Rockhaven Parade Home

2025 Small Residential 1st Runner-Up

McDonald Residence

2025 Specialty Application Winner

Liberty High School (Storm Shelter)

2025 Education Winner & People’s Choice

Linear Heights

2025 MultiFamily Low-Rise 1st Runner-Up & People’s Choice Winner

Hooper Avenue Apartments

2025 MultiFamily Low-Rise 2nd Runner-Up

Build a Smart Home

By Tom PattonIn the last few years, technology has been racing forward and a new keyword, “smart,” has been applied to everything we touch and use....

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25

2025 MultiFamily Winner

Bristol Public Safety Building

2025 Light Commercial Winner & Peoples Choice

West End Oasis

2025 Pools 2nd Runner-Up & People’s Choice Winner

Mt. Washington Chalet

2025 Small Residential 2nd Runner-Up

Alachua County Tax Collector’s Office

2025 Light Commercial 1st Runner-Up

Cottonwood Village

2025 MultiFamily Low-Rise Winner

ICF Builder Magazine is the information source for contractors, architects, and others involved with the insulating concrete form industry.  It’s the only full-color trade magazine devoted to the industry, with project profiles, how-to articles, house plans, and product reviews.

Insulating Concrete Forms are the future of the building industry.  Popular for both residential and commercial ICF construction, ICFs create homes and businesses that are energy-efficient, fire-resistant, sound-proof, and durable.  Properly constructed, they are tornado and hurricane-proof, and stand up to earthquake, fire, and other natural disasters equally well.  Many homes conserve energy so well that heating and cooling costs are reduced by 50-70 percent.

Current Issue

“If you manufacture or market a product for the insulating concrete forms industry, you simply will not find a more efficient, effective way to reach your audience.”

» 2025 «

ICF Builder Award Winners

ICF Comparison Chart

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“If you manufacture or market a product for the insulating concrete forms industry, you simply will not find a more efficient, effective way to reach your audience.”

2025 Builder Award Winners

The winners of the 2025 ICF Builder Awards were announced at the 2025 World of Concrete show.  The annual project-of-the-year competition is widely regarded as the biggest event in the ICF industry, and the best opportunity to celebrate the advances that have been made in recent years.

ICF COMPARISON CHART

Every year, ICF Builder publishes an ICF comparison chart in the January/February issue. As in past years, this will also include comparisons of EPS decking systems and non-traditional stay-in-place forming systems.

ICF PRODUCT DIRECTORY

Anyone in the profession of construction who works with ICFs or who wants to know more about ICFs will want to hold on to this annual ICF Product Directory.

ICFs are made from lightweight EPS foam, commonly called Styrofoam.  The hollow blocks are stacked like Legos to form the exterior walls of a structure.  When complete, the interior of the wall is filled with steel-reinforced concrete to create an incredibly strong and energy efficient home or commercial building.
Insulated concrete forms are growing an estimated 20% a year, and are considered a Green Building material that can contribute significant points to LEED accreditation.

ICF Builder Group

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ICF Builder Magazine

ICF Builder Magazine

ICF Builder Magazine is the information source for contractors, architects, and others involved with

The article discusses how to build a “smart home” using integrated technology and efficient building materials. It highlights how Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) complement smart home technology by providing superior insulation, security, resilience against extreme weather, and improved indoor air quality. Read more: www.icfmag.com/2025/05/build-a-smart-home/ ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

ICF Builder Magazine
The 7,975-square-foot Unlimited Residential Winner in Santa Rosa, California, represents not just a rebuild for the owners who lost their home in a fire, but a prime example of what a modern, disaster-resistant home can be. View project: www.icfmag.com/2025/01/altamura-residence/ ... See MoreSee Less
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3 weeks ago

ICF Builder Magazine
When something becomes cool or really starts to catch on and show up everywhere people always say, “It’s the new black.” Here’s the flip-side of that. Read article: www.icfmag.com/2025/05/icf-is-the-new-green/ ... See MoreSee Less
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4 weeks ago

