Big Dog Construction Building Differently with ICF on a High Performance Build

Published Aug 24, 2023. Updated Apr 3. Author: Audree Grubesic.

Overview

Aron Jones of Big Dog Construction discusses high-performance construction projects in Canada. The company uses Insulated Concrete Forms, or ICF, for some foundation applications based on site conditions. It is described as a good solution for crawl space designs.

Key points

• Big Dog Construction uses ICF for some foundations.
• ICF can meet code requirements without adding below-grade insulation.
• The forms are light and are placed once, which helps labor efficiency.
• The company focuses on building for 100 years or more.
• Good planning and clean groundwork inside the foundation are emphasized.

ICF and building science

Mark Wille says ICF supports several Passive House principles. The post mentions thermal break, an air-controlled layer, and continuous insulation. It also says the concrete may take longer to cure and that less concrete is typically used with this form. Waterproofing and primer come next in the process.

Construction sequence mentioned

• Use ICF for the foundation where appropriate.
• Apply waterproofing and primer.
• Install the sill plate.
• Continue with the next wall detail in part 2.

Additional resources mentioned

• Building Science Made Simple
• High Performance Basement with Insulated Concrete Forms
• Sustainable Alternative to Common Concrete Uses

Links

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aron-jones-82997b200/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdogconstruction.gm/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flashmeday