Josh Salinger, owner of Birdsmouth Design-Build, is on-site in Portland, Ore., to discuss the benefits of using insulated concrete forms (ICFs) to build a foundation for a small, energy-efficient building. ICFs are modular concrete forms that permanently remain in place to provide insulation for the structure they enclose. The ICFs are used instead of traditional forms for pouring a concrete wall. Each ICF block consists of a pair of expanded polystyrene (EPS) rigid-insulation slabs separated by plastic struts to create a void for pouring the concrete.

This project is on an net-zero-energy accessory dwelling unit (ADU), which will be a secondary housing structure built on the back of this single-family residential lot. ADUs are often rented out and used as supplemental income. Other times, they’re used for expanding families. In this case, the ADU will be be a home for grandparents who want to live closer to their children and their newborn grandchild.

Check back soon to see more videos by Josh about the construction of this home.