Buildblock icf case studies
Learn how icf construction and finished buildings compare against other types of materials with real world examples.
Learn about these projects and find out how ICFs deliver benefits for builders, developers, contractors, and owners!
Jump to: Commercial | School | Multifamily | Residential
Commercial Project Case Studies
This project is for an Oklahoma based construction company, AC Owen, who are the general contractor and owner of the structure. This structure is being built for a new Oklahoma City retail location for Sherwin-Williams. The design for this future 4,400 sqf retail store includes a store front, showrooms for both retail and wholesale sales, restrooms, a storage room, shipping bay, and an office.
This project is a true showcase. It clearly demonstrates how different construction technologies can seamlessly be mixed inside a complex structure. As you walk through the structure you see a comfortable modern interior, warm textures, and large open spaces. As you move into the industrial toned production areas, you see a great working environment that is extremely clean with smooth transitions between ICF, wood, and CMU. Even in the production areas, the feeling of comfort is consistent.
In 2014, the Jehovah’s Witnesses building fund completed a pilot project in Yazoo City, Mississippi, to evaluate BuildBlock ICFs as an alternative to standard wood-frame construction for Kingdom Halls. The project focused on comparing energy performance, durability, and construction efficiency against a similar wood-frame Kingdom Hall located approximately 40 miles away. The completed building demonstrated lower HVAC demand, reduced utility costs, and strong storm resistance while remaining cost-competitive with conventional construction methods.
The Musgrave Agencies office building was designed to maximize occupant comfort while fully leveraging the performance advantages of BuildBlock ICF construction. Through a high-performance building envelope—including an R-40 roof system, underslab insulation, triple-glazed windows, and hydronic radiant in-floor heating—the project achieves exceptional thermal stability, reduced energy demand, and consistent indoor comfort year-round. Extensive natural daylighting and passive solar strategies further support efficiency, creating a welcoming workspace that performs reliably even in Alberta’s extreme climate conditions.
Ward’s Ridge serves as a landmark development for Wish Development, representing their inaugural venture into ICF construction. This project is a rare “living laboratory” for building performance, featuring two ICF structures and one traditional stick-framed building on the same site. The results have not only earned regional accolades but have fundamentally shifted the developer’s approach to future construction.
School Project Case Studies
The project is located on NW 16th St. in Oklahoma City. Classes run from August through June, which includes Oklahoma’s worst storm season. After the devastating effects of previous tornadoes, you can see why it is important to have a proper safe place to protect the students and staff in the event of severe weather. With more than 700 children currently enrolled, Hilldale Elementary is always booming with excitement. Between regular class times and after-school programs and activities, there is little time when the building isn’t occupied. Providing a safe room to protect everyone makes sense.
Xavier College Preparatory Roman Catholic High School, located in Phoenix, Arizona is home to over 1200 students and teachers. Also known as Founders Hall, this 82,500 square foot masterpiece utilizes BuildBlock ICFs everywhere, from the exterior walls to elevator shafts to bathroom stall dividers. In total, over 98,000 square feet of ICF wall was used in the building itself with an additional 5,000 square feet of ICF was used in landscaping. Using ICF throughout the entire structure is the best way to get the most out of your investment. The environmental and structural benefits of ICF are multiplied and the finished product is strong, efficient, and cohesive.
The Early Childhood Development Center in Ada, Oklahoma is a perfect example of using ICFs to create the perfect learning environment. This massive 45,000 square foot school is cool in the summer, warm in the winter and prepared to stand up Oklahoma’s turbulent tornado season.
BuildBlock ICFs played a central role in enabling both the architectural vision and the high-performance requirements of Comanche High School’s Multipurpose Band Room addition and renovation. The design introduces innovative elements—most notably the “learning stairs”—which transform a conventional circulation path into a multi-functional space for collaboration, informal instruction, and assemblies. Integrating these tiered structural elements within the existing building required precise coordination at the interface of new and existing construction.
Following the devastating 2013 Moore Tornado, the Educare Childcare & After School Program in Perkins, Oklahoma, located in Paynce County, sought a permanent solution to protect its 75 students and 18 staff members. By utilizing BuildBlock ICFs and BuildDeck technology, the facility successfully constructed a multi-purpose safe room, designed to FEMA and ICC-500 standards, that serves as a high-tech media classroom while providing absolute protection against EF5 tornadoes.
Multifamily Project Case Studies
The pinnacle of the elite urban lifestyle is found in The Brownstones at Maywood Park. The Brownstones are a hybrid of history and progressive thinking. As ‘A Triangle Development’ much thought was given to creating the perfect distinguished urban/residential community. The long tested template of high end urban communities being comprised of row houses, or Brownstones, brings the New York feel to Oklahoma City.
Valencia Heights was designed to be beautiful as well as functional. The building is comprised of a total of 33 apartments and is close to downtown George Town. Each plan features a spacious and contemporary design. Open and inviting rooms finished with the best quality craftsmanship. The first floor is at least 12ft above sea level. BuildBlock ICFs were used for all exterior walls and placed on an engineered pier and beam foundation system.
Residential Project Case Studies
Nicolas Darga, of Darga Works in Michigan, specializes in high end residential and commercial building. So when it came to building a new home for he and his wife it was important to build a house that was not only beautiful but also functional and structurally sound. The Darga’s design choices were made totally possible with the use of ICFs. There are numerous corners and bump outs in the home on different levels that required technical expertise. The open design of the home was possible through using ICFs to eliminate all posts in the central portion of the home.
In southeastern Michigan, homeowners Michael and Sue Drew have used BuildBlock ICFs to build an incredible 4 bedroom “starter castle”. Complete with a large courtyard, brick battlements, and beautiful church inspired windows, this castle is built to last and provide a safe and comfortable home for their family for generations to come.
See ICFs in action & learn more about building with icfs!
Let Us Help
Contact BuildBlock today and let our staff answer your questions and help make your project a success.