The Insulating Concrete Forms Magazine

$4.95

February/March 2006

2005 BuilderAward Winners

Correct ConcretePlacement

World of ConcreteReport

Options forWall Bracing

The Insulating Concrete Forms Magazine

� ICF BUILDER

Inside This IssueFeatures

12 Correct Concrete PlacementTips and tricks to ensure the job goes smoothly every time.

16 ICF Builder AwardsThe very best in ICF construction 18 Light Commercial: McGinnis Boy Scout Camp 20 Heavy Commercial: Conservatory Pond 22 Residential Development: Villas at Mt. Blanc 24 Custom Home: Parade Home 2005

28 Options for Wall BracingEnsure your walls are straight, level and plumb, regardless of height.

34 World of Concrete ReportICFs took center stage at this year’s show.

Departments6 As I See It: Into the Mainstream 8 In the News: Greenblock Acquisition9 ICF News Roundup36 Design Perspectives: What Homebuyers Want

On the Cover: Even with elegant 18-foot ceilings, this Texas ICF home has summer cooling cost of less than $120 per month. See p. 26 for more. Photo courtesy Matt McCoy.

12

16

28

34

6 ICF BUILDER

The ICF industry has crossed the Rubicon. Signs are everywhere that they are no longer an “alternative building material,” but a mainstream construction technique.

At the International Builders Show in Orlando, block manufacturers dominated the Concrete Pavilion and spilled into the adjoining hall. No longer were attendees asking exhibitors if the technology really worked. Instead, booths were packed with contractors asking questions about energy efficiency, durability and how one ICF brand compares to the next.

In Las Vegas, the evidence was even more obvious. World of Concrete planners made insulating concrete forms the focus of the outdoor “mega-demo.” Four major block manufacturers demonstrated how to stack, brace, and fill an ICF wall, complete with block-outs, corners, and brick ledges. The next day, they returned and finished them: stucco, brick, drywall, and electrical runs. The bleachers were filled to capacity. When the demo ended, the crowd swarmed the lot, asking questions and picking up literature.

Did I mention the “How to Use ICFs” seminar? It was one of the best attended classes of the week, and ran 20 minutes overtime with questions. More than 150 copies of this magazine were snatched up before the room had fully emptied.

Industry growth is phenomenal. Commercial construction—just 25% of the industry—is already using as many forms as the entire residential sector did in 2002.

This growth and acceptance is largely due to the outstanding reputation ICF projects have earned. In this issue we salute a few of them. Award winners begin on page 16.

If you’re just getting started in the industry, this issue can help you with the basics of bracing and concrete placement. We’ll see your project here next year.

As I See It…by Clark Ricks

Into the Mainstream

PublisherSummit Publishing, LLC

Advertising ManagerCraig Shorts

Editorial DirectorClark Ricks

Art DirectorJason Robinson

ContributorsRon Albright

Susanne Andres Paul Foresman

Louise LemoineMatt McCoy

Beverly StevenartSandra Wigdahl

Summit Publishing884 East 700 North

Mapleton, UT, 84664toll free: 877-229-9174

editorial: ext. 2sales: ext. 1

subscriptions: ext. 3fax: 801-494-3232

ICF Builder magazine is the sole property of Summit Publishing, LLC. Publishing schedule is bi-monthly: February, April, June, August, October, and December.Copyright © 2006 by Summit Publishing. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. ICF Builder is a trademark of Summit Publishing.For subscription service or change of address, write to: ICF Builder Magazine, 884 East 700 North, Mapleton, UT, 84664. Please include your address label from a recent issue.Mail any correspondence about the magazine to: ICF Builder Magazine, 884 East 700 North, Mapleton, UT, 84664. Send story ideas and unsolicited manuscripts to the above address for consideration. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you wish to have the materials returned.

February/March 2006 �

8 ICF BUILDER

In The News

Greenblock Worldwide, the oldest ICF supplier in North America, has been acquired by ICF Solutions, Inc.

“The addition of Greenblock strengthens our… ability to reach customers throughout North America, making it more convenient for builders to utilize ICFs,” says Tim Highstone, president and CEO of ICF Solutions.

ICF Solutions is a California-based holding company that already owns Insulated Concrete Walls, Inc., a contractor that installs Greenblock and other ICF brands in key high-volume building markets.

The move makes ICF Solutions the first vertically integrated company in the industry, with the ability to transform raw EPS bead into finished ICF wall without having to outsource any step of the process.

That may translate into lower prices for the homeowner. “One of the greatest obstacles to getting costs down on ICFs is the number of steps the material goes through,” says Steve Reiter, a Greenblock manager. “The EPS molder, the block manufacturer, the distributor and the contractor all add their fees to the block price. This move will allow us eliminate those middlemen.”

It may also allow them to reduce costs as well.Jeff Alexander, vice president and COO of Insulated

Concrete Walls, agrees. “Greenblock’s market recognition, product diversification, and manufacturing partners, combined with Insulating Concrete Walls…forms a strong business model for manufacturing, selling, furnishing, and installing ICFs.”

The consolidated company will also begin an aggressive sales

and marketing plan designed to convert builders and contractors from conventional framing to ICF technology.

Corporate functions will be consolidated to headquarters in Stuart, Fla., but the company will maintain a production and fulfillment facility in the Colorado Springs area.

As an operating division of ICF Solutions, Greenblock will continue to produce its well-known forms under its own label. Manufacturing will continue at all 14 production facilities currently under contract.

Larry Lichtenegger, the industry legend who helped found Greenblock in the mid-1980s, is staying on through the transition period, but is expected to leave in mid-April once the reorganization is complete.

“This agreement will help take Greenblock to the next level,” he says. “I came to the realization that I had taken the company as far as I could, and that accepting [the buyout offer] was the best choice for everyone involved.”

Jim Leatherman, national sales manager at the new Greenblock, says the deal just made sense. “We have a good client who will build around 300 houses this year in Florida and California. We now have the capability to produce all the block he’ll be using in-house.” Leatherman notes that IC Walls, the installation side of the company, will still work with whatever brand of ICF is specified by the owner or architect.

“We’re optimistic about the future of the ICF industry in general,” says Leatherman. “We see a lot of opportunities in the marketplace, and feel that with this acquisition we are better positioned to capitalize on that.”

Greenblock Acquisition

IBS Show Attracts Record NumberMore than 105,000

housing professionals gathered in Orlando, Fla. last month for the 2006 International Builders’ Show, making it the best-attended annual convention in NAHB’s history.

