Your first choice for ICF
The benefits are simple, from the designer to the occupier, the IntegraSpec ICF system is innovative, flexible and meets the needs of all customer groups.
About Ballantine Building Solutions
Ballantine Building Solutions is part of the A.S. Ballantine Ltd Group. A.S. Ballantine Ltd was founded in 1953 by the late Mr Albert Ballantine, and is now led by his three sons Stanley, Wesley and Jonathan.
Over the last 66 very successful years in the Quarry and Civil Engineering Contracting business, A.S. Ballantine Ltd Group has become established as one the leading independent family businesses in the Quarry and Civil engineering industry as well as Plant hire and now Ballantine Building Solutions is one of the leading building company’s throughout Ireland and further afield.
The superior product, which we have been quarrying, supplying and delivering over the years, has contributed to helping to establish A.S. Ballantine. Ltd. as a brand which is known for excellence and has become a permanent part of the roads, homes utilities and overall infrastructure making life today more convenient and environmentally friendly.
With Ballantine Building Solutions our focus is mainly on Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) Construction. We supply, install and build using ICF and have worked on many successful ICF projects over the last 17 years.
We love what we do and it shows. With more than 50 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on.
What Is Integraspec Icf?
Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF) is an innovative, sustainable, high performance building system. Quite simply, it allows fast construction of creative, flexible buildings with low running costs and a long life.
Contact us today to find out more!
Contact us today to discuss how IntegraSpec ICF can help with your next building project! Call +44 (0) 2890 686756 or email: [email protected]
How does IntegraSpec ICF work?
On site, IntegraSpec expanded polystyrene panels are fixed together with webs made from high impact polystyrene plastic to create a formwork to which horizontal and vertical steel reinforcements can be easily added for extra strength. Once braced, the formwork is simply filled with concrete. The expanded polystyrene panels stay in place, resulting in a super-insulated monolithic solid concrete structure.
Watch our video to see IntegraSpec ICF in action!
What are the key benefits of IntegraSpec ICF?
- It’s easy – experienced installers can achieve up to 4m2 per hour, with minimal mechanical equipment and power tools required
- It’s quick – the building can be watertight in less time, and supporting trades can get on site swiftly
- It’s robust – designed to withstand the pressures of wet concrete pours of up to 3m
- It’s designer-friendly – ideal for innovative or unusual design features, including curved walls and freeform shapes
- It’s flexible – variable size webs and our unique H clip allows total core size flexibility; we’ve already used it to create walls over 1m thick!
- It’s easy to clad – inserts are moulded into each panel to allow easy mechanical fixing of a wide range of exterior cladding, including stone, brick or rendering. Or choose our unique ‘exposed concrete face’ option
- It’s cheap to transport – save fuel with up to 1,000m2 of panel loaded in one truck
- It’s easy to store – our unique independent panel design reduces storage space compared to fixed block ICF
- It’s energy efficient – the great insulation properties of polystyrene and our unique cavity closers around windows and doors create a comfortable living environment all year round, keeping energy bills low
- It absorbs sound – the formwork is an efficient sound absorption system; great for acoustic performance and reducing noise from adjoining properties
- It’s made in the UK! – supporting British jobs, and ensuring the quickest possible turnaround time from initial order to delivery on site
Where can IntegraSpec ICF be used?
The flexibility of IntegraSpec ICF means it works well for a wide variety of different building projects. It has already been successfully used in the construction of apartments and houses, care homes, commercial buildings, hospitals, hotels, schools, stables, hot tubs, swimming pools and basements.
It’s no wonder IntegraSpec is already the first choice for high performance and sustainability with designers, installers and occupiers across the UK, Europe, America, Canada and Asia.
Contact us today to find out more!
Contact us today to discuss how IntegraSpec ICF can help with your next building project! Call +44 (0) 2890 686756 or email: [email protected]
What’s the thermal performance of IntegraSpec ICF?
The thermal performance of any structure depends on two key measures – ‘thermal mass’ (the ability of the exterior envelope to store heat and release it over a 24-hour period) and ‘thermal storage’ (the ability of the building material to minimise temperature fluctuations and stabilise internal conditions). With IntegraSpec ICF, the thermal mass of the concrete combines with the expanded polystyrene insulation inside and out to help keep the structure warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Whatever the external temperature, the heat energy inside the building is continually conserved.
What are the U-values of IntegraSpec ICF?
In the standard configuration, the IntegraSpec ICF system can offer U-values down to 0.20w/m2k. By adding our unique expanded polystyrene inserts, U-values can be improved to around 0.10 w/m2k.
