ICF Design Possibilities: Using Insulated Concrete Formwork in Your Self Build

Insulated concrete formwork, otherwise known as ICF, is a modern method of construction that’s a great option for creating bespoke homes, thanks to its extensive range of design possibilities. The innovative build system involves stacking a series of hollow blocks made from expanded polystyrene or woodfibre-cement, which are then reinforced, braced and filled with ready-mixed concrete.

“You construct the shape of building you want and, once the concrete is poured into the block core, you have your walls,” says Chris Oram, technical sales at ICF Supplies. The blocks themselves offer built-in insulation and a variety of claddings and renders can be used for the finish.

The build process is straightforward and speedier than traditional masonry systems, as the polystyrene blocks are quickly stacked together with no need for mortar. The system’s pre-insulated walls and full-fill concrete pour offer excellent U-values and airtightness. However, one of ICF’s most appealing benefits to self builders and architects alike is its unique design possibilities.

“The monolithic nature of the concrete affords an immensely strong build, creating the opportunity to form extraordinarily wide openings and remarkable cantilever designs, with the comfort in knowing that the airtight nature of your property is supported by the highly robust materials you’re building with,” says Chris.

From curved walls to vaulted ceilings, there’s a lot of design scope with this build system. Here, I’m looking at a range of wow factor examples of what can be created with ICF, and how they were achieved.

ICF and design considerations

Although the ICF system consists of modular blocks, that doesn’t mean you’ll end up with a blocky-looking house (unless you want one, of course). Robin Miller from Beco Wallform suggests that using an architect with some familiarity with the construction method is always useful, both because they will know how to maximise thermal performance but also because of their design flair. “You don’t want to end up with a box – or even worse, something that can’t actually be built,” he says.

Robin works regularly with architect Nigel Johnston of Nigel Design, who has created homes using many construction methods. “With ICF you can create anything, from a stone-clad castle to a contemporary house that’s filled with glass,” says Nigel.

“It’s extremely adaptable and you don’t need to feel confined by any design constraints. Architectural technologist Jake White of Ecotecture says that “the most prominent reason to use it, from a design perspective, is flexibility.”

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Nigel Design created Curly House in Sussex, which was built using Nudura’s ICF system. The property has become a celebrated example of the flexibility this construction method offers. It’s the least blocky building that you could imagine, with a crescent-shaped footprint and daring curved glazing

So, what’s possible? Scroll down to find out how you can use ICF in your self build project to create wow-factor architectural features and the home of your dreams.

You Can Clad or Render ICF in Almost Anything

ICF buildings offer design freedom when it comes to external materials. Render can be directly applied to the polystyrene blocks, for instance. But all varieties of finish are possible with ICF, including timber cladding, thin-profile brick slips and stone walling – so the choices for your home’s facade are practically limitless.

This stunning project, constructed with Beco Wallform’s ICF, demonstrates the system’s potential for a characterful aesthetic. Designed by architect Peter Bamber, the aim was to incorporate local and traditional materials that echoed the derelict agricultural buildings that previously stood on the site.

ICF is Great for Subterranean Structures

ICF is a great option when it comes to constructing basements and retaining walls, where the structure needs to be super watertight to prevent damp and water ingress. It’s cheap and easy to waterproof, and you can continue above-ground in ICF or another build system.

Photo: Camilla Reynolds

Build It readers Gisela and Andrew Blee chose ICF for their self build home in Gloucestershire, which cuts into the hillside. The site’s location within a valley means misty mornings and frosty winters. So, the structure needed to have good watertight properties.

Photo: Camilla Reynolds

ICF Supplies, a Nudura distributor, provided the system. Since ICF can be used both above and below ground, Gisela and Andrew were relieved they didn’t need to use a different structure for the subterranean elements of the build, simplifying the process.

