Discover insulated concrete formwork: a modern construction system that can offer speed, simplicity and sustainability, all in one neat package

This stunning self build, designed by van Ellen + Sheryn architects, features the Nudura system.

One of the best benefits of building your own dream home is the amount of choice you get. That runs across the board in terms of design, materials, specification, finishes and how you choose to manage delivery of the project on the ground. In amongst all those decisions, one of the key choices you’ll make is which structural system to use – and whether to step away from big developer norms by using a modern, self build-friendly option like insulated concrete formwork (ICF). Here’s a look at the advantages of ICF, and how to tell whether it’s the right fit for your project.

How does this system work?

Most ICF blocks are preformed out of hollow expanded polystyrene (EPS), manufactured with an interlocking profile so they fit together without any need for a bonding agent. When stacked on site, they form an insulated inner and outer wall, with a cavity in between that will be filled with poured concrete (and any steel reinforcement your structural engineer specifies). Once the concrete has cured, you end up with a robust, highly-insulated, airtight house shell ready for the roof to go on. The system is often described as LEGO for grown-ups, a moniker that reflects the speed and simplicity with which it can be assembled.

Why use it?

The joy of ICF is that it offers a straightforward way to deliver the high energy efficiency standards many self builders want to achieve, using a system that any decent contractor can understand with just a bit of rudimentary training. As a result, it’s grown in popularity to become a number one contender for many eco projects.