ICF for Multifamily Townhouse Construction
ICF block based concrete construction combined with concrete deck floors makes possible the feasible construction of concrete multistory structures. Such structures possess excellent thermal and sound insulation, as wells as great structural strength, and resistance to fire and water damage. ICF construction was first pioneered in Canada several decades ago and continues to gain popularity in the US. Note: The drawings shown in the link above have partially finished interios - the better to show the way in which concrete is used structurally. The walls would of course be covered with sheet rock, wood paneling, etc. in the finished condition.
In this blog post I try to consider the all ICF townhouse design which includes integral parking above which is a large private outdoor terrace connecting with a generous open plan living dining kitchen area. In the design as shown, ten adjacent units are packaged to make one row, and four rows are situated around a private square overlooked by each terrace.
Townhouse community should be situated around a walled, traffic free, interior garden square.
This square should be relatively empty in its center with features for different activities situated at the corners
Each unit should have direct access to this interior square
The square should be sealed off from public access i.e. kept private
Parking should be well integrated with the development
Outdoor living area should feature heavily and have direct kitchen access
The main living space should also have direct access to the outdoor living area
The outdoor living area should be constructed as an outdoor garden terrace situated above and looking out over the main interior square
This garden terrace should be as private as possible minimizing sight-lines from adjacent units
If feasible HVAC equipment should be located on top of the building, be allotted sufficient space, and make use of modern developments in HVAC technology.
Individual Unit Considerations
Each unit outfitted with an elevator
Each unit to have an open plan interior living space connecting out onto an elevated open plan outdoor terrace looking out onto the main square
Built-in furniture will be used to fullest extent practical with the goal of making moving in feel more like checking into a hotel than a stress filled move
The Sovent plumbing technology is used greatly simplifying the DWV system.
Well organized pex water systems are used
Living room designed to function as both main living space and home theater
One floor devoted to bedrooms each with its own full bath
One floor devoted to master suite with sitting room
Top floor devoted to library / study / quiet space
Bottom floor partitioned into gym / laundry / and or playroom
All ICF concrete construction because concrete is much superior to stick framing and more suited to fabricating a raised outdoor terrace
ICF has excellent insulative and sound properties
A possible ICF system is Quadlock because it also offers an integrated reinforced concrete floor system
Hydronic HVAC better suited to concrete structure than forced air.
A possible hybrid hydronic system can be designed around the Daikin VRV water cooled heat pump
With a hydronics based system it should be possible use the same wall hung boilers to produce domestic hot water, to heat the building in the winter, and to heat the hot tub during all seasons.
Manufacturer Links
