News

19 10, 2026

Habitat Hands On Training And Education

By |2026-10-19T13:13:17-05:00October 19, 2026||

About the Event: This event will include the construction of one Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) foundation, and one above grade ICF home. The training will demonstrate how high-performance building systems can help deliver durable, energy-efficient homes for Habitat partner families. ICF supplier, BuildBlock, will host on-site education and training for builders as the structures are built from the ground up. Designers, builders, construction professionals and community members interested in learning more about ICF construction are welcome to participate. Participants will experience a live construction environment, engage with industry professionals, and see firsthand how ICF contributes to stronger, safer and more efficient homes. Each day a lunch and learn training will be made available for participants or those not available to volunteer during the construction process. The registration link is available below. Event Schedule: November 2 8:30 AM – Volunteer Training | ICF Stacking Begins 12 PM – Training: ICF Installation: Lunch & Learn 3:30 PM – End of Day November 3 8:30 AM – Volunteer Training | ICF Stacking Begins 12 PM – Training: ICF Installation: Lunch & Learn 3:30 PM – End of Day November 4 8:30 AM – Volunteers Arrive | Prepare for Pour 12 PM – Training: [...]

15 10, 2026

ICFMA Welcomes Federal Investment in Apprenticeship Training

By |2026-10-15T18:38:06-05:00October 15, 2026|News Releases|

ICFMA Welcomes Federal Investment in Apprenticeship Training and Calls for a Stronger Place for ICF in Red Seal Training OTTAWA, October 15, 2026 -- The Insulating Concrete Forms Manufacturers Association (ICFMA) welcomes today's announcement by the Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour), of new investments, reported at $430 million, through the Union Training and Innovation Program to expand apprenticeship training capacity, modernize training equipment and support innovation in Red Seal trades training, along with a new call for applications for organizations seeking funding. “Canada can’t build the homes and buildings it needs without skilled tradespeople, and Red Seal training is the backbone of that workforce,” said Jim Facette, Executive Director of ICFMA. “Investing in training centres, equipment and new ways of teaching is exactly what the trades need, and our members are ready to help.” ICFMA members depend on skilled trades. Every insulating concrete form (ICF) project, from single-family homes to mid-rise residential and commercial buildings, relies on carpenters, concrete workers and other tradespeople who know how to build with ICF correctly. Continue reading the full news release here.

9 10, 2026

Canadian Valley Technlogy Center Renovation & Expansion

By |2026-10-09T10:28:41-05:00October 9, 2026|ICF Projects|

The Canadian Valley Technology Center Renovation and Expansion in Chickasha, Oklahoma, designed by MA Architecture, demonstrates the large-scale application of BuildBlock ICF construction in a modern educational facility. The project combines a 96-by-60-foot hardened storm shelter with high-clearance educational spaces, vocational training areas, classrooms, and administrative facilities. Integrating reinforced concrete ICF walls with existing campus structures and modern architectural finishes, the expansion delivers enhanced life-safety protection, structural resilience, thermal performance, and long-term durability while maintaining a welcoming environment for students and staff. Read more about this project at buildblock.com

2 10, 2026

The Pros of Building Foundations with ICF

By |2026-10-02T08:18:03-05:00October 2, 2026|Design|

More comfortable living space. Thanks to the 2 layers of continuous insulation, ICF basements are less prone to moisture ingress, dampness, and drafts. Greater energy efficiency. ICF walls have 2 layers of continuous insulation, which give them airtightness and prevent heat loss through air movement. What’s more, these walls also come with a high thermal mass, which helps keep the indoor temps steady even as the outdoor temperatures plummet. ICF walls are insulated inside and out. Not only is this great for comfort and energy efficiency, but the exterior foam layer keeps the concrete surface warm and condensate-free. This helps you avoid dangerous moisture build-up in your wall cavity. You can follow this link to continue reading...

1 10, 2026

Tips For Building a Foundation with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

By |2026-10-01T10:42:08-05:00October 1, 2026|Design, Training|

ICF foundations are comfortable, energy-efficient, and easy to construct. But like any part of a building, ICF foundations come with certain nuances you must consider while planning, designing, and after your crews’ shovels hit the dirt. In this post, we’ve consolidated all the advice we could give anyone who’s embarking on an ICF foundation project. In the guide below, you’ll learn the key things to consider as you plan an ICF foundation and give you a few handy tips for the design and construction phases. Big Picture Planning Considerations For ICF Foundations Here are three key big picture planning considerations when you’re building an ICF foundation. How Do You Want To Use Your Basement Space? Before you start working with a designer, take the time to consider what you will do with the ICF basement space. Considering the mechanical and storage elements will consume up to 50% of the basement floor area, you’ll be left with 50% (or more) of the basement at your disposal. You can follow this link to continue reading...

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