ᐅ New Construction of a Two-Family House in Baden-Württemberg Using Neopor Formwork Blocks – Recommendations for Construction Companies?

Hello,

I actually wanted to gather information here.
It’s best to check with Eurmac2 or Argisol.
I find the system very promising. However, it is not very widespread... There can be various reasons for this....

Has anyone here had experience with it?
Please provide constructive feedback.

Thank you, Alex

alexisan schrieb:
- Can someone objectively explain why, for example, aerated concrete is preferable to insulated concrete form (ICF) blocks?

For example, because aerated concrete blocks also have a high level of DIY-friendliness when it comes to the actual "masonry" work, but without raising questions such as

hanse987 schrieb:
- If electrical outlets are to be installed on the exterior walls, how is that done? Is it enough to cut the insulation (e.g., styrofoam) up to the concrete, or is that even allowed? Is the depth sufficient, and how do you secure the outlet box?

(which come up with insulated concrete form systems). (With ICF systems, you work with integrated outlet boxes, conduits, and sometimes even built-in downpipes).

Simply put, an ICF system is a concrete wall with a (very thin, about finger thickness) layer of what is essentially external wall insulation system (EWIS) on the interior side as well. This has all the consequences for mounting and fastening issues.

If you, as a typical homeowner, want a contractor to do the masonry work for you, they will probably be happy to supply these blocks, but you are not really the target market for them. Among other reasons, because of questions like

hanse987 schrieb:
- To properly distribute the concrete inside, a concrete vibrator is needed. This can be quite intense. Do the blocks hold up? How do you avoid honeycombing?

(answers to which I unfortunately cannot provide) ICF systems are very rarely part of commercial builders’ portfolios. These builders are mainly found close to the original manufacturers. Elsewhere, they are scarce, and an inexperienced contractor unfamiliar with this system will most likely try to convince you to choose a different building material. Your satisfaction if they agree to experiment with it would be short-lived: you would essentially become their guinea pig, resulting in issues such as honeycombing or the need for core drilling for every outlet.

alexisan schrieb:
- Also, what are the disadvantages of the ICF system?

I’m not familiar with all ICF systems or their differences. Each manufacturer has its own modular dimensions and special blocks (for octagonal bay windows, etc.), but the principles are largely the same: the formwork blocks are made of either styrofoam or cement-bonded particle boards or similar materials, symmetrical or with a thicker exterior side—there is not much more variation. The basic concept is always that anyone familiar with "Lego" should be able to handle them, and any ready-mix concrete supplier can provide the concrete fill.

My mantra that blocks and installers should be seen as a system applies accordingly within the category of ICF systems: since the differences lie mainly in the details, I strongly advise against hiring an installer experienced only with ICF system XY to build a house using system ABC. Also, choose someone who builds entire houses with that system; otherwise, you will face problems at the interface between the structural shell and the interior finishing stage (or risk having the tradespeople improvise at critical junctions).

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/

alexisan schrieb:
Hello,

feel free to correct me. Compared to aerated concrete, I found it quite innovative now:

- better insulation
- better soundproofing
- higher compressive strength of the concrete → structural engineering
- faster to build

My opinion, which could be completely wrong:

- You can insulate anything thoroughly; no single masonry material has an inherent advantage. But try hanging a 20kg (44 lbs) wall cabinet on interior insulation...
- Soundproofing: is it really that noisy where you’re building? Even aerated concrete is sufficient for quiet residential areas.
- Regarding structural engineering, you can answer that yourself. How many houses made of hollow bricks/calcium silicate blocks/aerated concrete have collapsed spontaneously so far?
- Neopor does not significantly speed up construction compared to other methods. Exterior walls are only a small part of the total build time, and it is more important that the construction company has control over their processes.

I also looked into this system during our early research phase, but my conclusion was that it was basically designed for self-builders. Construction companies don’t use this material, at least I only found “kit suppliers” offering it.

Hello,

No one wants to over-insulate their home. However, from 2021 onwards, 36.5 cm (14.4 inches) aerated concrete blocks will likely no longer be sufficient.

I plan to do the work myself with construction supervision and support. To be honest, I would prefer to source this support from abroad for cost reasons. I am not looking for cheap labor but rather a reputable construction company from Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, or similar countries.

Maybe someone has recommendations. Accommodation can be provided. The construction site is reachable on foot within 5 minutes.

Regards, Alex

alexisan schrieb:
To be honest, I would prefer to source this support from abroad for cost reasons. I’m not talking about cheap labor though.

Besides labor costs, what other cost reasons could there be here?

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https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/

Hello, I will try to present my thoughts in an organized way:

Labor costs in Baden-Württemberg are comparatively very high and seem to be rising daily due to the construction boom. Additionally, there is a current shortage of skilled workers.

Therefore, turnkey construction is unaffordable. We have to get hands-on ourselves.

The question is which building system can be implemented by amateurs with the help of friends, family, and helpers (preferably from Eastern Europe). Based on my research so far:

- Ytong
- Neopor formwork blocks
- Timber construction (e.g., GreMagor)

We are planning 2 full floors with a recessed attic floor. No basement. I am attaching the plans.

For Ytong, due to seismic zone 2, some continuous concrete walls in the east/west and north/south directions will be necessary. Regarding sound insulation, a corresponding heavy partition wall between the units will be required. So, this will be a hybrid system.

I have not yet looked into the timber construction option very deeply. It is interesting, but I would prefer a solid structure. However, I am open to advice.

For the system with Neopor formwork blocks (Euromac, Argisol, Isorast, etc.), I found the compromise between sound insulation, thermal insulation, and ease of installation to be the best so far. Right now, I cannot estimate how the costs compare. One would need to compare the gross costs for 1 square meter of 36.5cm (14 inches) wall...

I hope my thought process makes sense for now... I look forward to any tips or suggestions. Maybe I am on the wrong track...

Best regards, Alex