Insulated Concrete Form construction has gained momentum in recent years, thanks to a new emphasis on cost-effective, energy-efficient buildings. Even with the increased interest and attention, most people still believe that ICFs are only used in basements. That is simply not true anymore. In fact, ICFs create a variety of structures throughout the construction industry. Here are a few examples:
Hotels
ICF use is very popular in hotel construction. Many popular hotel chains, such as Super 8 and Comfort Inn, are turning to the technology to help make their buildings as energy-efficient as possible. Even higher end hotels, such as Marriott and Hilton are using ICF construction. Beyond simple thermal insulation, ICFs also provide noise insulation and dampen highway or airport noise that would normally disturb hotel patrons.
Multistory Residences
Insulated concrete form buildings were once limited to two to three stories. That number has increased now, as ICF constructed buildings have exceeded ten stories. The tallest ICF building in North America is the Luxe Waterloo, a 22 story student dormitory in Ontario, Canada. With 104,000 square feet under its roof, construction of the Luxe was completed in 13 months.
Complex Architecture
Tradition dictates that ICF construction is for square or rectangular structures. The installation technology has advanced to the point where concrete forms create arches, radii, and other complex architectural elements. The Graymoor Friary in Garrison, NY is a perfect example of ICFs used beyond simple square walls. With irregular corners, radius walls, and tall monolithic pours, the Friary won the Best in Class award for Multifamily Buildings from ICF Builder Magazine in 2017.
Swimming Pools
ICFs are well-known for superior thermal insulating properties. Those properties apply to uses beyond buildings. Now even swimming pools benefit from ICF construction. In addition to thermal insulation, ICF pools are less expensive than traditional in-ground pools. They last longer and, due to their ruggedness, provide cost savings to owners over time when compared to other pool types.
Diversity of ICF use is increasing more than ever before. By providing low-cost, energy-efficient installations, their popularity continues to grow. If you are building a house, an apartment building, or even a pool, ICF construction gives you the highest value, longest-lasting structures in the industry today.