The Orange County Convention Center was packed with 967,000 sq. ft. of exhibits showcasing

the most innovative products and services aimed specifically at the residential and light commercial construction industries.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell kicked off the four-day expo with an address at the opening ceremonies.

In conjunction with the expo, the NAHB elected their executive team for 2006. David Pressly, of Statesville, N.C. is now serving as NAHB president. Brian Catalade of Playa del Rey, Calif. is the new first vice president.

Mexican Cement Tariffs to be LiftedAuthorities in the U.S. and Mexico have reached an

agreement that would put an end to the high U.S. import taxes on Mexican Cement.

Under the proposed settlement, which could be finalized within months, the U.S. will reduce duties on Mexican cement from $26 to $3 per ton, and Mexican imports will be permitted to grow to 3 million metric tons annually, up from last year’s level of approximately 2 million tons. After three years, the quotas and duties would be entirely eliminated.

It is hoped that the agreement will alleviate cement shortages which have now been reported in more than 30 states. Many builders claim the shortages have created construction delays and significantly increased the cost of building projects.

“With U.S. capacity running at full tilt, the nation still must import more than 20% of its cement supply in order to meet domestic needs,” says NAHB President David Pressly. Because of its close proximity to the U.S., Mexico is the logical source for

cement. Not only does it have excess capacity, but it takes only four days to import cement from Mexico, compared with 40 days from Asia.

The accord is structured so that Florida and the Gulf region, the areas with the most critical shortage, will receive the greatest amount of Mexican cement—up to 500,000 tons per year. Other areas receiving significant amounts include Arizona (1.25 million tons), New Mexico/El Paso (725,000 tons) and California (150,000 tons).

“The pact is vital…as the rebuilding efforts from Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma get into full swing,” says Pressly. “We urge both governments to quickly finalize the accord so that we can achieve this important objective as soon as possible.”

ICFA Meeting in VirginiaThe Insulating Concrete Forms Association will be holding

their Spring Meeting and Expo April 24-26, 2006 in Norfolk, Virginia at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. At press time, exhibitor booths are still available. For additional information, visit www.forms.org.

The ICFA has also redesigned its website. In addition to containing all the information from the previous site, the new layout also contains testimonials, educational materials, a bookstore, and information explaining the benefits of ICF construction.

Housing Has Another Record Year, Growth to Slow in 2006

The U.S. Commerce Department estimates homebuilders constructed more than two million houses in 2005, despite the year-end slowdown.

“All in all, 2005 will be remembered as a superb year for the housing industry, thanks to highly favorable interest rates and strong buyer demand,” said NAHB President David Pressly.

Total housing starts for the year 2005 topped 2.06 million units, up 5.6% from 2004 and the second-highest starts number

February/March 2006 �

ICF News Roundup

10 ICF BUILDER

on record following 1972’s 2.36 million units. Single-family homes hit 1.71 million units, the highest level ever.

In December, single-family fell 12.3%, while multifamily increased 10%. Total housing starts declined 8.9%.

“This report is an indication that the market is returning to a healthy and more sustainable pace, and is in line with what our builder surveys have been telling us,” said David Seiders, NAHB economist.

According to Ben Engebreth’s Housing Tracker Web site, sale prices have fell more than 5% since October in several major cities, including Boston, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix and Washington, D.C.

The drop in housing demand “seems to be real this time,” says Wellesley College economist Karl Case. “Housing on the coasts has gotten too expensive, mortgage rates are headed up and people have gotten spooked by the bubble talk. There just aren’t a lot of good arguments that real estate will continue to boom.”

New Green Building Guidelines AvailableThe National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) new

book, Model Green Home Building Guidelines, is now available in a spiral-bound edition for easy reference at the job site.

A new edition of the Green Building Public Relations Toolkit is also available. The kit provides information, tips, and recommended strategies for launching a successful green building program. To order either item, contact Diane Webb at (800) 368-5242 x8290.

Perma-Crete Gains ICC Approval Perma-Crete, a textured acrylic finish popular with ICFs,

has been approved by the International Code Council for all types of commercial and residential surfaces.

The ICC is the predominant construction code in the United States and many other parts of the world. With the new ICC approval, ICF contractors should find it easy to convince officials that Perma-Crete is a top-tier exterior finish.

The compound is designed for both vertical and horizontal applications, and has twice the overall strength and endurance as that of standard concrete. With a compressive strength of over 2000 psi, the product is durable enough for use on freeway overpasses and airport runways.

Perma-Crete is manufactured by Quality Systems, Inc. and distributed worldwide through over 1,000 dealers.

Quadlock Promotes StinchfieldQuadlock Building Systems has

announced that Rhyno Stinchfield has been promoted to Director of North American Sales.

Stinchfield developed the company’s highly successful U.S. distribution system of partnering with regional building

material suppliers. The system also emphasizes face-to-face meetings between the company and regional partners, where sales managers can offer individualized assistance with local sales and marketing efforts.

“We’d like to roll out this plan all across North America,” says Hubert Max Kustermann, CEO of Quad-Lock. “The logical first step was to promote Rhyno.”

“It’s… a fascinating time for the ICF industry,” says Stinchfield. “We aren’t a burgeoning technology any more, we’re becoming a mainstream building solution.”

BuildBlock offers Special FinancingIndymac Bank and BuildBlock Building Systems have

announced a partnership agreement that makes ICF home-

ownership easier and more affordable than ever before. Indymac Bank is a national leader in home construction

financing. In 2004 they were rated “Best Choice” for home construction lending. In addition to offering energy-efficient mortgages, Indymac offers a Construction-to-Permanent Loan, which simplifies home financing tremendously. Loans for the land purchase, construction costs, and long-term mortgage are handled in a single application.

BuildBlock is one of the fastest-growing ICF brands in North America, with seven manufacturing plants and a network of distributors covering the U.S. and Canada.

The Disaster-Proof Building Material?A new PBS documentary on disaster-resistant housing claims

that wood-frame construction is best. Not surprisingly, major funding for the program comes from the American Wood Council. The feature, produced in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, is currently playing in U.S. television markets west of the Mississippi. The two 30-minute segments are available for viewing at: www.itvisus.com/programs/homes/watch.asp.

The AWC’s construction manual is cited during the program as a good tool for designing disaster resistant homes.

February/March 2006 11

12 ICF BUILDER

Proper concrete placement is essential in any ICF project. Improper mix design, placement, scheduling or vibration can lead to voids, rock pockets, delays, and in extreme cases, bulged walls and blowouts.

