How To: Plans and Permits
By Tom Patton
The hardest part of building a home for yourself is the design — deciding on the floor plan, not to mention materials. The design ideas can come from anywhere, but a design professional may be required to draft a set of drawings. Avoid “what was I thinking?” afterwards through careful planning.

Design Perspective: Why Doesn’t California Encourage Residential ICFs?
By Robert J. Klob
Robert J. Klob, president of an award-winning, full-service residential design firm specializing in ICF design and consulting throughout North America, shares thoughts on the obstacles to ICF present in the California Residential Building Code.

World of Concrete Preview
By Vanessa Salvia
World of Concrete may look and feel slightly different this year, but there was a lot of interest in ICFs at the last WOC in June 2021, and this one promises to be invigorating for the ICF industry.

Project Profile: Granbury High School
The 2021 ICF Builder Awards 1st Runner Up school project had many firsts, including being the first ICF project for the district and in the county, and the first ICF project for the construction manager. But it was followed by dozens of other successful projects.

A Remote Alaska Jobsite
By Vanessa Salvia
One ICF installer had a real challenge of a job. They needed to place a pad for a yurt in a spot with airplane access only, in remote Alaska. It took specialized rigs carrying loads up 10 miles of “road,” then 10 miles of glacial river with two river crossings. The job was completed in late October.

A Different Approach To Attracting Employees
By Vanessa Salvia
When it comes to applying for a job, at the top of many people’s concerns is the benefits package . . . 401K, vacation days, etc. But Hybrid Home Builders, led by Joey Hughes, takes a different approach, including rewarding dedicated employees with their own home.

Project Profile: Marek Residence
This project was the 2021 Unlimited Residential 2nd Runner Up and the 2021 People’s Choice Award Winner. It’s nearly 7,000 square feet, but the attics only experience a 5 to 6 degree difference in temperature.