One of the more interesting aspects of working with self-build projects is the varied and, at times, very different approaches that are taken when it comes to the design of a new property. This property is no exception.

Built on a self-build development site at Graven Hill in Bicester, where every property is different, it utilises a number of different design styles and is constructed from an ICF system called Durisol Blocks.

See this house and the one next door that both used the Lewis Deck system on Grand Designs: The Street

Durisol is the original ICF units. They were introduced to the UK in 2005 having been successfully used for build projects across mainland Europe for over 70 years.

Their wall form units are quick and easy to construct. The pre-insulated interlocking ICF wall form units are dry stacked together to form the walls. The wall form units are then in-filled with concrete to form a monolithic structural walling system. Unlike other ICF wall form units, there is no need to prop the walls during construction as the weight of the blocks holds them in place. All of their products are manufactured in South Wales from recycled cement-bonded wood fibre material.

One of the benefits from using the Durisol system is that you can use the same concrete that is used to fill the wall blocks as the screed for the Lewis Deck. As with all other concrete/ screeds it only needs to be 50mm thick without underfloor heating pipes or 52mm with underfloor heating pipes. This could potentially help with the speed of build as it is possible to do two jobs at once!

Durisol Blocks are extremely easy to install and you can learn how to install them yourself.  Durisol hold regular training courses throughout the year. The courses are designed to show you how to build with Durisol and answer any queries. If you’re thinking of building with Durisol they provide the perfect opportunity to find out more about their product.

These training courses are often at the National Self-Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon where we also have a permanent stand and where we attend every exhibition that the centre puts.

If you are thinking about building your own property using this type of system with Lewis Deck means you can actually build it yourself. Well, maybe not all of it!!

Lewis Deck System Page