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billybob123 · 03-23-2011, 01:43 PM

Looking for some (helpful) advice from CP.

My wife and I are building a new-build infill in an established neighbourhood in Calgary. We're on a relatively busy street (lots of school-time traffic and a fair bit of cut-through; some city and "local" trucks but no buses or major traffic) and we're looking to build the quietest home we can.

I also am very interested in energy efficiency, both for the potential repayment from the AB government and the savings on heating bills over the next X years we live in the house.

Does anyone on here have any experience with building or living in an ICF (concrete poured into styrofoam blocks) house? Our contractor is experienced with ICF but suggested to me that I seriously consider building with plywood with the EPIS styrofoam on the outside. This is supposed to provide the same insulating effect as the concrete walls (R values are very similar) but I'm also concerned about noise in addition to the actual insulating effect the walls have.

We're planning on getting the "best" energy efficient doors and windows we can as well.

Cost is an issue, of course, but that's not the only consideration. For the premium I've been quoted (about 3-8% of the total build cost) it's not out of reach for us. For what it's worth, we don't plan on selling the house - I realize things change, but I'm not concerned with resale value at the moment.

I want to get peoples' first-hand experience in whether it's worth it. Is it quieter than a standard stick-frame + EIPS house with good windows? Does ICF provide a better savings on heating (and how cool is the house in the summer) compared as well?

03-23-2011, 01:43 PM	#1
billybob123 Powerplay Quarterback Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Calgary, AB Exp:	ICF home construction Looking for some (helpful) advice from CP. My wife and I are building a new-build infill in an established neighbourhood in Calgary. We're on a relatively busy street (lots of school-time traffic and a fair bit of cut-through; some city and "local" trucks but no buses or major traffic) and we're looking to build the quietest home we can. I also am very interested in energy efficiency, both for the potential repayment from the AB government and the savings on heating bills over the next X years we live in the house. Does anyone on here have any experience with building or living in an ICF (concrete poured into styrofoam blocks) house? Our contractor is experienced with ICF but suggested to me that I seriously consider building with plywood with the EPIS styrofoam on the outside. This is supposed to provide the same insulating effect as the concrete walls (R values are very similar) but I'm also concerned about noise in addition to the actual insulating effect the walls have. We're planning on getting the "best" energy efficient doors and windows we can as well. Cost is an issue, of course, but that's not the only consideration. For the premium I've been quoted (about 3-8% of the total build cost) it's not out of reach for us. For what it's worth, we don't plan on selling the house - I realize things change, but I'm not concerned with resale value at the moment. I want to get peoples' first-hand experience in whether it's worth it. Is it quieter than a standard stick-frame + EIPS house with good windows? Does ICF provide a better savings on heating (and how cool is the house in the summer) compared as well?