What is ICF? A Smarter Way to Build in Ireland

ICF stands for Insulated Concrete Formwork. It’s a modern construction method where hollow foam blocks are stacked like building blocks and then filled with concrete. The forms stay in place, giving you a structure that’s both incredibly strong and well insulated. It’s tidy, quick to install and ideal for Irish weather.

Developers and councils across Dublin are choosing ICF to solve real challenges on site. It speeds up timelines, reduces the need for blocklayers, and makes achieving BER and NZEB standards far easier. For large-scale projects that need to move fast and stay efficient, ICF is proving to be a game-changer.

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Benefits of ICF Construction

Building with ICF brings clear, measurable  advantages that make it a smart choice across Ireland. It’s strong, efficient, and built to keep your project moving—without the usual delays or setbacks.

Here’s why more developers are turning to insulated concrete formwork for housing estates, apartment blocks and commercial sites:

Keeps buildings warm in winter and cool in summer

The insulation is built into the walls, so heat stays in during cold months and out during warmer ones. This is especially useful across large-scale multi-unit buildings.

Saves money on energy bills

With less heat escaping, buildings require less heating and cooling. That’s better for running costs and helps meet energy performance goals.

Strong, safe and built to last

ICF walls are made of solid concrete, which makes them more durable in harsh weather and gives your structure serious strength.

Improves sound insulation

 Ideal for apartment blocks or buildings in high-traffic areas, ICF helps reduce outside noise and improve indoor comfort.

Speeds up the building process

The blocks are quick and tidy to work with, so builds move faster and leave less mess behind — saving time on-site.

Supports better energy ratings

If your project needs a high BER or full NZEB compliance, ICF makes those targets easier to hit with less hassle.

How Does ICF Work?

  • Builders stack hollow blocks made from rigid foam into the desired wall shapes
  • These blocks act like permanent shutters for the concrete
  • Concrete is poured inside the foam blocks
  • Once it sets, the form stays in place as part of the wall
  • The result is a solid concrete core with insulation on both sides
  • Walls go up quickly with less manual labour
  • It combines structure and insulation in one step

Why ICF Is Ideal for Large-Scale Irish Builds

ICF is becoming the go-to method for Irish developers across Dublin and nearby counties who need projects to move fast without compromising on quality or compliance.

Here’s why ICF is the smart choice for larger developments in Ireland:

  • Speeds up the build with fewer delays due to weather
  • Keeps buildings warm and cosy all year round
  • Airtight structure helps hold in heat and reduce energy use
  • Makes it easier to hit BER and NZEB standards
  • Built-in insulation means less need for added materials
  • Excellent soundproofing for apartments or busy locations
  • Strong and reliable for long-term performance
  • ICF is a solid option when you need energy-efficient results, quicker builds and peace of mind from start to finish.

ICF vs Traditional Blockwork

Traditional blockwork is slow, weather-dependent, and labour-intensive. Between drying times, subcontractor delays, and complex insulation setups, timelines—and budgets—can quickly go off track. That’s where ICF changes everything.

Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) delivers faster, stronger, and more energy-efficient results from the ground up—ideal for multi-unit housing, apartment blocks, and commercial builds.

Here’s a quick side-by-side look

FeatureICF WallsTraditional Blockwork
Build SpeedMuch faster, less weather delaysSlower, often delayed by rain
Thermal PerformanceExcellent insulation levels built-inNeeds extra layers for insulation
Energy EfficiencyHelps achieve energy-efficient building standardsCan struggle to meet BER targets
Structural StrengthStrong solid concrete coreGood but less resistant to impact
SoundproofingNaturally better at blocking noiseNeeds added materials
Cost Over TimeSaves money on heating billsHigher running costs

Is ICF Right for Your Build?

ICF is a smart fit for developers working on projects that need to move quickly, meet high energy standards, and stay within budget. Whether you’re planning a multi-unit housing estate, an apartment block, or a council-led development, ICF makes the job easier from the ground up.
It’s also a strong choice for commercial builds like offices, shops, or mixed-use spaces where insulation, durability, and faster timelines matter.

Here’s why ICF works so well for these types of projects
  • Helps meet BER and NZEB targets with ease
  • Cuts down labour requirements with smaller crews
  • Speeds up builds with fewer weather delays
  • Provides strong, lasting concrete structures
  • Great sound and thermal insulation for apartment blocks

ICF gives you solid results that last while helping you hit timelines and standards without the usual stress.

Why Choose US?

We are a local team based in Dublin with strong knowledge of Irish builds. With over 15 years of experience specialising in ICF across Ireland, we have worked on everything from individual homes to large residential estates. You get full support from the early planning stages right through to the final handover. We guide you every step of the way with clear and honest advice.
Our ICF experts in Leinster are known for being dependable, detail-focused and easy to work with. Whether you are managing a commercial site or leading a housing development, we shape our service to fit your project. Every build is smooth, well-organised and stays on time and on budget. You can count on us for energy-efficient, high-quality ICF results that are built to last

Ready to Build with ICF?.

 Planning a new housing estate, apartment block, or commercial development? Let’s talk. The team at Daly’s Construction ICF & Building Contractors is here to offer honest advice, early-stage guidance, and expert ICF support from first plans to final handover.
We’ll walk the site with you, help assess your build needs, and offer tailored input to keep things efficient, compliant and on schedule.

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FAQs

 ICF stands for Insulated Concrete Formwork. It’s a building method that uses hollow blocks made of insulation material. These are stacked like Lego and then filled with concrete, making walls that are strong and warm

At the start, ICF can be similar costs to timber or block builds. But over time, it saves you money on heating bills. For many people across Ireland, ICF pays for itself in energy savings.

ICF builds are usually quicker. Since the forms act as both structure and insulation, there are fewer steps. That means faster build times and less delays, which is handy with the Irish weather.

 ICF buildings are made to last. The solid concrete core gives strength, while the insulation protects from damp and cold. Many experts believe ICF homes can last over 100 years.

 For those building a passive house in Ireland or aiming for top BER ratings, ICF often beats timber frame. It gives better insulation, airtightness, and durability, perfect for the Irish climate