A comprehensive study of all the factors involved to create perfect concrete, perfectly placed in every situation would require a book. But we can take a good look at basics of concrete placement: mix design, placement, and consolidation techniques. With a little common sense, most major problems can be avoided.

Mix DesignEvery form manufacturer specifies a mix for their brand of

ICF. Find out what that is, and ask if it needs to be modified for your specific project. For instance, a hot summer day in Arizona may require more water than the same wall being poured in a Minnesota winter. Likewise, the width of the wall cavity and amount of reinforcing steel may necessitate a higher slump or smaller aggregate.

Your local ready-mix plant is another good source. Most are already familiar with ICFs. A surprising number of them have become form distributors, and know first-hand what mix design works best in your area.

A 3,000 psi mix with 3/8-inch aggregate is typical. It should be flowable, but not too soupy. A slump of 5 ½ to 6 inches is about right for most applications. If you are using a post-and-beam or waffle-grid ICF, such as ReddiForm or ICE Block, you may want a higher slump. Be aware that the mix taken from the back of the concrete truck may not be the same as what’s coming out of

the pump. (It’s usually slightly soupier after pumping.) However, unless the job is enormous, the difference is small enough that it’s not worth testing.

Admixtures are becoming increasingly common. Plasticisers increase flowability without adding water. They also contribute to high early strength, and are quite cost-effective. Wait until the truck is at the jobsite before adding plasticisers; some will lose their effectiveness if there are delays.

Pumping aids, which help the mix flow smoothly through the boom, are also common.

In recent months, there has been a lot of talk about steel fiber. Philip Constantini, a respected ICF consultant and presenter at the 2006 World of Concrete, says steel fiber is becoming cost competitive. “At 45 pounds per cubic yard, it will replace #4 rebar on 18 inch centers. The cost is about the same, but it saves on labor.” Constantini estimates that on a typical basement, fiber saves about half a day of labor.

He cautions, “Be sure to tell your pump operator that you’ll be using steel. He will probably want to order a few yards of grout, and some will refuse to pump.”

Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is just starting to hit North American markets. SCC is so thin that it “flows like chocolate milk” according to one user. No vibration is necessary, but concerns about form pressure, strength, and price have limited its use. SCC costs from $20 to $50 more per yard than regular concrete.

Lastly, you may want to have a few bags of set retarder on site. Jobsite delays, heavy traffic, and hot weather can all create situations when you need it.

A little common sense, and an understanding of the basics will ensure your pours go smoothly every time.

SchedulingWith a little planning, however, you

can eliminate surprises. First, be sure your site is ready

for concrete on the day the pump is scheduled. Ensure bracing is secure, and that scaffolding and railings are in place well before the pump arrives.

Schedule the pump truck to arrive at least an hour before the concrete. He’ll need the time to set outriggers, unfold the boom, and prime the pump. Trucks from the batch plant should be scheduled to arrive about 25 minutes apart.

PlacementYes, it is possible to fill ICFs without

a pump truck—just like it’s possible to build wooden braces and hand mix the concrete—but virtually no one does it because boom pumps are so convenient and cost effective. If your jobsite or geographic location truly eliminates the possibility of a pump truck, look into renting a trailer-mounted concrete pump. A third option is a grout pump or mortar machine. Most contractors, however, consider a good pump truck with an experienced operator a must-have for ICF work.

Traditionally, pumpers have used two 90º elbows attached to the end of the boom to slow the concrete down before it enters the forms. Some have upgraded to a “ram’s horn” made from four elbows. Be sure something is in place.

February/March 2006 13

For maximum efficiency,

schedule trucks from the batch

plant to arrive 25 minutes apart.

1� ICF BUILDER

For small-cavity forms, look into getting a Ruff-Neck reducing hose from Con Forms. It necks down the 5-inch diameter pump pipe to 3 ½ inches. The reduction naturally decreases the concrete speed, so it doesn’t need elbows or a ram’s horn. It will also greatly reduce splatter and “boom bounce.”

If you can’t get a reducer, request a collapsible hose. Sometimes you can make one from a short length of fire hose.

Whatever system you use, communicate with your pump truck operator. Many will climb on the scaffolding with the remote control around their neck and follow along just a few feet behind you. Good communication is essential.

Fill your openings—below window bucks and around doors—first to ensure good consolidation. Then, work your way around the walls, filling the forms in four-foot lifts. It’s possible to fill a wall 10 feet or higher in a single lift if necessary, but be confident your bracing, stacking, and brand of form are up to the job.

If possible, avoid pouring concrete directly into the corners. Instead, hold the hose a few feet from the corner and let it gradually flow into place. Then crimp the hose, move past the corner and continue filling.

If the project won’t be completed in a single pour, cover the interlocks on the block tops to keep them splatter-free. A simple L made from two 1x4s screwed together longitudinally works well.

Mix segregation worries many contractors and code officials, but recent studies have shown that no significant segregation occurs even when concrete is dropped from a height of 8 feet. Above that height, problems may appear. “The problem is that it hits the ties, which scatters the aggregate, and separates it from the matrix,” says Brent Anderson, an ICF consultant.

ConsolidationUnless you use a self-consolidating

concrete, you will need to vibrate the mix to eliminate rock pockets and voids. (The April/May issue of this magazine will take an in-depth look at this topic.)

Check with your form manufacturer for vibrating requirements. Most will recommend a “pencil” vibrator with a head no larger than one inch in diameter. The vibrator should follow at least 3 to 4 feet behind the boom operator.

In lieu of a vibrator, some contractors will shake the vertical rebar

to consolidate the mix. Oztec has taken the idea one step further with a mechanical rebar shaker.

Good communication with your pump truck operator is essential. Note the reducing hose and wooden splatter guards.

Fill the form in four-foot lifts. If your job requires taller lifts,

be sure your bracing, stacking, and form

brand can handle it.

Another common technique is to bang on the outside of the forms with a short length of 2x4. A more effective method is to use a reciprocating saw, such as a Sawz-all, with no blade to vibrate the outside of the forms.

By starting with a good mix, placing it intelligently with a pump truck, and consolidating it carefully within the manufacturer’s guidelines, nearly all concrete placement problems can be avoided.

February/March 2006 15

A typical ICF mix design is 3,000 psi with 3/8-inch aggregate and a slump of 5 ½ to 6 inches.

Admixtures, such as plasticisers, pumping aids, and fiber are becoming cost effective.

Pump truck should arrive an hour before the concrete. Trucks from the batch plant should arrive about 25 minutes apart.

