understanding icf

Stacking Up The Features & Benefits Of Insulated Concrete Forms

INNOVATIVE.
EFFICIENT.
SUSTAINABLE.

WITH THE STRENGTH TO TAKE ON ALASKA’S TOUGHEST ENVIRONMENTS

Our Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction technology offers the ultimate in strength, disaster resilience, value and energy efficiency.

As Alaska’s most experienced authorized installer of industry-leading Nudura ICF forms, here’s the secret to how we’re helping Alaska build better.

the perfect alaskan building envelope


Simply put, Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are like hollow LEGO blocks that are stacked, steel-reinforced, and filled with concrete to create a highly impact-resistant, extremely safe, and remarkably energy-efficient building envelope in just one step. Suitable for both commercial and residential applications, ICFs offer significant long-term value compared to traditional building methods.

Our NUDURA ICF forms come in various configurations and sizes to fit any building design. They consist of two panels of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam connected by a patented webbing system made of 100% recycled material. The EPS foam is non-toxic, fully recyclable, shock-resistant, and capable of withstanding fire for over 4 hours as well as wind speeds of up to 250 mph. When combined with rebar and concrete, these forms produce walls that are over 800 times stronger than wood and possess monolithic thermal mass. This high thermal mass in an airtight building envelope allows our structures to absorb and store heat energy, resulting in more stable indoor temperatures and significantly lower heating and cooling costs.

  1. form system

  2. Wall structure 

  3. insulation

  4. air barrier

  5. vapor barrier

  6. finish anchor  

WHY build with NUDURA ICF?


Largest standard forms in the industry, measuring 96" x 18" and allowing the placement of 12 square feet of wall area in one step.

Patented foam interlock system is 4-way reversible, virtually eliminating waste or the need for separate left/right corner pieces.

Patented Duralok™ fastening strip locks forms into place along the full 18-inch height, eliminating float & compression, and providing an industry-leading continuous fastening strip for finish materials.

Patented Durafold™ hinged web allows forms to be shipped flat so you get 40% more product per truckload. Simply unfold & stack.

Complete 6 construction phases in 1 product. Nudura serves as your: Form system, wall structure, insulation package, air barrier, vapor barrier & interior/exterior finish anchor. 

Learn more about nudura

Insulated Concrete Forms create the perfect Alaska building envelope for commercial hangars, warehouses, retail spaces, residences, tenant improvement projects and more.

Long-term value, lower energy costs & unbeatable structural resilience are just a few of the benefits of choosing Nudura ICF.

  • Check out our media gallery to learn more about the advantages and installation details of Nudura ICF.

    > MEDIA GALLERY

  • Explore the sustainable side of ICF.

    > BUILDING GREEN

  • Use Nudura’s free Estimator Program to get an estimate of the insulated concrete forms, accessories and compatible products needed for your project.

    > ESTIMATE YOUR PROJECT

  • Nudura's design library is filled with specification guidelines to help designers, engineers and architects build with the Nudura wall system to incorporate ICFs into any project.

    > DESIGN LIBRARY

  • Learn more about Nudura products, project application and specifications.

    > NUDURA RESOURCES

STACK UP THE ADVANTAGES OF BUILDING WITH ICF

  • ICF maximizes comfort and energy performance, saving up to 70% on heating and cooling costs. The solid, steel-reinforced concrete core (up to 12") provides stable thermal mass, eliminating thermal bridging for comfortable, low-cost indoor temperatures.

  • Concrete’s durability has been proven for millennia. Our ICF structures are designed to last over 200 years, compared to the typical 30-year lifespan of wood structures, offering long-term reliability and reduced maintenance.

  • ICF structures defy Mother Nature, withstanding impacts from hurricanes, earthquakes, and more. Examples like Florida’s Sand Palace after Hurricane Michael, as well as our own structures after Alaska’s 2018 earthquake, showcase ICF's durability. These walls resist winds over 240 mph and offer superior protection against seismic events, fires, and floods.

