It’s been a slow start, but insulated concrete forms (ICFs) are generating buzz as a relative newcomer in the construction industry.

These modular building blocks – comprised of concrete, rebar, and foam panels – lock together like Legos, creating a firm shell for any type of structure.

The material provides more thermal insulation than conventional construction elements, saving on energy costs and preserving resources.

But it isn’t just penny pinchers and environmentalists who are taking notice of the product.

Many who build with ICFs have done so to avoid structural damage. The material creates bunker-like monoliths that would make even the Three Little Pigs feel safe.

One private school in Yelm made of ICF escaped the Nisqually earthquake virtually unscathed, according to Dave Frentress, a spokesperson for ICF distributor Glacier Northwest.

“That was ground zero for that incident,” Frentress said. “There was no damage. Not even a drywall crack.”

One of the added benefits of this stability is the potential for reduced insurance costs.

Rot, mold, mildew, bugs, and fire are also turned away.

ICFs do have their drawbacks. The material can be up to 5 percent more expensive to build with, according to most experts, although the extra cost is thought to pay off with energy savings and reduced maintenance.

“The cheapest way to build is to do it right the first time,” said Owen Roberts, a Bothell-based contractor who works with ICFs.

Roberts used to live in a 900-square-foot home built of conventional materials. Now he lives in a 4,000 square-foot house made with ICFs.

His heating costs are the same.

Another drawback of ICF panels is that they can be restrictive when it comes to creating complex designs.

“It’s a lot of work if there are jigs and jags and round walls,” Roberts said.

That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, just time-consuming.

Height is generally not an issue with ICFs until it reaches the high-rise range.

Glacier Northwest has supplied ICF materials for mixed-use structures up to 12 stories tall from Vancouver to Portland.

As for the exterior appearance, ICF buildings look the same as conventional structures. You can cover them with wood, brick, stucco, or any other form of siding.

“In reality, you can’t tell the difference between a wood house and a concrete house from the street,” Frentres said. “They’re kind of incognito when they’re done.”

Joshua Adam Hicks can be reached at jhicks@bellevuereporter.com or 425-453-4290.