ICF Building in Ireland

Build warmer, quieter, more energy-efficient homes with Insulated Concrete Formwork. A modern building method trusted by forward-thinking homeowners across Ireland.

What is ICF?

Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) is a modern construction method where walls are built using interlocking expanded polystyrene (EPS) blocks. These blocks stay in place as permanent insulation while concrete is poured into the cavity between them.

The result is a solid, reinforced concrete wall wrapped in continuous insulation — delivering exceptional thermal performance, airtightness, and structural strength in one system.

ICF homes are warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and significantly cheaper to heat than traditional block-built homes.

Why Build with ICF?

The advantages of ICF over traditional construction

Superior Insulation

U-values as low as 0.12 W/m²K. Dramatically lower heating bills year-round.

Quieter Homes

The solid concrete core significantly reduces external noise, creating a peaceful living environment.

Faster Build Times

ICF walls go up 30–50% faster than traditional blockwork, reducing overall project timelines.

Structural Strength

Reinforced concrete core provides exceptional structural integrity — built to last generations.

Airtight Construction

Achieve passive house-level airtightness with ease. No cold bridging, no draughts.

Fire Resistant

Concrete core provides excellent fire protection, exceeding standard building regulation requirements.

ICF + Kore Insulated Raft Foundations

We pair ICF walls with Kore insulated raft foundations for a fully integrated, thermally efficient building envelope from the ground up. This combination delivers outstanding performance for new builds targeting NZEB and passive house standards.

  • Eliminates cold bridging at floor-wall junction
  • Exceptional thermal performance from foundation to roof
  • Faster installation than traditional strip foundations
  • Ideal for passive house and NZEB compliance
  • Radon barrier integrated into the system
  • Clean, level platform to start your ICF walls

How We Build with ICF

Design & Engineering

We review your plans and coordinate with your architect and engineer for full ICF detailing and structural design.

Foundation — Kore Raft

Kore insulated raft foundation is installed, providing a thermally efficient, level base for the ICF walls.

ICF Wall Installation

EPS blocks are stacked, braced, and prepped. Window and door openings are formed. Services are coordinated.

Concrete Pour

Reinforced concrete is pumped into the ICF cavity. Walls are now solid, airtight, and structurally complete.

Finishing

External render, internal plaster, and all follow-on trades complete your warm, quiet, energy-efficient home.

Frequently Asked Questions

ICF can be comparable in overall cost when you factor in reduced labour time, lower insulation costs, and significantly lower running costs over the lifetime of the building. Many clients find the long-term savings far outweigh any upfront difference.

ICF walls typically go up 30–50% faster than traditional blockwork. A standard house shell can be weathertight in a matter of weeks, depending on the complexity of the design.

Absolutely. ICF is ideal for extensions, especially where you want to match or exceed the thermal performance of the existing structure. It also works well for garden rooms, garages, and outbuildings.

Any standard finish works — render (sand & cement or silicone), natural stone, brick slips, timber cladding, or a combination. The flat, true surface of ICF makes finishing straightforward.

Yes. ICF exceeds current Part L (NZEB) requirements and is fully certified for use in Ireland. It’s one of the easiest ways to achieve A-rated energy performance.

Kore insulated raft foundations are an insulated foundation system that eliminates cold bridging at ground level. Paired with ICF walls, they create a continuous insulated envelope from foundation to roof — ideal for high-performance and passive house builds.

GET IN TOUCH

Ready to Build with ICF?

Get in touch for a free consultation on your ICF project.

+353 087 7141595

info@ridgewoodconstruction.ie

East Cork, Ireland

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