Brinton Construction, Inc. is constructing a state of the art custom home in Alamo, CA, featuring the latest in sustainable and energy efficient designs.  Below is a walk through of the Logix ICF wall system provided by ZeroPowerHouse.

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The home's wall system will be created with Logix Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF).  Logix ICF provides a system that gives home owners the security of a 4-hour fire resistance rating, are energy efficient and create a sound proofed insulation.  For more information on the Logix ICF system, please see our techniques and materials page or visit Logix's website.

The Logix Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) are delivered as pre-assembled blocks.  This system was built off the simple concept of interlocking blocks to create a whole.

We are using the same foam system to insulate the floors.  The foam is placed on a visquine vapor barrier, covered with another layer of visquine which is covered with 12 inches of gravel and 6 inches of concrete.  This system creates a thermal mass which prevents heat loss through the earth.

The interlocking foam blocks are then set on top of the grade beams to create the wall system.  Rebar is vertically placed in the grade beams - before the concrete pour - like skewers to center and hold all of the pieces together.

Window and door bucks act as place holders.  Since the Logix ICF blocks will be filled with concrete, it's very important that every measurement and buck is correct.  Unlike wood-framed homes, if a window or door opening is not the correct size, making changes will not be easy.

Next is to fill the Logix ICF blocks with concrete.  The concrete center gives the ICF blocking system it's strength and longevity, as well as thermal mass to provide a consistent room temperature.

Brinton Construction, Inc. uses concrete that contains a high fly ash content.  Concrete is made greener by using fly ash in the mix.  Fly ash is a waste product from coal-powered electrical plants.  When added to concrete, it not only reduces the amount of portland cement in the mix (thus reducing greenhouse gases), but also makes the concrete stronger.  The end result is that a waste product is put to use, less greenhouse gasses are generated and the concrete is structurally stronger.

All of the home's exterior walls will use the Logix ICF system.  This helps to create a "sealed envelope" home.   To read more about the Logix ICF system, please see our technique & materials page.

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Brinton Construction, Inc. will be offering tours during construction for interested parties.   Please contact us for more information.