I'm considering building a brick commercial building in New Hampshire with ICF construction and a full brick exterior. Please - any suggestions - my constractor may use Amvic - any feedback on amvic would be appreciated. thank you.

Amvic is a block that has been around for a good period of time, probably one of the better ones.

However, using a full brick exterior may not be the best approach, considering the choices of brick and stone veneer available.

I used 4300 sq. ft of Boulder Creek Stone on a home in CT, and the weight difference alone is worth considering.

Yes, you can use full brick if you desire, and your choices are either block up from the foundation, or use a brick ledge, however, using the "Cultured Style" stone and brick eliminates that step.

I will try to email you an article on the above house just for reference. Discuss the options with your designer or archie!

Amvic is a great choice of ICF. How tall will your commercial building be?

Dave

thank you. I really appreciate the advice.
It is a small building in the center of downtown Portsmouth. It will have a 1475 sq. ft. footprint and be 3.5 stories high (3 stories with a shed style roof and loft). It has been approved for construction by the Historic District Commission in Portsmouth, NH and I have to match into surrounding historic buildings. It will be the first ICF buidling downtown. I have to use brick (Vermont waterstruck) and granite headers/sills etc...

Any more thoughts with this new info. Thanks again.

Even Historic Commissions accept new style products that covey or mimic the surrounding. Although accuracy is important, many times the "green" aspect may help to allow different materials.

I've been downtown Portsmouth, and understand aspects of preservation; however, too many historic committees do their work with blinders on, instead of the common good achievable with miniscule variations, often unseen by the very people who look at it everyday!

Just my .02!