ICF Insulated Concrete Forms

There are no building codes in our county and people within the community are free to choose whatever style of building they wish, from fully conventional to natural alternatives like straw bale and clay slip.

It has been interesting to note that when faced with all of these options, we now have our third home being built using Insulated Concrete Forms or ICF's. These consist of thick, high quality polystyrene foam panels held together by plastic ties filled with concrete.

ICF
ICF home under construction
These buildings are incredibly solid and virtually tornado proof, providing added security since The Farm is only a few miles away from a tornado alley.

house
Another new ICF home on The Farm

Twin panels of foam insulation are connected with plastic reinforcement creating forms which are stacked to make walls.

The forms are then filled with poured concrete. This produces an extremely insulated structure, requiring minimal energy to heat or cool.

Insulation R values go up to R26. The panels are quick to assemble, saving on labor costs.

The interior and exterior walls can be covered with a variety of building materials.

 

ICF
The lightweight panels arrive on pallets.

ICF
Plastic ties create the space to be filled with concrete.

2012 Calendar
Belize Adventure Jan./Feb.
Hike in the jungle. Stay in Mayan villages. Visit Plenty relief projects. Contact me for details.
Vegan Cooking Retreat Feb. 24-26
Whether a confirmed vegan or simply seeking new recipes to better health, you'll find yummy new foods, easy gourmet recipes and a jam packed weekend.
The Spiritual Path March 16-18
Personal rejuvenation and healing, achieved through focus on our collective consciousness. Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation, Healing Touch, Music...more

Farm Experience Weekend
March 30- April 1 Our 10th year!
The best overview of life in community, exploring green building and solar technology, organic gardening, midwifery, education and so much more.

Experience the Land April 20-22
In addition to our regular Experience Weekend activities and tours, on Saturday afternoon we'll hike to a waterfall in the 1475 acre Big Swan Headwaters Preserve. The Saturday night dinner and entertainment will be a fundraiser for Swan Conservation Trust.
The World Peace Diet Conference with Dr Will Tuttle May 3-6
Author of The World Peace Diet speaks and performs his music. Hands-on garden tour, vegan cooking classes plus lectures, workshops and with Will...more
The Farm School Family Fest
May 12 &13
Music, Tours, Hikes, Games, More!
Men's Retreat May 18-20
An opportunity to explore men's yang, creative energy, build our strength and better understand our place in the world. Building the bond between brother, fathers and sons....more
Community & Sustainability Conference May 25-27 Your opportunity to explore the connection between lifestyle and intention..
Women's Retreat
June 1-3 Sisters of all ages come together for very special gathering. Hosted by women of The Farm...more
Organic Gardening Intensive June 3-10 or 8-10 A week (or weekend) of hands-on gardening as well as garden tours on and 0ff-The Farm to visit Shiitake operations, a bamboo nursery and more...more
End of Summer Retreat July 25-29 or 27-29 (weekend only) Swimming, hiking, kid activities, workshops and GREAT FOOD! Fun for the entire family. Includes camp sites. Click here for a list of accommodations
Farm Experience Weekend
Sept. 21-23 Our 10th year!
The Vegan Cooking Retreat
Oct. 12-14
Whether a confirmed vegan or simply seeking new recipes to better health, you'll find yummy new foods, easy gourmet recipes and a jam packed weekend.
Midwifery Assistant Workshops
Visit our web site to see the 2011 calendar.
www.midwiferyworkshops.org/
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Camp sites include
water, shower and bathroom facilities.
Click here for a list of accommodations

Essay:
True Sustainability

NEW: The Farm's Green Home Gallery
 

An ICF home built here a couple of years ago.
ICF
The finished product. icf
The Farm's first two car garage. ICF

An interior view, spacious and comfortable.
ICF
 
  Green Life Retreats
A division of Village Media Services
PO Box 259
Summertown, TN 38483
931-964-2590 - office
931-626-4035 - cell
Douglas@villagemedia.com
www.villagemedia.com
www.greenliferetreats.com

Douglas@thefarmcommunity.com