Use two 90º elbows or a rams horn to slow the concrete down as it leaves the boom.

A reducing hose can reduce splatter and increase efficiency.

Fill your openings first to ensure good consolidation.

Avoid pouring concrete directly into corners. Instead, hold the hose a few feet away and let it flow into place.

A simple L made from 1x4s can keep block tops splatter-free.

Use a reciprocating saw with no blade to vibrate the outside of the forms.

Concrete Tips

Use a pencil vibrator no larger than one-

inch in diameter. It should follow 3-4 ft.

behind the boom operator.

The winners of the 2005 ICF Builder Awards have been selected. First announced at the International Builders Show in Orlando, Fla., the winning projects represent the best in insulated concrete form construction.

The competition is an annual event designed to showcase the innovation, quality, and energy-efficiency of ICF construction, and promote them as a sustainable, durable and attractive building material.

This year’s contest attracted a large number of entries, ranging from a 120,000 sq. ft. development in Nova Scotia to a 3,500 sq. ft. custom home in Texas. “The variety and scale of projects being built with ICFs is truly astounding,” said Clark Ricks, organizer of the competition and co-owner of ICF Builder magazine. “It’s time these outstanding projects receive industry-wide recognition, and we feel privileged to take a leading role in that.”

Winners were chosen in four categories: Light Commercial,

Heavy Commercial, Custom Home, and Residential Development. A “Best Overall” Project of the Year was also selected.

Judging was based on a number of factors, weighted to favor projects whose size, complexity, and design set new standards or advanced

the industry. (See sidebar for details.)

Competition was particularly fierce in the

custom home category, not surprising, considering that

residential construction comprised 70 percent of the industry last year. We asked the

experts at Design Basics—one of North America’s largest residential design firms—to help judge. With backgrounds in architecture, engineering, and sustainable design, they winnowed through the entrants to select a winner and two runners up.

Commercial construction, by far the fastest growing sector, also attracted a significant number of entries. Projects with a total cost of less than $5 million competed in the Light Commercial

Winning Projects Demonstrate Innovation, Efficiency

February/March 2006 1�

Projects were rated on the following criteria:

1. Architecture (Creative and Aesthetic Appeal) 10%

2. Complexity (sets new standards or advances the industry) 20%

3. Quality of Crafts- manship 10%

4. Size of the project (Project cost and square footage of exterior walls) 20%

5. Percentage of project built with ICFs 10%

6. Maximizing the Advantages of ICF construction. 30%

a. Floor Plan 10% b. Energy Efficiency 15% c. Sustainable Design 5%

category. Larger projects competed in the Heavy Commercial division.

The last contest category, Residential Development, represents the newest trend in the industry. All across the U.S. and Canada, investors are building neighborhoods of between 6 and 160 homes, entirely out of ICFs. Such developments are underway in California, Nevada, Arizona, North Carolina, Florida, and Minnesota.

The following pages beautifully illustrate the possibilities of ICF construction. We congratulate the winning teams, and appreciate the support of everyone who entered the competition. Additional photos of all the projects are available at www.icfmag.com.

Preparations are already underway for next year’s contest. Look for the entry form published in the June issue, or visit www.icfmag.com in early summer to enter online.

Best Light Commercial

McGinnis Education CenterSharpsburg, Penn., 12,000 sq. ft

Protecting and conserving the environment is a major focus of the Boy Scouts of America, so it was only natural that they chose ICFs for a new education center to be built at a scout camp just a few miles from down -town Pittsburgh.

“It was a good fit for us,” says Bob Mazzuca, head of the local Boy Scout council. “We’re a not-for-profit organization, and if over time we can save a significant amount of money in energy costs, that really makes sense. Our goal is to have this facility available for generations of young people.”

Actually two buildings in one, half of the center is a dormitory with space for 114 scouts at 6 per room. The other half contains a large dining/meeting room, two conference rooms, and a kitchen big enough to serve 160.

Situated in a narrow valley surrounded by 160 acres of pristine forest, the center was placed back into the hillside to avoid impacting a nearby stream. The rear wall of the building would serve as the retaining wall. For strength, the ICF installer used block with a 13-inch concrete core, with #5 reinforcing steel every 12 inches.

Conceived as an ICF structure from the start, the McGinnis Education Center maximizes the advantages of ICF construction right down to the building dimensions, which were optimized to reduce form waste. “The Boy Scouts wanted a building that was easy to maintain [and] efficient to operate,” says Gary Moshier, the building architect.

Columns on the large porch were salvaged from timber cleared from the site. In the large meeting room, automatic light dimmers compensate for sunlight. The roof deck is made from compressed recycled newspapers. And the halls feature wall panels

made from wheat straw. A “truth window” lets visitors see a cut-away view of the actual wall.

The building is the first BSA facility in the country to attempt LEED certification. ICF walls, coupled with high-performance windows and R-30 roofing should earn a gold level ranking.

“Incorporating these green building features is not difficult to do,” says Moshier. “It just takes some care and attention to detail from the architect and the builder.”

February/March 2006 1�

Project Fast FactsMcGinnis Education Center: Sharpsburg, Penn.Size: 12,000 sq. ftCost: $1.8 million Date Completed: April 2005 Owner: Boy Scouts of America, Greater Pittsburgh CouncilArchitect: Moshier StudioEngineer: Bert Davis & AssociatesGeneral Contractor: Turner Construction Co.ICF Installer: Solid Wall Construction

Other Important Information

ICF Block: Reward iForm with 11” and 13” coresWall Bracing: rBaseWaterproofing: Super Seal Basement SystemsLedgers/Joists: Louisiana PacificExterior Finishes: Certainteed WeatherboardsHeating/Cooling: Wirsbo In-Floor Radiant

Dave Barla, National Sales

Manager for Reward

Best Heavy Commercial

This large, three-story retirement residence not only placed first in the Heavy Commercial category, but also won “Best Overall” project of the year honors.

The Conservatory pond Retirement Residence required almost 100,000 sq. ft. of block, which was used on both interior and exterior walls to a height of 30 ft. above grade.

The decision to use ICFs was made in the early design stages by the architect, but it was only after several weeks of bidding that the general contractor chose IntegraSpec.

The final decision was only partially based on price. Insulated Concrete

Solutions, who won the bid, claims that in addition to being price competitive, they could also offer a more complete package, including EPS finished openings for all doors, windows and air-conditioning units. The EPS door bucks allowed them to pre-install all the steel door frames prior to the pour, a major time saver on a project of this size.