ICF Builder Magazine
The White Shield Old Scouts Veterans Memorial Center in White Shield, North Dakota, the Heavy Commercial 1st Runner-up, is a 10,533-square-foot facility with one of the largest geodome skylights. View project: www.icfmag.com/2025/01/white-shield-old-scouts-veterans-memorial-center/ ... See MoreSee Less
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1 month ago

ICF Builder Magazine
The author recently retired after attending his 20th ICF Builder Awards. Here, he reflects on the changing industry and the support the awards program provides. Read more: www.icfmag.com/2025/05/icf-builder-magazine-continues-to-move-north-america-towards-icf-construct... ... See MoreSee Less
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ICF Builder Magazine
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Penacook Community Center Boys & Girls Club of Central NH
Liberty High School (Storm Shelter)
Gateway Church
Huron Poultry Barn
Moses Lake Washington Temple
White Shield Old Scouts Veterans  Memorial Center
The Alexander Residence
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25
The Alexander Condominium
Hooper Avenue Apartments
Cottonwood Village
Bristol Public Safety Building
Linear Heights
Sherwin-Williams Oklahoma City Retail Project
Alachua County Tax Collector’s Office
Altamura Residence
Jackson Residence
Providence
Bertelson Residence
Pegasus Airpark
Iyer Residence
Bluffside Party Pad
Hobbit Airbnb
West End Oasis
Rockhaven Parade Home
Mt. Washington Chalet
Scuba Recreation Park
Ozark Mountain Vista Pool
Laurel Safe Room/Shed
McDonald Residence
Building Resilience: How ICF Structures Withstand Natural Disasters
Be Prepared
Designing For Natural Disasters and Environmental Conditions
Safety, Come What May
The California Insurance Crisis
Building a Green Future: Harnessing the Power of Resilient & Energy-Efficient Design
From the ICFA: The Other ICF Advantages
From the ICFMA: Still Standing After Disasters
Engineers Corner: ICF Construction Is A Great Way To Achieve Green Building
Building Safer Schools With ICF
Subdivision Built to Withstand Wildfires
Adjusting to Increasing Natural Disasters
A Case Study on How Insulated Concrete Forms Can Prevent Structure Loss During Wildfires
ICF Construction Mitigates Building & Operating Costs
An ICF House Proves Its Strength Over Decades
Intro to ICFs and Alternative ICFs
ICF Homes and Car Collisions
Starting and Growing a Successful ICF Business (Part II)
In the News: Surviving Dorian
Benefits of Living in an ICF Home
ICFs and the Passive  House Movement
Mexico Beach Survivor
Recovering From the California Wildfires: How ICF is Playing a Role
Success Stories from the Commercial Sector
ICF Basics for Commercial Contractors
Breezy Point: Rebuilding to Withstand the Storm
Engineering For Storm Surge
Green ICFs in the Commercial Sector
Technology for Zero Energy Homes
Termites and ICFs
Storm Proof Roofing
Standing Up To Man-Made Disasters
Reaching LEED- Platinum with ICFs
Heat Transfer
The New LEED
Efficient Heating  and Cooling
Storm-Proof Roofing
ICF’s And The Life-Cycle Assessment
Withstanding Nature’s Fury
Riverside and Fortified
ICF Saferooms
Superstorm Sandy
Disaster Resistance Update
Energy Codes and ICFs
Tornado-Resistant Concrete Houses
When Tech Assistance is Needed Most: Tips for DIYs
Air Exchangers and Energy Efficiency
Fire Retardant ICFs
ICFs From an Architects Perspective
History of ICFs
ICF Vs. Traditional Framing
Design and Construction of Low-cost Disaster-resistant Replacement Houses
Seismic Resistance of ICFs
Banking  on the Future
Foam Differences: EPS, XPS, and EPU
Vertical ICFs
Using ICFs for Retrofits and Remodels
ICF Design 101: Structural Engineering
Wind Resistance and ICFs
Greensburg
Rebuilding a Survivor
