We built two retirement homes. The first one was built with Styrofoam ICF by an ICF contractor who had several issues with blowouts, but he was knowledgeable and built a good exterior structure. Nonetheless, we were not happy with the building. It was too “tight’ and we had condensation on the windows all winter in spite of running the HRV. The exterior walls were stuccoed, but very fragile and it was a real problem trying to hang anything on the interior walls because you had to find the plastic webs behind the drywall.
So, we decided to build a second retirement home. This time I selected Nexcem insulated concrete forms, and I am so glad I did. It was so quick and easy to lay up and we poured with very little bracing compared to what is required with Styrofoam ICF. We had no blowout issues and all those issues we had with the first retirement home are gone. This house is so comfortable to live in. We almost never use AC, heat it very efficiently, do not use any heat for about 6 months of the year, which is unheard of in this region. Yes, the house cost a bit more to build than a stick-built house, but it has repaid the difference and more in the past 12 years.
If you have any doubts about what to use for your house shell, believe me that you cannot do better than Nexcem. It is rugged, easy to work with, and makes the finest structure that you can put together in this climate. And Nexcem is extremely helpful with any information you may need during the build.
Very highly recommended.