Posted By icfblocks on 05/02/2009 8:11 PM
My experience in the South East leads me to believe that the concrete "sandwich" style of construction is more costly than ICF. .
What kind of sandwich?
[] shotcrete (i.e., tridipanel http://beachshack.ai/1997-09-25.html)
[] tilt up (poured on site)
[] factory made
[] poured in vertical form
How much encapsulated insulation?
What kind of insulation?
Were there any form liners used to texture the exterior / interior concrete surface?
(i.e., http://www.dur-o-wal.com/Form_Liners.html?sc=326)
Frankly, initial costs are deceptive when evaluating functional shelter. In the long run, if you build something that costs more, but saves you $$$ on comfort, endures natural disasters, and won't burn, rot, feed vermin, grow mold, and can endure flying objects, I think it's a winner.
IMHO - it would appear that the least wasteful, frugal way to build a 'disaster resistant' domicile, would be to build a concrete sandwich wall, encapsulated insulation, and with textured finished surfaces. (and don't forget helix wire reinforcement http://www.helixfiber.com/ )
The next question: would removable vertical forms be better than tilt up panels?