ICFs: The Only Green Concrete
Form Differences
Disaster Resistant Finishes
Total Shell Total Protection
Sloped Concrete Roofs
Fireproof ICFs
Panelizing ICFs
Volunteer Fire Station
ZERO Energy Homes
SIPs & ICFs
Performance R-Value
Anatomy of an ICF Plan Conversion
Home, Solid Home
The Greenest ICFs Might be Gray
Code Compliance Who Has It?
Floor and Decking Options
ICFs and Schools
ICFs in the Commercial Sector
Fortified for Safer Living
Windows to Stop Disaster
How-To: ICF Saferooms
Standing Up to the Storm
The Importance of Getting the Job Right
Underslab Barriers & ICFs
Construction Financing
Green Building: The Key to Future ICF Growth?
Building Green Easy & Inexpensive
Energy Efficient Mortgages
Radiant Heat – A Perfect Fit for ICFs
Waldsee BioHaus
The Wall Saved My Life
Blast-Resistant Barracks
Nearly Crushed by a Boulder
Defeating a Firebomb
ICF Structures Reduce Insurance, Save Lives, Protect Belongings
A Safe Room the Size of Your Home
Rebuilding the Gulf Coast
Hurricane Resistance
ICF Builder Magazine Continues To Move North America Towards ICF Construction
ICF is the New Green
ICF Construction For Energy Conservation
Build a Smart Home
20th Annual ICF Builder & People’s Choice Awards 2025
What’s New In The ICF Industry  Going Into 2025
2025 World of Concrete Preview
How To: Reconcile Wall Assemblies
ICFs Are Finally Getting LOVE
Using ICFs For Non-Building Projects
Getting The Word Out About ICFs
Cut Future Costs With ICF
ICF Construction: When to Hold  and When to Fold
Investigate Water Intrusion
Commercial and Industrial ICF
ICF Construction For Commercial & Industrial Projects
Building Resilience: How ICF Structures Withstand Natural Disasters
Be Prepared
Safety, Come What May
The California Insurance Crisis
Engineer’s Corner: Why ICFs Are An Excellent Choice  For Residential Construction
How-To: DIY and ICF Project
Building a Green Future: Harnessing the Power of Resilient & Energy-Efficient Design
Perspectives by Build With ICF “Did You Find The Love Of Your Life?”
Engineer’s Corner: ICF Construction Reduces  Environmental Impact Of Construction
Hands-On ICF at WOC 2024
From the ICFMA: ICFs for Basements and Beyond
The Advantages of ICFs in Climate-Controlled Self Storage Facilities
2024 World of Concrete Preview
How To Benchmark Your Business Plan
Layout: Control Lines and Benchmarks
Trade Shows . . .  Speed Dating for your Business
AI in the Construction Industry
ICF Tips: Reinforcing with Pencil Rod Bracing
Engineers Corner: ICF Construction For Commercial & Industrial Projects
How-To: Develop a Commercial Estimate
From the ICFA: The Other ICF Advantages
How To: Troubleshooting Blowouts
Why ICF Safe Rooms Provide the Best Protection During Dangerous Wind Events
Engineer’s Corner: The Increasing Popularity of ICF Construction
Building a Concrete ADU
From the ICFMA: Still Standing After Disasters
Design Perspectives: Defining ICF’s Identity as a Green Material
From the ICFMA: Six Ways ICFs Are Truly Green
Engineers Corner: ICF Construction Is A Great Way To Achieve Green Building
How To Be Environmentally Responsible
ICF Tips & Tricks 324: Concrete’s Magic Number
Engineer’s Corner: How I Coach A Homeowner Towards ICF Construction
Find the Value Proposition in ICFs
ICFMA Members Support NRMCA Build With Strength Future Schools Summit
Teaching The Next Generation Of ICF Builders
Engineer’s Corner: How I Became Interested And Focused On ICF Construction
YouTube Videos Are Imperfect, Under-Appreciated ICF Educational Gems
HowTo: Grow Your Business
Engineer’s Corner: ICF-experienced Design Professionals & Contractors
ICFs for Commercial Construction
Sloped or Pitched Concrete Roofs
Building a Resilient ICF Industry
Get Advice on ICFs
Starting Right – Footings For ICFs
Comparing a CIP vs. ICF Foundation