  • Concrete’s high thermal mass and resistance to thermal bridging allow ICF to regulate indoor temperatures extremely efficiently. ICF walls absorb and store heat energy, stabilizing indoor temperatures, reducing heating and cooling cycles, and saving energy. 

  • ICF walls achieve impressive R-Values. Alone, they have an R-Value of 23, but when factoring in the concrete's thermal mass and airtight nature, the effective R-Value can exceed R-50. This is significantly higher than the R-Value of less than 15 for wood-framed walls.

  • ICF walls withstand temperatures up to 2,000 degrees for 4 hours, surpassing typical forest fire temperatures of 1,500 degrees. This high fire resistance protects your investment and can lower insurance premiums.

  • ICF buildings are nearly ⅔ quieter than wood-framed structures, with STC ratings of 50 and above. Clients often notice the absence of cold drafts and unwanted noise immediately.

  • ICF construction integrates six elements into one product, making it 20-30% faster than conventional framing and 50-60% faster than CMU construction. This efficiency is particularly beneficial in Alaska's short building season, saving both time and money.

  • ICF can accommodate any architectural design, from various sizes and shapes to custom finishes. This flexibility allows for unique and personalized building projects.

  • ICF walls contain no organic materials, making them resistant to mold, pests, and mildew. They also do not emit toxins and eliminate air gaps, improving indoor air quality and reducing drafts and allergens.

  • ICF is made from recycled and recyclable materials, lasts longer, generates less waste, and reduces energy bills. It’s ideal for achieving net-zero or LEED standards, promoting a healthier living environment with lower exposure to mold and toxins. Learn more about BUILDING GREEN with ICF.

  • The long-term value of ICF stacks up through energy savings, durability, overall longevity and disaster resilience. Insurance providers may offer discounts for ICF structures in areas prone to severe weather and fires, enhancing its investment value.

CHOOSE ALASKA’S PREEMINENT ICF BUILDER

Remote Alaska Solutions is built on innovation, continually raising the bar in building a better Alaska. As a certified Nudura ICF installer, we provide a comprehensive range of ICF services, from foundations and wall-only structural packages to custom, fully-finished commercial projects.

Build with us.

  • Remote Alaska Solutions constructed our new air terminal at Merrill Field in Anchorage during the most challenging times of COVID-19. The unique quality product they delivered is unrivaled on this field and, perhaps, in Alaska. I’d recommend Seth Kroenke and his fine team to anyone wishing to have a high-quality product with the least possible hassles.

    Glen Alsworth, Sr, President
    
Lake Clark Air, Inc.
    ICF Commercial Hangar & 2024 ICF Builder Award Winner

  • I've utilized the advantages of ICF technology in my construction company for almost 3 decades. I found out about Nudura block & Alaska Concrete Solutions and am so glad I did. I’ve used it on two large projects & ordered a semi-load for several more coming up. The product, combined with their professional team of concrete & building talent, is a resource I look forward to working with for years to come!

    Dave M.

    PALMER, AK

  • RAS came to us as a highly reputable and solid construction company with the highest standards regarding quality and relationships. We were not too knowledgeable about ICF technology, but after a few meetings with Seth and Kevin, we were sold -- This was for us! Living in Alaska and having a facility that is robust enough to handle our harsh winters and threat of earthquakes is a game changer.

    Angela Head, CEO

    MAC Federal Credit Union
    
(ICF Commercial Design-Build and 2023 ICF Builder Award Winner)

  • There's a reason why these guys' motto is "concrete strong." Their service is solid and our project got done in lightning speed. Thank you to the crew!

    Michael T.

    ANCHORAGE, AK

  • The CPG Hangar was built on-time on an ambitious schedule, in spite of a major regional earthquake and significant permitting hurdles. The facility handled full-scale operations from day one, and was a tremendous value add to our operation. In the new building our energy efficiency has improved dramatically, the workflow of our staff is now optimized, and our guests experience comfort and luxury. In a business where dynamic logistics rule the day, this purpose-built facility takes our operation to the next level.

    Henry Munter, Owner

    Chugach Powder Guides

    (Commercial ICF Hangar & 2020 ICF Builder Award Finalist)