ICF in Spain

	What is ICF?
	Why use ICF
	ICF Projects
	ICF villa designs
	ICF Finishes
	Q/A most frequently asked questions
	ICF Technical data

Although it looks new and different, anyone with construction experience can quickly get up to speed with ICFs. An ideal crew has a 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. And ICFs are very lightweight, so crews stay fresh through the day.

Likewise, ICFs present no problem for the sub-contractors who come 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 a snap

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.

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 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 The one shown below is rebated.

Check Dimensions

When designing with ICF it makes sense work in a 50mm module

Set out first four homes and fit supports.

First Floor Levelled

Build three high, level and set out for ops

Up To First Floor

Support all Lintols at window openings by propping with 4x2. This is very important and time must be taken to do it right.

Three of the first four ready to line out/ view of DPC

Ready To Pour

Before pouring make sure all stopends at door and window openings are in place and shutter is well sealed and supported.

Lined and lintils supported ready to pour concrete.

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.

Three units poured to first floor in one day

Concrete Spec

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.

C25 _ 10mm chip _ with 75 to 100 slump

Poured and Ready for Floor Slab

Always level and smooth concrete at top of shutter to ease placement of floor units and continuation of build.

Poured and lined through ready for floor slab

Radon Applied

Radon barrier is fitted and concrete floor units arrive on site. The units used onsite give a 9.2 meter free span. Allowing for maximum usage of floor area.

Flooring Units Onsite

Concrete flooring units are placed. At this stage you will notice that the under floor heating is in place as sub trades move in and take advantage of ICF's speed of construction.

Flooring Units Installed

With flooring units installed the structure is built to wall plate level ready for the POD installation and roofing.

Affordable Concrete Homes
Within the last decade many homeowners, builders and architects have come to realize the superiority of the ICF home and the ICF boom is under full swing. By 2015, ICF homes are expected to make up 15-25% of all new homes built. More and more homeowners are looking for quality-built homes that will save on heating and cooling, and also withstand natural disasters. As the oil prices continue to rise, more and more homeowners are seeing that cheap, stick-framed homes are eating into their retirement funds, while the minimal cost to heat or cool an ICF home may afford the concrete home owner an entirely more comfortable standard of living. If you choose to build ICF, rest assured we have experts here to support you all the way.

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.

A vast range of colours are available to the designer offering high colour fastness and resistance to UV light. High quality material and colour samples will be provided upon request. We colour in-house which means if you need more its not a 2 week delay. [Back]

New eco friendly Villas being built for the same price as traditional builds! have an ICF eco friendly villa built for the same price and up to 12 months quicker than a traditional villa in Spain. New green builds in Spain

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