In neighborhoods across Greater Sioux Falls, a quiet transformation is taking shape. One that replaces uncertainty with stability and builds not just houses, but homes filled with hope. Together with Stronghold ICF, Benchmark Foam is honored to join this mission through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls, bringing the proven performance of Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction to families seeking safe, decent and affordable housing.
Building Better with ICF Technology
For those unfamiliar with ICF construction, the system might just change how you think about building. ICF forms are hollow expanded polystyrene (EPS) blocks that fit together much like interlocking bricks. Once stacked and reinforced with steel rebar, these forms are filled with concrete, creating a solid wall that is permanently insulated from both inside and out. This method produces walls of exceptional strength that stand up to extreme weather while delivering remarkable energy efficiency.
Strength and Disaster Resistance
The resilience of ICF construction provides particular value for homeowners in our region, where weather can be unpredictable. Walls built with ICF can withstand winds exceeding 200 miles per hour, offering protection during severe storms. Concrete’s natural fire resistance means ICF walls will not combust. This significantly slows fire spread and potentially saves lives and property. This translates to homes that shelter families through challenging conditions while potentially lowering homeowner insurance costs due to their proven resilience.
Energy Efficiency for Lasting Affordability
Beyond strength, ICF construction delivers outstanding thermal performance that keeps homes comfortable year-round while reducing energy costs. The combination of concrete’s thermal mass and continuous insulation creates a building envelope that maintains consistent interior temperatures with less energy input. Homes built with ICF typically require 20-50% less energy for heating and cooling compared to traditional wood-frame construction. For families working toward financial stability, these savings make homeownership more sustainable over the long term.
The science behind this performance lies in the material properties. EPS foam consists of 98% air trapped within closed-cell structures, creating an effective barrier against heat transfer. This cellular configuration gives EPS its low thermal conductivity, measured between 0.030 and 0.038 W/mK depending on density. When combined with concrete’s ability to absorb and slowly release heat, the system moderates indoor temperatures naturally, reducing the workload on heating and cooling equipment.
Quiet, Healthy Living Environments
The benefits of ICF construction go beyond energy savings to the daily living experience. The density of concrete combined with EPS foam creates an effective sound barrier and produces noticeably quieter interior spaces. This acoustic buffering is especially valuable in neighborhoods close to busy streets or in multi-family dwellings, where noise transmission can affect quality of life.
ICF walls also contribute to healthier indoor air quality. Unlike some building materials that can off-gas chemicals or support mold growth, ICF contains no formaldehyde, fiberglass or asbestos. The tight building envelope minimizes air infiltration, reducing the intrusion of outdoor pollutants, pollen and dust. For children and adults with asthma or allergies, this cleaner indoor environment can bring meaningful health benefits.
Streamlined Building Process
ICF blocks are designed for efficient construction. They can be assembled rapidly because of their lightweight and interlocking design, which can greatly reduce build times. This efficiency is ideal for Habitat for Humanity, as it allows volunteers to participate in wall construction after only a brief training period.
Additionally, the forms are adaptable to various designs, from simple layouts to curved walls. This ensures families can have a functional and attractive home without sacrificing the structural integrity and energy efficiency inherent to ICF construction.
Shared Values, Shared Mission
This partnership represents more than just a building project. It embodies the shared values that both Benchmark Foam and Habitat for Humanity hold. For decades, Benchmark has focused on manufacturing high-performance EPS products that deliver real-world benefits, from our geofoam used in infrastructure projects to our eps360® roofing insulation specified for local schools. Similarly, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls has served Minnehaha, Lincoln and Turner counties since 1989, impacting nearly 2,000 people through affordable housing initiatives.
The choice of ICF construction for this Habitat home reflects a forward-thinking approach to affordable housing that prioritizes not just initial cost but long-term performance. By investing in building methods that reduce ongoing energy expenses and require minimal maintenance, we help ensure that homeowners can thrive in their homes for years to come.
Looking Forward Together
As we begin this partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls, we are reminded that a home represents more than shelter. It’s the foundation for family life, community connection and personal growth. The inherent strength, efficiency and comfort of ICF construction align perfectly with Habitat’s vision of building homes that empower families toward better futures.
Witness the transformation made possible by volunteers, community support and building methods that truly make a difference. Together, we’re building more than houses. We’re building homes, communities and hope, one interlocking block at a time.
