An Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) is a hollow block of polystyrene that is stacked much like Lego blocks then it is filled with rebar and finally concrete. It is important that your builder is experienced with ICF construction as structural issues vary considerably from traditional framing methods and spaces left for doors and windows must be properly braced for concrete prior to the pour.
ICF Homes can be built in any architectural style or design. Interiors can be finished out as you would a traditionally wood framed home. With an ICF home, it is what you don’t see that makes all the difference. Homes framed with ICF blocks are structurally superior to wood framed homes. They can withstand winds up to 200mph, have a fire rating of up to 4 hours, when built with the proper compliment of windows, door and HVAC equipment they have R-values of R-22 to R-30 and can provide energy savings of 50-80%. Double Diamond is an experienced ICF builder and has worked with multiple ICF block companies.