Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF) is a way of building walls using lightweight foam panels that act as a mould for poured concrete. The panels stay in place, so you get a solid concrete core with built‑in insulation. It’s fast to build, strong, and energy‑efficient—made to last.
On site, foam panels lock together to form the wall. Steel reinforcement can be added where needed. Once braced, concrete is poured into the hollow panels. After it sets, the panels remain in place as insulation on both sides of the concrete.
Fast to install – experienced installers can build up to 4 m² per hour with minimal equipment.
Quicker to watertight – supporting trades can start sooner.
Robust – handles concrete pours up to 3 m.
Design‑friendly – curves, freeform shapes and details are straightforward.
Flexible – variable webs and our H‑clip enable full core‑size flexibility (walls over 1 m thick are possible).
Easy to clad – built‑in fixing points suit stone, brick or render; or leave an exposed concrete face.
Efficient logistics and storage – up to 1,000 m² per truck; independent panels save space.
Energy‑efficient – continuous insulation and cavity closers reduce heat loss and drafts.
Quiet and comfortable – excellent sound absorption.
Made in the UK – short lead times and local support.
IntegraSpec ICF works for many projects, including:
Homes and apartments
Care homes and hospitals
Schools and hotels
Commercial buildings
Basements, swimming pools and retaining walls
It’s used across the UK and internationally wherever strength, speed and efficiency are important.
Two things make ICF perform well: the concrete’s thermal mass (it stores heat and releases it slowly) and the continuous insulation on both sides. Together they help keep buildings warm in winter and cooler in summer, with fewer temperature swings and lower energy use.
In standard form, IntegraSpec ICF achieves U‑values down to 0.20 W/m²K. With our expanded polystyrene inserts, this can improve to around 0.10 W/m²K.
A lower U‑value means better insulation and lower heat loss.
Download our brochure to see typical wall build‑ups and performance.
Yes. Thermal bridging is where heat “leaks” through materials that conduct heat (often at junctions and around openings). Independent testing shows IntegraSpec has a lower thermal bridge loss than other systems tested in the UK.
To request our Thermal Bridging certificates, please contact us.
Concrete doesn’t burn, and the system provides excellent fire resistance. Depending on the concrete‑core thickness, walls can provide up to three hours’ fire resistance (for a 150 mm core).