Conservatory Pond Retirement ResidenceKingston, Ontario, 84,000 sq. ft.

Another advantage IntegraSpec offered was the ability to use foam on only one side of the form to create an exposed concrete face (ECF) inside the elevator shafts as required by Canadian code.

Exterior walls used blocks with a 6 inch core, while interior walls used an 8 inch core to support the pre-cast concrete floors.

The contractor estimates the project was completed about two months sooner than traditional construction

methods would allow, and that the owners have already recouped any additional construction costs by opening the building 60 days early.

The quiet, energy-efficient complex is perfect for the lifestyle of the retirees that live there. “As the residents will be paying the heating and cooling costs of each unit, [ICF construction] will give them the maximum return on investment,” notes Juan Andres, president of Insulated Concrete Solutions.

Project Fast FactsConservatory Pond Retirement Residence: Kingston, OntarioSize: 84,000 sq. ft. / 96,000 sq. ft. of ICF walls usedCost: $5 millionConstruction Time: 180 daysDate Completed: January 2005 Developer: Succession Development GroupArchitect: Fabian Architects Ltd.Engineer: SWS EngineeringGeneral Contractor: Succession Development GroupICF Installer: Insulated Concrete SolutionsAdditional Team Member: St. Mary’s Cement

Other Important Information

ICF Block: IntegraSpec, with 6” and 8” coresWall Bracing: Insulated Concrete Walls Window and Door Bucks: IntegraSpecLedgers/Joists: Precast hollow-core concreteExterior Finishes: DuRock Duroscreen TAFS

& Best Overall

Susanne Andres ,Jim and Maria Buttrey

Best Development

The 2005 Residential Development of the Year got high marks for using ICFs to take advantage of an

otherwise very challenging site.

The Villas at Mt. Blanc is built on an old oil tank storage facility overlooking Halifax Harbor. It sat idle for 20 years while developers struggled to find an option acceptable to the neighboring community.

The site has a beautiful view overlooking the harbor, and is just minutes from downtown, but was thought to be far too noisy for residential development.

“With the use of ICF walls, we created a very cost-effective and aesthetically

pleasing high-end residential community, despite being within 50 ft. of one of the busiest

arteries in the city, a major 4-lane bridge, a

Villas at Mt. BlancHalifax, Nova Scotia, 41 units, 120,000 sq. ft.

February/March 2006 23

rail/truck facility, and a major harbor, all of which operate 24/7,” writes Louis Lemoine, vice-president at Polycorp Developments.

Polycorp was not only the developer, but also served as general contractor and ICF installer as well. The 41-unit townhome community is just minutes from downtown Halifax, and is the largest project of its type in Eastern Canada.

“The impact on the surrounding community has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Lemoine. “Skeptical neighbors now benefit from the addition of a stable higher-end demographic and enhanced property values.”

“These homes are incredibly quiet,” he continues. “Residents say they cannot hear any noise through party walls, and when the windows are closed, they cannot hear street noise.”

One additional benefit to residents at The Villas is that they spend 20 to 25 percent less on their heating bills. Nova Scotia sells electricity during off-peak hours at a 30 to 50 percent discount. The in-floor radiant heat is powered by electric boilers set on

timers to maximize savings. The heated, second-story concrete floors are supported by Hambro open-web joists, which allow savings throughout the units.

“Our biggest challenge was to find the skilled tradesmen to construct the ICF walls,” Lemoine says. “In concert with Arxx, we identified a residential formwork crew with limited experience and trained them ourselves… Arxx provided us with excellent marketing materials and built the relationship with regular trips to the region.”

He says, “Our competitors thought we were nuts when we started construction… Now two years later, ICF construction is becoming more common in our marketplace.”

Project Fast FactsVillas at Mt. Blanc: Halifax, Nova ScotiaSize: 41 units, 120,000 sq. ft. Cost: $7.5 millionDuration: 2 ½ yearsDate Completed: September 2005 Architect: Michael Napier ArchitectureEngineer: Sherwood EnterprisesGeneral Contractor: Polycorp Developments, Inc.ICF Installer: Polycorp Developments, Inc.

Other Important Information

ICF Block: Arxx Building SystemsWall Bracing: Arxx BracingWaterproofing /Drainage: SupremaLedgers/Joists: Hambro Open Web JoistsExterior Finishes: Vinyl SidingHeating/Cooling: In-Floor Radiant

Tom Patton and Sherri Bebee

Best Custom Home

Project Fast FactsParade Home 2005: Pueblo, ColoradoSize: 6,500 sq. ft., + 900 sq. ft. unfinished Cost: $545,000 Duration: 8 months Date Completed: July 2005Architect: UndisclosedEngineer: C&M ConsultingGeneral Contractor: Craftsman Home and DesignICF Installer: Polysteel of the Southwest, Ltd.

Other Important Information

ICF Block: American Polysteel 4600-2 (6” core)Wall Bracing: ReechcraftWaterproofing /Drainage: Platon (Armtec)Window/Door Blockouts: Vinyl Technologies V-BuckLedgers/Joists: Dietrich SteelExterior Finishes: El Rey Stucco and Monier concrete roof tilesHeating: Dunkirk/Wirsbo in-floor radiant

Parade Home 2005Pueblo, Colorado, 6,500 sq. ft., + 900 sq. ft. unfinished

Strong, Sustainable, and Unique DesignThe judging panel gave the 2005 Best Custom Home high

marks for craftsmanship and architecture. “Very unique design –love the originality,” commented one judge. “Super detailing and awesome interior design and architecture!” raved another.

But the beautiful styling isn’t all that makes this home a winner. It also earned top marks in energy-efficiency and sustainability.

Pueblo-style homes are unique with their meandering angles, log vigas, and parapet walls. This home is no exception. The one-story house with a walk-out basement has 33 corners. True to the pueblo style, the house is finished with a traditional sand stucco and concrete roof tiles.

Hundreds of feet of retaining wall manage the sloping site. In total, 8,000 sq. ft. of block was used on the project.

“During the construction period, hundreds of onlookers stopped by,” writes Beverly Stevenart, project manager at Craftsman Homes and Design. “I believe this project ‘raised the bar’ for how strong, how quiet, how safe a home can be.”

The home is also extremely energy efficient. Energy-rated via computer model, it scored 94 out of 100 points. That makes it 70 percent more efficient that a standard new house built to the Model Energy Code.

The energy conserving theme is carried throughout the house, with air-tight cans and fluorescent lighting, as well as natural-fiber biodegradable carpet.

