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 systems.
Ideally you need amongst yourselves a basic mix of concrete placement and carpentry experience. Once the crew has some practice, each ICF-built home requires less skilled labor and less total labor than a wood-framed home. 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, chases and rectangles 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Here's a quick overview of the various processes involved in building a structure using the ICF Building Methods. We have total backup service and all tools to complete the DIY build are included in the price. Contact us for the easiest self build options available in Spain. Our self build eco villas come with all tachnical backup and design asistance, it couldnt be easier.
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. We can help with all outside labour contracts. A full extensive help manual is available free of charge.
First Four Leveled
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 pre markers.
Up To First Floor
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.
Ready To Pour
Before pouring make sure all stop ends at door and window openings are in place and shutter is well sealed and supported.
You will notice cling film around the pre markers. We use this or a lubricant oil to ease the task of removing the pre markers as we like to keep them for another job.
Concrete Onsite
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.
The whole house of over 250m2 was erected and poured within 5 days by four men, the pour taking one of those days.
Concrete Spec
You can use a boom pump or bucket to pour the concrete depending on access etc. On this job we used both at different times. 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. Leave adequate time for placement of concrete.
Concrete we use is grade C25 _ 10mm chip _ with 75 to 100 slump.
Flooring Units Installed
With flooring units installed the structure is built to first floor level ready for the first floor pour and start the process over again for a second floor if required or ready for the roof. There are many different ways to lay the floors and depending on design a block and beam floor is more widely used, the flooring system shown was used in accordance with the architects instructions due to the design of the Villa. On top of this wooden shuttering, blocks ares laid with a tremendous amount of steel and covered in concrete tying the whole structure together.