Renewing BYU Hawaii With ICF
Cemstone Participates in Nationwide Habitat for Humanity Efforts
Why Building With Concrete Is Better
How To: Planning ICF Construction Sequences
Designing My Own ICF Home — A Case Study Part 1
A Challenging  Remote Alaska Jobsite
A Different Approach To Attracting Employees
2022 World of Concrete Preview
Design Perspectives – Why Doesn’t California Encourage Residential ICFs
Commercial Contractor Spotlight
Design Perspectives – A Foray Into a Work/Live Project
Growing the Industry Through Build With Strength
The Rising Cost of Steel
Benefits of Panelization
ICF Construction Mitigates Building & Operating Costs
Intro to ICFs and Alternative ICFs
Reducing Concrete’s Carbon Footprint
In Memoriam: Remembering Clark Ricks
The Importance of ICF Training
Price of Lumber Skyrockets
Making the Most of Virtual Events
The Art and Science of Waterproofing ICF
ICFs: Delivering Performance and ROI in Mid-Rise Multifamily Development
Trade Shows and  Events Shift To Virtual
Communicating With ICF-Inexperienced Trades
Design Perspectives By Heather Hering
Benefits of Living in an ICF Home
ICFs and the Passive  House Movement
Commercial Sector Overview
World of Concrete Preview
Roy Jr. High–First ICF School in Utah
Sector Spotlight: ICF Schools
Mexico Beach Survivor
Recovering From the California Wildfires: How ICF is Playing a Role
ICFs: Choosing a Resilient Future
ICFs For Your Next Home or Project: What, Why, and What’s Next?
Lego House
ICF Developments
What to See at WOC
Technically Speaking: A Comparison of Core Sizes
Alternate Stay-In Place Forming Systems
Success Stories from the Commercial Sector
Breezy Point: Rebuilding to Withstand the Storm
Engineering For Storm Surge
Metal Floor Systems and ICF
Optimal Insulation for Cost-Effective Construction
Commercial Insurance Savings With ICFs
Bracing for ICFs
Sector Spotlight: Agriculture
ICF Design for Mid-Rise Construction
Green Building in the Commercial Sector
Waterproofing for ICF Structures
Termites and ICFs
ICFs for Subcontractors
ICFs Celebrate 50 Years
Commercial ICF Hotspots: Arizona
ICF 101
The New LEED
Acrylic Finishes: Exciting Choice For Green Building
ICFs Reach New Heights
Fly Ash Concrete  and ICFs
Riverside and Fortified
International ICFs: The Caribbean
Foam Decking Systems: A Comparison
Moisture Infiltration and Windows Bucks
Healthy Air for Tight Homes
Best Practices for Cold Weather Concrete Pours
Using Micro- Reinforced Concrete
ICFs In The Tilt-Up Market
Superstorm Sandy
International ICFs: Australia
Moisture and ICFs: The Facts
Extreme R-Value Going Beyond R-30
Social Media for Construction Companies
Geocomposite Drainage for ICF Foundations
ICF Mega-Home
Pump Safety for ICF Laborers and Placing Crew
Big Box Retail Construction
Tornado-Resistant Concrete Houses
Turnbuckle Bracing: A Market Comparison
When Tech Assistance is Needed Most: Tips for DIYs
ICFs in the Middle East
The Winds of Change
Temperature Wicking: Myth Or Reality by Clark Ricks
Earthworks: An Untapped Market
Abuse-Resistant Acrylic Finishes
Sound Attenuation: An Overlooked Benefit
ICF Mini-plants
ICFs From an Architects Perspective
History of ICFs
Manufacturers vs. Distributors
Rebar Cutters and Benders
Understanding Steel Schedules
Floor Joists to Speed Construction
Hotel Chains Using ICF
Design and Construction of Low-cost Disaster-resistant Replacement Houses
Walker Residence
Seismic Resistance of ICFs
Succeeding With ICF  Developments
Banking  on the Future
Vertical ICFs
Using ICFs for Retrofits and Remodels
Know the Real Competition: Specifying ICF over CMU
LEED-Platinum Habitat Home
Self Consolidating Concrete
ICFs for Religious Construction
Hi-Rise Hotel
Four Inch ICF Walls
Wind Resistance and ICFs
Greensburg
Rebuilding a Survivor
