ICF Construction

Maximising energy efficiency with ICF building

At Datum BCE, when we see benefits for you, our customer, we are happy to embrace new construction technologies and methodologies. With the worldwide demand on energy soaring, we believe in offering construction solutions that minimise energy usage throughout the life of a building.

What is ICF?

Insulated Concrete Forms or ICF is originally a Scandinavian construction technique that is now being widely adapted in Ireland and the UK. It generally involves light, premade forms that fit together as large interlocking blocks.

These forms are held together by high strength frames, and into this cavity, liquid concrete is then poured. By eliminating even the tiniest, unseen gaps that can occur in conventional block-work construction, you are ensuring an exceptionally high standard of airtightness, virtually eliminating thermal bridging.

What ICF can do for your project...

1

Ensure energy efficiency and maintain compliance

Our ICF-built residential homes are designed to meet the highest standards in quality and compliance with BER standards of A1-A3 typically delivered. ICF is flexible enough to be adjusted to incorporate onsite changes easily, including structural elements such as beams. It meets NZEB standards but can also be easily adapted in order to meet any new regulatory, compliance, or energy standards like that may well be introduced in the future like soundproofing or airtightness.
2

Reduce time and costs while increasing safety

As external walls are now being filled with liquid concrete and not built block-by-block, there are also substantial savings in terms of time, with an average semi-detached home taking about half the time than a block-built house of the same size. ICF typically results in substantially less wastage in construction materials as the moulds are easily cut to measure any nook, cranny, or alcove. And as the product is light and easy-to-use, crane or machinery hire is often not required and this also means that ICF building sites are typically safer, cleaner, and dryer than other more traditional methods.
3

ICF crews and speed

Our highly skilled teams can usually build one semi-detached unit to superstructure in just ten days. This is significantly faster than the traditional block-laying approach and the ICF system does not require the use of block-laying teams. All of our crews are trained with both our materials manufacturer and through our own, in-house training programmes. This ensures all of our homes are built to the same consistently high standard. In terms of personnel required, outside of traditional scaffolding, homes can be built by small three-man crews without the use of traditional tradesmen or techniques, much faster than other methods. ICF typically results in substantially less wastage in construction materials as the moulds are easily cut to measure any nook, cranny, or alcove. And as the product is light and easy-to-use, crane or machinery hire is often not required and this also means that ICF building sites are typically safer, cleaner, and dryer than other more traditional methods.

Upcoming ICF Project?

Brian Hayes is a construction project manager with 20 years experience on some of Ireland’s largest projects. He’d be delighted to speak with him about your next ICF construction project.