibrations from outside noise creating comfortable working or living spaces for occupants. ICF systems offer superior building comfort via excellent Sound Reduction Indexes when com- bined with a gypsum wall board finish and an exterior finish of acrylic/silicon render. Walls can be easily modified to achieve an SRI of SRI 72 (STC71) if the project requires. Strength: ICF buildings provide greater impact resistance
and will withstand winds of up to 250mph so building occu- pants are safe and secure in almost any situation. The strength of the ICF wall comes from the solid concrete core.
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