About ICF Builds
Building services
What is ICF?
ICF is basically a 'kit form' house, supplied as a 'flat pack' and built in half the time of a traditional build. All panels are versatile so can be moulded to suit the customers requirements, i.e. bay windows, rounded rooms ect. As all buildings using the ICF method are eco friendly, they will be healthier for both the occupants and the environment.
Alternative building methods such as ICF construction are increasing in popularity over other building methods due to low building costs, lower energy costs, comfortable living and energy efficiency and safety benefits.
ICF is basically an age old technology using concrete that has been 'updated' to suit today's lifestyles. This insulated system of building offers quick construction based on moulded hollow block components that lock together to provide a basic frame into which reinforced concrete is poured. The blocks are assembled to create the shape of the building, which includes all window and door openings.
The hollow block is formed of sheets of insulated polystyrene tied together with plastic or steel ties into which concrete is pumped in to form a complete wall. When the concrete is set, it becomes a high strength structure that is up to 8 times stronger than a traditional build which is hurricane proof and fire resistant.
The exterior of the building can be finished with brick, stucco, pebbledash or any 'normal' building materials, so there is no difference in the external appearance than that of a conventional house.
See photos showing the progress of an ICF build >>
Although all builds in Spain are built with breeze block and concrete, they are not insulated and are built to keep the hot summer heat out. This means that they suffer with damp, mould and can be very cold in winter. Nearly all of the villas on urbanisations are built this way and buying a plot to 'self build' on these developments can be very restrictive in regards to choice of builder and design, but buying a plot to build in rural Spain gives you a lot more freedom of choice.
Inadequate insulation and leakage are the leading causes of energy waste in most homes. The Polystyrene blocks used in ICF provide the most effective thermal insulation.
Construction time is far less than a traditional build as just one ICF installer can build over 30sq ft per hour and just one experienced crew can install without the need for multiple subcontractors.
The benefits of an ICF construction are numerous, especially in a country like Spain where you want to keep heat out in summer, and retain it in winter. The eco friendly method not only helps the environment in general, but gives the owners a much healthier and cost effective place to live. The Costa Blanca is named by the World Health Organisation as one of the healthiest places to live, so it makes sense for your home to be as healthy as your outdoor lifestyle.
For further information on the eco-friendly ICF build method, please contact us.
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