Effectiveness of Using Insulated Concrete Form in Residential Buildings in the Bicol Region

Structural development in the Philippines continues to expand in both urban and rural areas, but rural regions face major challenges due to limited resources and the country’s high vulnerability to natural disasters, ranking among the top ten most disaster-prone nations in the 2020–2021 World Risk Index. These risks, particularly in regions like Bicol that are frequently affected by typhoons, floods, and earthquakes, threaten economic growth and the structural integrity of residential homes. To address this, the study explores the use of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) as an innovative alternative to traditional concrete masonry, focusing on its structural strength, energy efficiency, insulation properties, cost-effectiveness, and disaster resilience. Using descriptive research methods, surveys, interviews, and statistical analysis (including ANOVA), the findings show that while ICF and traditional concrete have comparable strength, ICF significantly outperforms in energy efficiency and insulation, offering long-term cost savings despite higher initial costs. Although resilience against typhoons, floods, and earthquakes showed no statistically significant difference, ICF’s reinforced monolithic design provides superior protection, supported by case studies in disaster-prone regions. Despite these advantages, traditional concrete remains widely preferred for its affordability and familiarity, but the study concludes that ICF is a sustainable, disaster-resilient option for residential construction in Bicol. Recommendations include increasing awareness and training among construction professionals, introducing policy incentives, and supporting local production to lower costs, alongside further research into ICF’s long-term performance and lifecycle benefits.