Tired of drafty, expensive homes? You’re not alone.
Most homes in BC are built using traditional wood framing. It’s fast. It’s common. But it comes with lifelong frustrations:
And when disaster strikes—storms, wildfires, earthquakes? Wood doesn’t stand a chance.
The Solution: ICF Construction by Kurts
ICF—Insulated Concrete Forms—is simply a smarter way to build. We use reinforced concrete poured between insulated blocks to create walls that are:
It’s like wrapping your home in armor—with insulation that never quits.
Kurts Construction integrates ICF in custom homes, crafted move-in ready homes, and even secondary suites. We’ve seen firsthand how dramatically better it makes life for our clients.
What exactly is ICF?
ICF stands for Insulated Concrete Forms. Instead of wood, we use thick EPS foam blocks (think giant LEGO) filled with reinforced concrete. These stay permanently in place, becoming your home's incredibly strong, insulated walls.
ICF isn't new—it’s just smarter. Builders worldwide trust it, and now BC homeowners are experiencing:
Unmatched durability and safety
Enhanced comfort, air quality, and quietness
Comparing ICF to Other 'Green' Building Methods
| Method | Energy Efficiency | Durability | Fire & Weather Resistance | Comfort & Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) | Superior | Exceptional | Outstanding | Excellent |
| Spray Foam + Wood | Good | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) | Good | Good | Moderate | Good |
| Wood + Standard Insulation | Fair | Poor | Poor | Poor |
Common questions we hear about ICF
Absolutely. ICF delivers comfort and energy efficiency at every scale.
Yes, easily with proper planning upfront. We design with future flexibility in mind.
Often yes. Insurers and lenders frequently reward ICF’s strength and safety with better rates. Ask us for details.
Only slightly longer initially—but significantly faster overall when you factor fewer repairs and minimal long-term maintenance.
Not at all! Your interiors remain completely customizable.
The ROI of ICF Construction
ICF costs roughly 3–8% more upfront, but it quickly pays off:
Energy savings averaging $1,500/year or more
Lower insurance premiums (ICF homes often qualify for better rates due to safety features)
Higher resale value due to durability, efficiency, and longevity
Overall the final product exceeded our expectations and we would absolutely recommend Kurts Construction to anyone planning a new build.
The construction of our cottage posed a number of significant challenges. The unique design was coupled with a rugged building site in a remote location with limited access for large equipment or any fragile building supplies. And to top it all off, construction began just as Covid started to become a significant issue. Not a project for the faint of heart.
Kurts Construction met all these challenges with a skilled team that was exceptionally easy to work with. They dealt effectively with the unexpected issues and adjustments that come with such a complex build. Their local knowledge and connections enabled them to pull together the right resources to make the process as stress free as possible. This was especially important as we were quite a distance from the site during most of the construction and had limited ability to do site visits.
Cher Kurts’ assistance with the selection of some of the interior finishing detail was a great added extra that the team provided.
— Tim Brandenborg & Gay Robinson
What we build with ICF
Custom Homes
Built to your vision with superior energy efficiency, strength, and comfort using advanced ICF construction techniques.
Basement & Income Suites
Durable, quiet, and well-insulated spaces ideal for rentals or extended family—designed to last and save on energy.
Multi-Generational Living
Thoughtfully designed homes that bring families together, with separate, comfortable spaces built for privacy and durability.
Foundations & Envelopes
Solid, high-performance ICF foundations and building envelopes that improve energy efficiency and resist moisture and shifting.
Crafted Move-In Homes
Pre-designed ICF homes with high-end finishes, built for long-term comfort, sustainability, and low maintenance.
Small Commercial Buildings
Efficient, resilient, and code-compliant structures for offices, retail, or mixed use—designed to perform and impress.