ICF in Spain

ICF building systems in spain for a quick energy efficient new villa construction.

Using ICF is easy and makes a perfect self build option

Although it looks new and different, anyone with construction or a good base knowledge of DIY experience can quickly get up to grips with ICF build systems.

All you need amongst yourselves is a basic mix of concrete placement and carpentry experience. ICFs are very lightweight, so crews stay fresh throughout the day. Likewise, ICFs present no problem for the sub-contractors arriving after the walls are poured. Since holes and chases are easily cut into ICFs with a knife or saw, installation of mechanical systems is easy. The fastening of drywall and lap siding is just as fast and easy. And mid-course corrections, such as moving an opening, are no big deal - just saw it out and re-form. It's not more difficult to make changes to an ICF wall - it's just different.

ICF homes can be designed in any style, and will accept any traditional exterior finish including vinyl or wood siding, stucco and brick. Because custom angles and curves are easily created, it's simple to build in bows, bays and radiuses. And ICF systems accommodate any of today's most popular design features, such as tall walls, large openings, long floor spans, and cathedral ceilings.

Originally developed in Canada (where concrete home building is standard) ICF systems have been used successfully around the world for more than 40 years. Tens of thousands of ICF homes have been built in recent years throughout the United States and Canada. They have proven successful in every region and climate, from Orlando to Calgary. ICF systems are accepted by all the major model codes in the U.S. and by the National Building Codes in Canada. Several major european countries are now building with this system on a massive scale. It is recognised in Spain and most of europe and passes all necessary regulations.

ICF Self build Processes

Here's a quick overview of the various processes involved in building a structure using the ICF Building Methods.

Slab Detail

The slab detail is site specific. Strip Foundations can be used or you can use ICF to bring your structure out of the ground. It is recommended to subcontract this work out unless you have the necessary skills. You have to have the foundation or slab perfectly flat, there is very little room for error at this stage. With the slab perfectly flat, clean and sized correctly it makes the erecting of the ICF walls childs play, get it wrong here and it can be very problematic later.

Mark the slab for openings as per plan and build three high, level and set out for braces. Place braces every 1.5m and 60cm in from door and window openings. Place door pre markers in at this level. Generally at four boards high you are ready top place the window premarkers. Screw through braces at every level to keep the form work in place. The braces are adjustable to keep the wall upright and need checking periodically especially during the pour.
Screw through braces at every level to keep the form work in place. The braces are adjustable to keep the wall upright and need checking periodically especially during the pour. Window pre markers are placed into position and the ICF is then built up to roof height.

Start pouring concrete at one corner and continue working round the shutter. Fill about 1 metre in depth, then start the process again and continue until you have reached floor height. Remember to check the braces and alter accordingly to keep the walls vertical.You can use a boom pump or bucket to pour the concrete depending on access etc. Always work in teams of two when pouring concrete, with one controlling the pour while the other comes behind making sure the shutter is well filled to ensure no voids form.
It realy is that quick and easy. A one level 150m2 villa can be erected and poured within a week!

With ICF homes, the equation is simple. No Rot = Less Repair and Maintenance. Neither polystyrene nor concrete will ever rot or rust. Concrete can even be exposed to the elements for centuries with few ill effects. Reinforcing steel, buried deep inside and protected by concrete's alkalinity, does not corrode

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