What is ICF?
Insulated Concrete Formwork, or ICF, is the construction method we use.
ICF is an advanced and innovative building technology that meets New Zealand Building Standards and often exceeds minimums required by code.
ICF is the cutting-edge option with over twice council insulation requirement, 4 times required fireproofing, increased soundproofing, up to 70% energy savings for heating or cooling.
Durable
ICF is our point of difference for structural integrity. The insulated formwork is filled with reinforced concrete. These walls are designed to endure and withstand the impact of earthquakes.
Temperature control
Warm in winter, cool in summer. The exceptional insulation properties of the insulated forms provide comfortable living all year round, with an R-value exceeding 4.2.
Versatile
Can be shaped to any form required for the build. The insulated forms can be cut to the correct size and shape for the build, as well as easily cut to shape around windows and doors. To produce clean cuts with less waste - a hot knife can be used.
Fire-proof
Fire retardant properties in the foam insulation - a smaller combustable material compared to timber. The insulated forms would melt, not ignite. With 150mm thick concrete forms we achieve 4hr. fire rating.
Leak-proof
Our reinforced, waterproof concrete is our solution to leaky homes. Waterproof concrete is not required by the building code - but it provides the best result for water tightness. A crystalline admixture waterproofs the concrete and prevents leaky-home disasters.
Sound-proof
Quiet and comfortable living from two-layers of insulation. The concrete filled ICF's keep noise pollution at bay and enhance the acoustics generated within. ICF is the optimal choice for cinemas, music studios and terraced-houses with a STC rating of 55+.
Sustainable
The insulated forms will not rot and are naturally mould-proof. Concrete is a material that stands the test of time - being resistant to rust, rot, fire, light, oxidation and pests.
Lightweight
Due to the lightweight material of the insulated forms, the formwork is easily placed and poured by the construction team. This makes for a quicker and more efficient construction process.
Cost effective
Low cost, high quality. The ICF's are erected quickly which reduces labour costs. The lightweight design convenience removes the need for expensive assembly equipment - no heavy lifting, no extra scaffolding hire etc.
Why we use ICF
ICFs give you all the benefits that have made concrete the material of choice for home building worldwide: Solid, lasting construction that resists the ravages of fire, wind, and time. But ICFs do plain concrete one better – or rather, two better – by giving you two built-in layers of foam insulation. This gives an ICF building some sizeable advantages over traditional building methods: greater energy efficiency, and more peace & quiet. Living comfort all wrapped up in a solid, high-quality building package that gives an ICF home an utterly remarkable feel that really has to be experienced to be believed. As soon as you step inside, you can tell that an ICF building is extraordinary. Being inside an ICF home feels so quiet it can be compared to a recording studio. Leaning against a wall in the winter, it feels warm, even without heating on. It's not just beautiful, comfortable and quiet. You can feel that it's solid, and built to last.
The Fino Casementi is a multi-level Hotel in Christchurch, New Zealand - that was constructed using ICF. This building was designed with structural integrity and durability. After the devastating earthquake that took place in Christchurch in February 2011 - The ICF constructed building remained standing and did not sustain damage. ICF builds are designed to endure.