Part of the Pueblo, Colo., Parade of Homes, the residence was awarded the People’s Choice Award and broke attendance records. “It’s an award-winning, attractive, quality example of ICF construction,” Stevenart says.

February/March 2006 25

Patrick Murphy, President of PolySteel

At over 15,000 sq. ft., this project uses nearly every size and shape of Arxx form manufactured. Smith Brothers, the general contractor and ICF installer, had never built with insulating concrete forms before, but were converted to the

building method after attending an educational seminar hosted by the local form distributor.

“The Arxx system, Arxx representatives, Arxx educational seminars, and local supplier seemed to be a complete support system that

could be relied on,” the entry notebook states.It is a challenging design. Ceiling heights vary from 8 to

16 feet, and the architect’s horizontal lines are carried beyond the house with retaining and landscaping walls, also built with Arxx ICFs. Basement walls started 12 feet below grade. First floor truss heights varied from 8 to 16 feet. Window blockouts were sometimes more than 10 feet wide.

With help from the Arxx support team, Smith Bros. was able to complete their largest-to-date project in an efficient and high-quality manner.

The judges liked the results. “Outstanding design – home carefully planned to harmonize with the site,” one commented. “Excellent quality, craftsmanship and materials used,” another noted.

Most importantly, the owners are happy with the balance of highly energy efficient walls and bright cheery interiors.”

“This home is a great blend of luxury and sustainability,” the entry notebook states, and our judges agreed.

They also liked the architecture. “Very creative, unique home – nice use of stucco/stone and standing seam roof,” writes one judge. “Great mix of clean lines and warm wood tones,” writes another.

Underneath the luxurious appearance, however, lies one of the most eco-friendly projects submitted to this year’s contest. Despite having 18-foot ceilings and 3,500 sq. ft., electrical bills in the heat of the Texas summer barely reach $117.

“The residence is a state-of-the-art demonstration of sustainable technology,” says Matt McCoy, builder of the house. In addition to ICF walls, the owner installed high-performance windows, a radiant roof barrier, and energy-star appliances throughout the house. Outside, sustainable elements include the pervious concrete driveway, fence made from painted rebar, and a rainwater collection system to reduce water consumption.

“If we are going to use tax dollars to build residential structures, it only makes sense that we make them as long-lasting and energy-efficient as possible. Not to mention the comfort and safety of the individuals and families,” says McCoy. “It is a win-win situation all the way around.”

26 ICF BUILDER

First Runner-Up, Custom HomeO’Donnell Residence: Pueblo, ColoradoSize: 15,000 sq. ft. Cost: $1,800,000Duration: 15 months Date Completed: Sept. 2005Architect: Architecture Workshop, Inc.General Contractor: Smith Brothers, Inc.ICF Installer: Smith Brothers, Inc.Additional Team Member: Hanover Concrete Co.

Other Important InformationICF Block: Arxx Building SystemsWall Bracing: Arxx BracingWaterproofing: Arxx MaxxWrapDrainage: Certainteed Form-A-DrainLedgers/Joists: Simpson Strong-Tie/Georgia PacificExterior Finishes: Dryvit

Runners Up ResidentialFor more information and additional photos, log onto www.icfmag.com.

Second Runner-Up, Custom HomeM___ Residence: Pueblo, ColoradoSize: 3,500 sq. ft. (of ICF Walls) Cost: Not Disclosed Duration: 8 months Date Completed: Feb. 2004Architect: Living Architecture/WSMEngineer: Pat CaballeroGeneral Contractor: South River ConstructionICF Installer: South River Construction

Other Important InformationICF Block: Arxx Building SystemWall Bracing: Arxx BracingWindow/Door Blockouts: Arxx V-BlockLedgers/Joists: McCoy’s Building SupplyExterior Finishes: Rock and StuccoHeating and Cooling: Bryant Heating and Cooling

1st Runner Up, Custom Home O’Donnell Residence

2nd Runner Up, Custom Home M__ Residence

28 ICF BUILDER

How To…

No matter what your level of experience, bracing is an issue every ICF installer deals with on every job. And the higher the walls go, the more complicated it gets.Yet by following a few simple guidelines, and knowing what equipment is available, just about any wall can be braced safely and easily.

General Rules“Square and support your corners early in the build.

Don’t wait until you’re six or seven courses high and scrambling to make your adjustments,” says Philip Constantini, an ICF construction consultant.

Usually, the bracing is attached after the first three courses are stacked, with one brace for every 5 or 6 feet of wall. “It’s engineered that way on a number of levels,” says Tom Sommerville, president of Plumwall, Ltd., “from the length of scaffolding plank to wind load requirements to concrete pressures.” Windows and doors need a brace on each edge, and corners and ‘T’s require additional bracing as well.

How much bracing does that add up to? Dan Kackman, sales director at Reechcraft, says, “A good rule of thumb is that with 32 units you can do a 1500 sq. ft. basement.”

Bracing is usually attached to the interior side of the walls. On below grade work, it’s often the only practical location. The building footprint also provides a flat, level place to stack, store, and assemble the braces.

“Your options are to build bracing using 2x4—which none of the manufacturers recommend—or to use some type of metal bracing system,” says Scott Crawford. Crawford rents bracing in the Colorado area to all types of ICF builders. Renting is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to purchasing your own—often expensive—set.

Use #10 or #12 self-tapping screws to attach the strongbacks to furring strips in the block. Some contractors use regular drywall screws, but Tom Patton, a technical director at Arxx Building Products, recommends using something heavier. Check with your block manufacturer for exact specifications.

Crawford offers another tip. “Put a screw in the center of the slot

February/March 2006 2�

to allow for block compression.” Tighten the screw enough to keep the wall snug against the brace, but realize that the joint will need to slip when you adjust the wall.

Plumb the wall with a level, then stake the turnbuckle to the ground, or screw it securely to the subfloor. If a concrete slab with radiant heat is already in place, it’s a little more complicated. Patton recommends gluing a short length of 2x6 to the floor with construction adhesive, then fastening the shoe to the wood.

Before you pour your first lift, set a string line on the outside of the wall to ensure the wall is straight and plumb. Many contractors with adjustable metal bracing will pull the wall about ¼ inch inside of plumb just before pouring, knowing walls have a tendency to shift outward when filled with concrete. If it doesn’t, it’s a simple matter to push it to the string line with the turnbuckle.

An alternate method is to stretch a line from one corner strongback to the next to ensure every brace along the wall is in alignment.