Incorporate Large Expanses of Glazing into Your ICF Design

Including broad swathes of glazing is no problem in an ICF home. The system can support openings of up to around 6.3m as standard. The more steel and concrete used, the larger the apertures can be. Corner windows and cantilevered openings for bifold doors or sliding doors are also possible.

Photo: David Barbour

Shortlisted for the Best Self Build Home or Renovation Project in the 2023 Build It Awards, Build It readers Ray and Ruth Davis engaged ICF builders Econekt to construct their part-subterranean home. In addition to its suitability for basement structures, ICF allowed ample glazing in the project’s design. The apex gable on the rear elevation has two sets of sliding doors installed above one another across two storeys, creating the feel of a fully glazed facade.

More Ideas: 31 Amazing Window Design & Feature Glazing Ideas

Use ICF to Create Curved Walls

ICF can be used to build unique and showstopping design features such as curved walls. The foam blocks can be easily cut and shaped to create rounded walls before the concrete is poured. This self build in Devon is the perfect example. The home took 17 years of planning and five separate architects to make it happen, but in the end, it deservedly won the Build It Award for Best ICF Home in 2021.

Not only was ICF ideal for the retaining walls, where the house nestles into its rocky hillside location, but it also allowed for the home’s series of curved walls across two storeys, the upper of which rises to form a parapet along one side of the flat roof.

The ICF system was supplied by Nudura distributor The Fell Partnership, who provided ongoing support to the contractors on the project, especially when they were constructing the tightly-arced walls.

Insulated Concrete Formwork & Cantilevers

This design feature, which consists of a structural element extends out beyond the floor below, can be more straightforward to realise with ICF thanks to its inherent strength.

Photo: Philip Thornton

Built using Beco Wallform’s ICF system, the copper-clad upper storey of this contemporary self build home juts out from the ground-floor level, supported by just a single corner post to help bear the structural load. Large swathes of glazing have been used on the overhanging elevation, testament to the impressive design potential that ICF’s steel-reinforced concrete core can offer.

Create a Low-Energy Home with ICF

ICF is a great option for those looking for a low-energy, fabric first approach. The system is naturally airtight by design, thanks to its concrete core and interlocking profiles, making it ideal for achieving Passivhaus standards.

“New Building Regulations have made traditional methods of construction more expensive to meet the levels of airtightness and thermal bridging performance that ICF already provides as the norm,” says Robin

Miller, managing director at Beco Wallform. The polystyrene blocks into which the concrete is poured form two layers of insulation in the fabric of your build. This can achieve U-values as low as 0.11 W/m²K if specified to the right depth, which will maximise heat retention and reduce energy consumption.

Built in Nudura ICF, The Red House benefits from exceptional levels of insulation, with data revealing the house had zero energy costs in its first year. “The thermal mass of the concrete core, combined with no air gaps against the insulation, work exceptionally well to keep you warm in winter and cooler in excessively hot weather,” says Chris at ICF Supplies.

See More: Eco Homes: 30 Sustainable Self Builds to Inspire Your Eco House

Use Insulated Concrete Formwork to Create Asymmetric Roofs & Vaulted Ceilings

Non-standard roof structures are a popular design feature for contemporary homes, and ICF lends itself very well to this. Build It readers Terry and Olwen Brown-Waite opted for a monopitch roof design for their ICF self build.

Photo: Camilla Reynolds

The couple chose Durisol blocks, and thanks to their simple-to-use nature, Terry took on a lot of the construction himself. The ICF units were perfect for their design, as Terry was able to easily tailor them to fit their home’s irregular shape.

Photo: Camilla Reynolds

As well as angular, non-standard shapes, ICF walling’s strength can help simplify the engineering for vaulted ceilings. That’s evident in the Brown-Waites’ home, where light floods the voluminous open-plan living zone through the glazed apertures.

Main image: Nudura’s ICF system was the ideal structural option for this wow factor self build on a sloping coastal plot, designed by VESP Architects

This article was originally published in August 2017 and has been updated in November 2023. Words by Emily Brooks and Georgina Crothers.