Case Study : Benefits

SuperForm - A technologically advanced system which offers cost effective building with exceptional energy saving efficiencies. ICF Insulated Concrete Formwork) as a method of construction is one of the most modern forms of building, available today. The SuperForm ICF system combines the Structural Strength of concrete with the superb Insulation qualities of construction grade polystyrene to achieve a solid, energy efficient structure. ICF Building Blocks were used on the prestigious MillBrook Resort private mews over 10 years ago, also used on the 2000, & 2001 MasterBuild Supreme House's of the Year. 

Benefits of ICF Concrete Homes

Energy Efficiency:

Houses built with ICF (Insulated Concrete Formwork) exterior walls require an estimated 44% less energy to heat and 32% less energy
to cool than comparable wood frame houses.
Source: Vanderwerf, "Energy Consumption
Comparisons of Concrete Homes versus Wood
Frame Homes " Portland Cement Association 1997

Acoustic Performance:

About one-third as much sound gets through an ICF wall compared with an ordinary frame wall.
Source: Vanderwerf, Feige, Chammas, and Lemay, "Insulating Concrete Forms for Residential Design and Construction," McGraw Hill, 1997.

Fire Safety:

ICF walls will withstand up to four hours of intense fire and temperatures without structural failure, compared with wood frame that will fail in one hour or less.
Sources: Underwriters Laboratories Inc., "Fire Resistance Directory," 1988. Concrete and Masonry Industry Firesafety Committee, "Analytical Methods of Determining Fire Endurance of Concrete and Masonry Members- Model Code Approved Procedures," 1994.

Fire is five times more likely to spread when exposed to wood compared to exposure to plastic foams used in ICFs.
Source: Vanderwerf, Feige, Chammas, and Lemay, "Insulating Concrete Forms for Residential Design and Construction," McGraw Hill, 1997.

When exposed to fire, the emissions from plastic foams are no more toxic than those released by wood.
Source: Grand, Kaplan, and Harzell, "A Literature Review of the Combustion Toxicity of Expanded Polystyrene," Final Report, SwRI Project No. 01- 8818-507, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, May 1986.

Strength

According to the Portland Cement Association, (USA) concrete poured and cured inside ICF Polyblocks gains approximately 30% more strength, than the same concrete poured in wood forms.