Welcome to the ICFA
Established in 2002 to promote the use of Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF) across the UK, the ICFA represents manufacturers, suppliers, and installers of ICF systems. The association works to educate both the construction industry and the public on the benefits of ICF construction, while also promoting innovative solutions to tackle key industry challenges.
The ICFA has set clear targets for growth: they aim to increase market share by a minimum of 10% in above-ground external walls of domestic residences and position ICF homes, including those with basements, as the market-leading choice for building on flood plains.
Download our guide or get in touch with the ICFA today for more information.
Energy Efficient
Meet and exceed the future homes standards with excellent thermal performance and air tightness.
Speedy Builds
The process is fast, so fast that you can get a standard ground floor structure up within days.
Cost Effective
With the need for fewer skilled contractors and heavy plant equipment, it can significantly reduce overall costs.
High Quality
The concrete core in the block creates a strong building with minimal maintenance or repair requirements.
What is ICF
Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) is a modern method of construction that combines speed, strength, and high thermal performance. Lightweight blocks made from two layers of insulation, most commonly expanded polystyrene (EPS) or woodcrete, are stacked like giant building bricks. Once in place, the hollow core is filled with concrete, creating a robust, energy-efficient shell that’s insulated inside and out.
ICF blocks simply slot together, no mortar required, so builds go up fast and training is straightforward, ideal for apprentices and experienced contractors alike. Whether you choose EPS panels, moulded blocks, or woodcrete units, the principle is the same: a quick, cost-effective way to create warm, durable buildings that last.
Meet Our ICFA Members
The Insulating Concrete Formwork Association (ICFA) is proud to represent a fantastic group of industry-leading member companies. Each of these members plays an important part in driving the use of ICF forward in the construction industry.
If you’d like to learn more about what each company offers, simply click the ‘View Profile’ button. This will take you to their dedicated profile page, where you’ll find an overview of the business, details about their products and services, and any relevant accreditations or certifications.
Whether you’re after a reliable supply partner, some technical know-how, or just want to see what’s out there, these profiles are a good place to start.
Who The ICFA Work With
Architects
With ICF, design possibilities are virtually limitless. From homes to large-scale developments and commercial buildings, the system adapts to almost any vision, enabling curves, intricate details, and complex angles. ICF also integrates smoothly with both standard and non-standard materials, systems, and products. While most elements are installed after the concrete pour, this can vary by system.
Developers
With labour shortages and tightening regulations, ICF offers a clear advantage. Its straightforward, consistent design is quick to learn, reducing reliance on specialist labour while speeding up builds. Performance is equally strong: ICF walls typically achieve U-values of 0.18 W/m²K and airtightness of 0.33 m³/h·m² at 50 pascals, helping developers meet or exceed today’s standards with ease.
Self Builders
Thanks to its simplicity, ICF is an excellent choice for first-time self-builders. At its core, you only need three main materials: formwork, steel reinforcement, and concrete, with the same system used for above-ground, below ground, and even for retaining walls. Securing finance is also straightforward, with options like Buildstore’s Guaranteed Cost-Based Mortgages.
Homeowners
The solid concrete core sitting next to the insulating ICF blocks provides many benefits to homeowners due to its strength and insulating properties. The airtight structure helps to improve the overall indoor environment by reducing the amount of dust, pollen, moisture and condensation within the building. The double layers of insulation can also significantly lower energy bills.
ICFA Latest Insights
How Can ICF Help Meet the Future Homes Standard 2025
In recent years, the construction industry has been navigating the introduction of interim Part L uplift measures. However, as we head into 2025, all eyes are now on the hotly anticipated Future Homes Standard (FHS).
How Overheating and Extreme Weather is Changing the Way We Build Homes
It’s official, summer 2025 has been the hottest on record. A recent report from the Met Office shows we have experienced four official heat waves over the period and average temperatures have sat at 1.51°C above the long-term meteorological average.
Avoid Hidden Construction Material Costs – Focus on ICF
Keeping a build on budget isn’t easy – delays, supply chain issues and labour shortages can quickly eat into profits. We look at why more UK developers are turning to Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) to cut hidden construction costs, keep the build to budget and finished to schedule.
How Environmentally Friendly is an ICF Polystyrene Building Block?
The construction industry is currently a challenging environment to work in. There are pressures to remain profitable despite increasing prices, the government expects significant housebuilding, yet there are never enough skilled workers.
Solving The Construction Skills Shortage – Focus On ICF
In this blog, we take a closer look inside the construction skills shortage and what’s fuelling the problem. We explore whether construction materials themselves can help ease the strain and how modern methods like ICF could offer a practical solution to bridge the gap, help the industry meet high energy standards, and support some of the toughest targets yet.
ICFA Featured Projects
Twentieth Avenue, Blyth
When Blyth Valley Borough Council commissioned the design and construction of two dwellings on Twentieth Avenue, the brief to the developer was to start with a clean slate and deliver low-energy homes built to Code Level 3 for the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH)…
Windermere, The Lake District
For this project, our member Econekt worked hand in hand with the self-builder, Architect and Engineer to create this stunning 3-storey home with a single-story glass box in Windermere, the Lake District.
Gorey Nursing Home, Wexford Ireland
The Gorey Nursing Home project in Conattin, Wexford is a fantastic example of how modern construction techniques can meet rising need for excellent nursing homes and sheltered accommodation. The 125-room nursing home, designed by Reddy Architecture + Urbanism is a 3-storey building covering 5,985 sqm…
Moínear, Ros Leamhain, Ennis Co. Clare
Contractor Glencore Installer Glenbreedy ICF Construction Client Co Op Housing Association Units 72no. County Ennis Co Clare Timeframe ICF super structures constructed from 1st February to the end of July 2022. ICF walls, floors, roof and external renders were completed…
New Build, Maidenhead
This detached new build in Twynham Road, Maidenhead was built by Thermohouse ICF. This is a 1 storey detached home with a ground floor / first floor area of 320 sq metres and a habitable loft house. Thermohouse Support Thermohouse…