Bracing OptionsOf course, if you’re using wooden

bracing, neither of those is an option. Be sure your braces are square, plumb and secure before you pour. It is virtually impossible, not to mention dangerous, to try and adjust a wooden brace once the wall is full of wet concrete.

Sommerville lists other reasons nearly all serious contractors have switched to metal bracing systems. “Wood warps in a number of directions and twists in the weather, so you’re starting the house with a warped wall. Any metal brace is going to be faster, quicker, and simpler. Bracing

takes less than a day, and you end up with a better wall, because you have a good adjustment system.”

The turnbuckle adjustment system and integral scaffolding were pioneered by Reechcraft as the ICF industry was just gaining steam.

“We got into the business in 1999,” says Kackman. “We had other bracing products, but it wasn’t specific for ICFs.

Manufacturers came to us looking to get jobsite quality up. After a few sketches on a napkin to get the concept right, we started with the Panel Jack. We’ve tweaked it over the years to make it easier for the contractor.”

Reechcraft bracing is available through a network of distributors, but can be purchased directly by the contractor as well. In a bind, they can “hot stamp” an

30 ICF BUILDER

order and have it shipped the next day. Reward and ECO-Block also market it as a private label product.

Arxx Building Products, perhaps the largest ICF manufacturer, produces its own brace. “It’s a heavier brace than competing products, and it works well with traditional scaffolding,” says Patton.

“It’s also specifically designed to work with our block.” The company has more than 500 distributors in the U.S. and Canada, most of which have the braces in stock and available for rent.

Plumwall offers two styles of bracing for residential work, the “Classic,” which folds up conveniently and is available in lengths of 8, 10, and 12 feet, and the “Econobrace,” designed for the price-conscious contractor who only does a few jobs per year. Incidentally, Plumwall is the only company that offers a brace designed specifically for stem walls or frost walls less than four feet tall.

Mono-Brace, the newest entry in the market, is an ingenious self-contained system where everything—including the safety rails and pins—folds into the strongback. An additional bonus: all parts are attached to the frame.

“Your crew doesn’t arrive on the jobsite and realize that they’ve forgotten some piece of the system,” explains Jeff Bresler, chief marketing officer. “It also stacks better than some systems out there.”

The downside of folding systems is that they can get heavy. An 8-foot brace weighs 50 or 60 pounds. A 12-foot brace weighs 70 or 80.

In the last year or so, several companies have begun offering L-shaped strongbacks for corners to simplify a task that previously required two braces.

“Regardless of what system you use, the amount of time saved by a good bracing set is astronomical,” says Sommerville. “With labor costs the way they are, adjustable metal bracing is the only way to go.”

Tall WallsAs commercial ICF construction has

become more popular—experts indicate it will grow 40 to 50 percent just this year—the question of how to brace walls over 20

Commercial systems let you pour as high as 24 ft. without needing scaffolding.

February/March 2006 31

feet tall has become more urgent.Bracing companies have responded to

the demand by creating new commercial systems, most created in the last year or two.

“Our message to the contractors is, ‘Don’t be afraid to bid the big jobs, ‘cause we’ve got your back.,’” says Kackman.

The most common method is to stack and brace the first 8 feet of wall as normal, then pour. Once the concrete has cured, strip the bracing, set up buck scaffolding and tie it into the wall. Then you can begin the process again, bracing off the scaffolding for the next level. Mono-Brace is specifically designed to snap onto scaffolding this way.

Obviously this process is fairly labor intensive. It also requires renting a pump truck more than once. So manufacturers have developed other options.

For walls less than 24 feet tall, Plumwall and Reechcraft offer commercial bracing systems that don’t require scaffolding, or pouring in stages.

“With our system, if a guy is going up 24 feet, he can stop every 8 feet to pour the walls, or he can stack the entire wall, cut in windows, and pour from the side,” says Sommerville. “One other feature that makes us unusual is that you can adjust for plumb while you are on the platform.” Adjustments are made with a variable-speed cordless screw gun.

For really tall walls, pouring in stages is still the only way to get the job done.

“You’ve got to pour the bottom section of the wall first, and tie the scaffolding into the finished wall. Otherwise you have nothing solid to brace against, and everything moves when you start to pour,” says Alan Johnson, president of IMS Masonry. His company stacked the ICF walls of a 20-sceen megaplex in Utah that reached as high as 52 ft. A picture of that project appeared on the cover of the October issue of this magazine.

“We’ve had to create our own anchoring system to tie the scaffold into the wall as we go up,” he says. “[The block manufacturer] had a bracing system, but there was no good way to connect it. The scaffolding was either too close or too far away [from the wall] to meet OSHA specs.”

Metal bracing can be combined with regular scaffolding to brace tall walls.

32 ICF BUILDER

He ended up using his crank-up masonry scaffolding, with custom-made turnbuckle ties. “Being a masonry contractor, we already had the masonry scaffolding, and it has worked really well. The main reason is manpower. Stick scaffolding would work, but it takes so much time to set up and brace properly.”

It’s not for everybody, he warns. “There is a learning curve with crank up, so you may be better off using whatever system you’ve got. Once you get past the learning curve, though, and if you own that stuff, you’ll be ahead.”

There is one other factor. “The up-front costs are extreme compared to stick scaffolding, and especially compared with some of the new metal bracing systems on the market,” says Johnson.

Rent vs. BuyFor some contractors, even the cost of adjustable metal

bracing seems cost-prohibitive. That’s where guys like Scott Crawford come in, renting braces to the do-it-yourselfer

and small-time contractor that builds only two or three houses a year.

“What we offer is clean, usable equipment, delivered to the jobsite to create plumb, straight walls every time,” he says. He figures he’s rented bracing for 8 or 9 different types of block. “The distributors are happy with me because it made the sale. We feel like

we’re supporting the entire industry by growing this business.” Currently, he limits rentals to Colorado, but plans to expand into other areas.

“Just budget the cost of the rental into the project,” he says. “Figure it’s a cost of doing business.” It’s comparable to the concrete pump truck: you rent it when you need it.

Brace rentals are becoming increasingly common, and odds are your form distributor offers the service.

“Some distributors rent only to those that use their forms,” says Kackman, “but most of them are out there to help ICFs grow. If someone needs bracing they’ll help them out. Nine times out of ten, they’ll help them out.”

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It is essential to tie your scaffolding into the poured wall as you go up.

3� ICF BUILDER

ICFs take center stage at biggest-ever eventThe 2006 World of Concrete trade show, held Jan. 17-20 in

Las Vegas, Nev., was the biggest ever. The event also prominently featured ICFs in the mega-demos and seminars.

