The Table in the Wilderness Ministry above Centennial, Wyoming is nestled at the base of the Snowy Range of the Medicine Bow Mountains in southeast Wyoming was built using BuildBlock ICFs. Table in the Wilderness Ministries (twmcamp.net) is a year-round camping, conference and retreat ministry center. The Table in the Wilderness Ministry Camp chose BuildBlock ICFs for their energy-efficient project, the main lodge building, and their first ICF project.

The Table in the Wilderness Ministry Camp needed a highly-insulated structure that could withstand the rapid temperature changes associated with high elevation. The ministry camp also needed to meet budget restraints, be a low maintenance facility with extremely durable finishes and fire protection. Table in the Wilderness Ministry Camp chose BuildBlock ICFs for their energy-efficient project. This was the perfect project for BuildBlock ICFs, contractors and volunteers, who were new to ICF technology and construction.

Insulating Concrete Forms provide superior energy-efficiency through the dense EPS insulation combined with the thermal mass of concrete. The ICF walls are nearly airtight adding to the energy-efficiency. Quick construction time and reduced materials combined with the speed of installation to deliver cost-effective construction projects, especially in remote areas such as this.

This structure is used by the public, so durable commercial fixtures and building products were specified. The ministry structure was built for numerous purposes including a bath-house, offices, lodging, storage, and mobilization area for future projects. This structure was also built with an in-floor hydronic radiant heat system to add additional energy efficiency.

The BuildBlock ICF installation time only took a total of 8 days. Even through difficult weather spats and long distance partnerships, ICFs saved 200 days compared to in traditional wood-frame construction. The building site was only accessible via four-wheeled traffic for most of the build due to heavy snowfall. The general contractor had never built using ICFs before and was located 700 miles from the build site. The ICF contractor was based 420 miles from the build site. Within 60 days of commencement site access, excavation, ICF walls, the Hambro suspended concrete floor system, upper ICF walls, roof system, cistern were installed and additional materials were stockpiled. 

Volunteers were a giant part of the project, arriving through the winter by snowmobile. Quickly building the shell in this manner meant volunteers were able to work on the project in warmth and comfort due to the radiant hydronic heat in the basement and upper floors.

“Many volunteers visited the project during construction and made comments about how straight the ICF walls are and were thrilled at the comfort of the heated floors while using the bath-house.” noted Dave Gideon, General Contractor, “People from all across the Midwest visit this camp and now see ICF much more of a viable build option in their own communities.”

This project was an enormous success. Building professionals and volunteers mobilized over an 800-mile radius to build a high-caliber structure for a nonprofit on time and under the $375,000 budget for the betterment of the community. The ICF subcontractor and board of directors formed a great working relationship. The combination of the contractor, construction process, and BuildBlock ICFs proved that ICFs are the future for building in this area. Future phases of development on the property are being specified using ICFs.