Finding Success in Florida
Gulf Coast Update
Built Without Sound
ICFs: The Only Green Concrete
Custom Homes LEED to Sales
A Compatible Couple: ICFs and Ground Source Heat Pumps
ICF Design 101
La Concha Pearl
2009 Industry Forecast
2008 Market Report
Permanent Modules for Schools – Safe and Affordable
Integrated Framing Assemblies:
Taking Your ICF Business Commercial
Commercial Sector Growth and Opportunities
Waterproofing Commercial ICF Jobs
Sloped Concrete Roofs
ICF Floors Have Arrived!
Panelizing ICFs
Volunteer Fire Station
The Ease of ICFs
Performance R-Value
The New Face of ARXX™
American PolySteel Turns 30
Fear No Design
ICF Contractors’ Biggest Problems
Home, Solid Home
Code Compliance Who Has It?
The Newest Reality TV Star
The New ICF-X Training
Building Big Walls
Ready-mix Plant Walls Top 60 Feet
Floor and Decking Options
ICFs and Schools
ICFs in the Commercial Sector
The Importance of Getting the Job Right
Underslab Barriers & ICFs
Wall Finishes for Commercial ICF Construction
Finding a Qualified ICF Installer
Green Building: The Key to Future ICF Growth?
The Importance of ICF Training
Alternative Wall Finishes
Composite ICFs Offer Many Advantages
Finding the Perfect ICF Block
The End of a Fragmented Industry?
Radiant Heat – A Perfect Fit for ICFs
House at Empyrean Ridge
Biggest ICF Project Ever..
Installing Floor Joists
ICF Castle in Connecticut
Wall Finishes for Commercial Construction
Taking ICFs to the MAX
Good Vibrations: Concrete Consolidation in ICF Walls
Peel and Stick
Dimpled Membranes for Drainage
Foolproof Waterproofing for Below Grade Walls
World of Concrete Turns 30
Options for Wall Bracing
Investigate Water Intrusion
Be Prepared
How-To: DIY and ICF Project
Transforming ICF Pools with PVC Membrane Interiors
How To: Build ICF Additions
How-To: Avoid Concrete Voids
ICF Tips: Reinforcing with Pencil Rod Bracing
How-To: Develop a Commercial Estimate
How To: Troubleshooting Blowouts
Timing For Concrete Placement
How To Be Environmentally Responsible
ICF Tips & Tricks 324: Concrete’s Magic Number
Find the Value Proposition in ICFs
How To: Make a Residential Window Opening
Evaluate ICFs Versus Wood or CMU
How To: Planning ICF Construction Sequences
How-To Plans and Permits
How To Select An ICF Product
Select the Right ICF Concrete Core Size
A Growing Market For ICF Pools
ICF Basics for Commercial Contractors
Bracing for ICFs
Fort Worth Waterfall
ICFs for Subcontractors
Weatherproofing  ICF Walls
ICF 101
Tools for ICF Professionals
Efficient Heating  and Cooling
Acrylic Finishes: Exciting Choice For Green Building
Solutions for Tough Bracing Issues
Moisture Infiltration and Windows Bucks
Best Practices for Cold Weather Concrete Pours
ICF Swimming Pools
Geocomposite Drainage for ICF Foundations
Pump Safety for ICF Laborers and Placing Crew
Turnbuckle Bracing: A Market Comparison
Window Bucks
Building Your Business With Bracing
Better Faster Footings
Concrete Consolidation
Vertical ICFs
Using ICFs for Retrofits and Remodels
Self Consolidating Concrete
Interior Finishing Options
Bracing 101
Installing Utilities After the Drywall
Waterproofing Commercial ICF Jobs
Disaster Resistant Finishes
Wet-Setting the First Course
ICF Floors Have Arrived!
The Ease of ICFs
Fear No Design
Building Big Walls
Underslab Barriers & ICFs
Wall Finishes for Commercial ICF Construction
Exterior Finishes
Alternative Wall Finishes
Getting a Level Footing
Wall Finishes for Commercial Construction
Window and Door Details
Good Vibrations: Concrete Consolidation in ICF Walls
Options for Wall Bracing
Proper Concrete Placement
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ICF Builder Magazine
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ICF Builder Magazine
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