More than 70,000 attended this year’s show, crowding three exhibition halls and two outdoor demonstration areas. That’s a far cry from the first event, held in 1976, which attracted an estimated 4,500 participants.

In all, the exhibits covered 1.3 million sq. ft. of floor space, which translated to lots of walking for the show attendees. Conveniently, the 1,600 exhibitor booths were somewhat categorized. Concrete forms, including ICFs, were in the North Hall. Block manufacturers had a major presence there, with more than a dozen brands setting up elaborate booths. Several assembled sizable structures from their blocks, and included brick ledges, 90º and 45º corners. Quad-Lock went even further, roofing a portion of their booth space with EPS decking to create a movie theater. The majority were positioned to face the central aisle, and stayed busy the entire show. Nearby booths exhibiting related products, such as radiant floor heating and rebar cutting and bending equipment, had significant traffic as well.

World of Concrete also hosted more than 100 seminars and conference sessions. One of the most popular was titled How to Build with ICFs, taught by Brent Anderson and Phillip Costantini. The three-hour class was attended by more than 200 people, and ran 20 minutes overtime with questions. Anderson

World of Concrete Turns 30

Thousands learned ICF construction techniques at the WOC mega-demos and seminars..

February/March 2006 35

noted that the front rows had filled first, which he attributed to the high level of interest in the topic.

Perhaps the most impressive part of the show wasn’t in the conference center. Insulating concrete forms were the focus of the outdoor “mega-demos.” Four leading block manufacturers had the opportunity to stack, brace, and pour demonstration walls while thousands of spectators watched. The walls included corners, window and door blockouts, brick ledges, and EPS roof decking.

On the second day, attendees filled the bleachers again to watch wall finishes be applied. One manufacturer used a textured acrylic stucco-type finish. Another stacked brick. A third applied a waterproofing membrane and drainage board. The fourth demonstrated how to cut in utilities with a hot knife and attach drywall.

Afterwards, hundreds of spectators flooded the demonstration area to learn more about the technology. Samples of ICF blocks and decking were on display; literature and experienced contractors were on hand to answer questions.

The impact of this year’s show will be felt long after the exhibitors have followed up on the hundreds of leads they collected.

Between the exhibit hall, seminar rooms, and mega-demo, tens of thousands of attendees were exposed to the beauty, simplicity, and durability of ICF construction. At the show, ICFs competed head-to-head with tilt-up, CMU, and removable forms; not as an alternative technology, but as a viable mainstream building method.

36 ICF BUILDER

If you’re still building the same home designs you offered years ago, it’s time to re-think your approach to the market. Design is largely emotional, and just like ICF construction, it can set you apart as the market leader.

But how do you stay at the forefront of home design? How can you accurately anticipate what customers want in a home plan—before they even tell you?

At Design Basics, we take a structured approach to researching what buyers want in their new home. We regularly discuss design issues with top home designers, architects and authors. Several times a year we meet with specialists and industry consultants. We collaborate with leading manufacturers and suppliers. We fly real estate agents and interior designers into our offices to share their perspectives.

But perhaps the best information is uncovered during our “think tanks.” Every month, we invite a group of consumers or homebuilders from across the United States to spend two days with us. As we share the latest design trends, we also gather information. We learn what home buyers are saying, what they are thinking and what truly matters to them. These insights become the foundation for our new designs.

Some of our think tank attendees are surprised when we ask how they want to live, instead of specific questions about design. For example, learning that homeowners view their homes as a sanctuary—a respite from the busyness of life—led to a heightened emphasis on the master bath, the area most often cited for de-stressing.

Questions such as “What do you like to do while ironing?” or “What makes you feel good about entertaining in your home?” can yield valuable responses, especially when you start hearing the same responses from various groups. Consumers usually can’t offer solutions to their problems, but they sure can tell you what frustrates them in their existing home. (Sometimes an attendee will blurt out, “If I could find a home that _________, I’d buy it today!”)

Attendees’ comments about changing values (most women are staying in the workforce not because they have to, but because they enjoy it, as a nation we’re cooking less but not eating less, etc.) also help us identify issues and develop design solutions long before they become tomorrow’s hot new design trends.

Think tanks help us focus on realistic, practical solutions to the design and building issues contractors face every day. It is relatively easy to address issues or concerns by simply adding square footage and amenities. But in the real world, price is a major constraint. Does the homebuyer prefer a 12’ x 12’ bedroom with a standard closet or an 11’ x 11’ bedroom with a walk-in closet?

Ultimately, we are striving to understand and address buyers’ future wants. Often, we are dealing with “pre-need issues.” Many buyers intuitively identify and appreciate design solutions to issues they may not even be aware of presently. We encourage builders to take a bigger picture view because in these regards, design equals marketing.

Research studies show half of all model home traffic never bother to open a cabinet door, so builders can’t afford to include features such as pull-out drawers, dividers and lazy Susans if they remain “hidden assets.”

What Homebuyers Want

by Paul ForesmanDesign Perspectives

Ad Index February 06American Polysteel, LLC 38

Armtec (Platon) 11

Arxx Building Products 7

Cell Crete Corp. 35

Cellox 34

CertainTeed (Form-A-Drain) 17

Colbond, Inc (EnkaDrain) 4

Cosella Dorken Products, Inc. 3

Dietrich Metal Framing IBC

Dryvit Systems, Inc. BC

Epro Waterproofing Systems 33

Exaktime, Inc. 5

Fine Line Footing Forms, Inc. 32

FossilCrete 6

Hambro 15

ICFA 10

IntegraSpec Insulating Concrete Forms 13

Lite-Form Technologies (Lite-Deck) 35

Metwood Building Solutions 27

Mono-Brace 29

Perma Crete IFC

Plumwall, Ltd. 34

Quadlock Building Systems, Inc. 37

Simpson Strong-tie 31

The Barrier Insulation.com 30

Vinyl Technologies (V-Buck) 17

Westcon Manufacturing (Theam Conveyors) 8

If you are still building the same home designs you offered years ago, it’s time to re-think your approach to the market. Design is largely emotional, and just like ICF construction, it can set you apart as the market leader. But you absolutely must go outside of your existing organization for an honest review and critique of the designs you offer. Be sure to get feedback from people throughout the industry as well as prospective home buyers. Then as you develop and release new home designs, make sure everyone on your team understands and is “on-board” with your new approach to home design!

Paul Foresman is Director of Business Development for Design Basics. He can be reached at pforesman@designbasics.com.

38 ICF BUILDER