Download our brochure to find out more about our thermal performance
Does IntegraSpec ICF prevent thermal bridging?
Following independent tests for thermal bridging prevention, IntegraSpec has been verified as the best in the UK, with a lower thermal bridge loss than any other building system.
To be sent our Thermal Bridging certificates please contact us
What’s the fire performance of IntegraSpec ICF?
As concrete can’t be set on fire and doesn’t burn, the IntegraSpec ICF system is very safe, providing an excellent level of protection against fire. Depending on the thickness of the concrete core, it can provide up to 3 hours of fire protection.
How green is the IntegraSpec ICF system?
Every element of the IntegraSpec ICF system is geared towards energy efficiency, low waste and long life:
- All our products are either made from recycled material or can be recycled
- Our expanded polystyrene is free from CFCs or HCFCs
- Up to 1,000m2 of panels can be loaded onto one truck, saving on fuel costs and reducing the carbon footprint
- One standard panel size fits any wall, saving on storage space
- Buildings constructed using IntegraSpec ICF exceed the energy efficiency requirements for current building regulations
The Designer
Creative Opportunities
Curves and unusual lines can be created giving a building a unique quality with innovative shapes.
Flexibility
With few components and a modular structure, the flexibility of the IntegraSpec ICF system makes it extremely easy to work with. It can cope with any scale of project from bespoke domestic properties to education, or multi-storey health buildings.
Finishes
The exterior of an IntegraSpec ICF system building can be completed in a variety of cladding solutions. Colours and textures can be added to the design of the building to create impact.
Compatibility
The IntegraSpec ICF system is compatible with many other building or supplier systems such as foundations, flooring, internal walling and other structural features.
High Standards
BBA Approval inspection testing certificateThe quality of the products and services that IntegraSpec delivers is critical. The system components and service during the design stage are key to fulfilling the project requirements and delivering the best solution possible. IntegraSpec only deliver to qualified installers.
Modern
Designing a building using the IntegraSpec ICF system is an innovative approach to construction. It is key to developing energy efficient buildings that are quick to build across many industries, from domestic housing to commercial, retail or industrial buildings that will outlive any wood framed buildings by many years.
The Installer
Speed of Contruction
Constructing a building using the IntegraSpec ICF system is quick, with up to 50% less time than traditional methods. The system is purpose built for ease and speed of construction whatever the scale of project.
Reduced labour
The IntegraSpec ICF system requires less labour than a traditional building project. This allows for a more cost-effective focused workforce and better budget control.
Weatherproof Shell
The speed in which a watertight environment can be built using the IntegraSpec ICF system adds to the fast construction times as other trades, such as plumbing and electrics, can access to finish the building. This also extends the building season into Autumn and Winter.
Simple Installation
Installing an IntegraSpec ICF system requires training and skill, but this is minimal compared to other forms of modern construction methods. Clearly marked cut lines allow fast and accurate window and door placement, plus cutting of gable ends.
Less Equipment and Transportation
The need for heavy mechanical plant and equipment is significantly reduced. Few power tools are required and transportation costs are less.
Safe
The IntergraSpec ICF system construction site has a radically reduced health and safety risk. The reduction in machinery, labour and transportation creates a safer environment. There is less noise and the materials can be easily carried as they are lightweight and reduce the risk of injury.
The Occupier
Low Running Costs
The high level of insulation that comes with installing an IntegraSpec ICF system creates an energy efficient environment that costs less to heat and cool and therefore costs less to run.
Acoustics
The structure of the IntergaSpec ICF system gives it an inherent sound absorption quality that reduces impact sound and airborne noise. This gives a building a manageable level of acoustic performance and reduces noise from adjoining properties.
Healthy Environment
An IntregraSpec ICF system is extremely efficient when it comes to factors such as heating, cooling and ventilation. This significantly reduces drafts and the formation of mould resulting in a healthier living environment.
Fire Resistant
Offering better fire safety compared to traditional timber framed construction, an IntegraSpec ICF system has a high resistance to fire due to the materials it is made of. Concrete does not burn and so offers confidence and peace of mind when constructing a safe environment against fire. The system has been shown to offer a three hour fire resistance, based on a 150mm concrete core.
Minimum Maintenance
Ongoing maintenance costs are dramatically reduced as the IntergraSpec ICF system is robust, designed to withstand the elements and built to last.
Accepted by Planner and Insurers
The IntergraSpec ICF system has been approved by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) as a proven alternative to traditional building methods.
Longlife and Adaptable for the future
The IntregraSpec ICF system offers a strong, safe, energy efficient, sustainable building alternative. It is durable over time; an ICF system building should more than exceed the average lifespan of a traditional constructed building.