If you've read anything at all about ICF (insulated concrete form) construction, you already know that ICF is the most durable, environmentally stable and safe, and long-term the most economical form of construction available in the world today.

The innovative ICF system is more energy efficient, withstands about 240 mph wind, has few mold problems, no insect problems and saves 33 percent on heating and cooling. So what’s the catch?  “The problem is some people don’t want to change,” Knotts said of the new kind of construction. “It costs about 10 to 15 percent more to build, compared to conventional construction.”

But with the energy savings from cooling and heating, that cost is recuperated in about 10 years, he said — even faster if the price of energy increases.

The system uses closed polystyrene foam like blocks with wire mesh spacers. The blocks, 2-feet-by-4-feet, are then glued together on a traditional concrete footing and 6 inches of concrete is poured into the center. When completed, the walls are 11 inches thick. The effective insulation rating is about an R-50, Knotts said. Traditional insulation rating of a conventional construction is about R-17.

“Traditionally concrete is a very poor insulator,” Knotts said. “But the idea uses something called thermal massing.”

Because cold and heat are conducted through the concrete, the concrete stays a constant 52 to 58 degrees — the average ground temperature. The ground temperature is conducted up the wall but the two sheets of polyfoam encase the concrete.

“That means you are only having to raise the inside temperature in the winter 18 to 20 degrees instead of raising it the 60 or 70 degrees from the outside temperature,” he said. “And the reverse is true in the summer for cooling.”

Some of the huge builders that put up subdivisions almost overnight have problems with mold because the green lumber doesn’t dry out enough and the walls are sealed, Knotts said. That’s not a problem using foam and concrete construction.

“The houses are soundproof too,” he said. “These houses are so tight we introduce fresh air with a fresh air handler.”

Women like the idea of a window seat in every window, he added. Because the walls are so thick, 11 inches, there are wide ledges for plants, decorations and family pictures in every window.

It’s been around for more than 25 years and is now required in earthquake prone areas, Knotts said. A third of earth can be removed and the house will still stand. Because it’s one piece, it moves with the earth during seismic events.