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Hello, We are designing a 4 story carbon neutral, built for purpose office block on stilts (as it is in a flood zone). ICF was originally specified for the walls during planning phase to achieve the best thermal performance, air tightness, security and acoustics outlined in GBS's Sustainability SPD and client brief. This was also backed up by our sustainability consultant. Over the last year of waiting for planning permission, the client has taken a liking to the single faced ICF system (based on aesthetics) and the Architect seem to prefer the more traditional methods with steel frame with light weight metal stud, sheathing, cladding railing system and all the insulation/membranes/tapes/etc. In my opinion, I feel like we will struggle to achieve the above requirements outlined in the SPD with steel frame while the RC frame/ICF will provide these properties inherently. The only negative I can think of for the ICF although will be a heavier build and therefore more piles/thicker caps. If anyone has had any experience achieving almost passive standards with Steel frame/light weight metal stud and possibly also has ICF experience to compare the two, it would be greatly appreciated? Also, I was hoping to see if anyone has had any experience with the 'off the shelf' single faced ICF systems (Nudura/Integraspec) as well as potentially using systems like Quad-Lock that don't offer a single faced solution but could easily adapted to do so. (Fixings 8'x4' ply sheets too the ties at 12" H&V centres). The main reason for trying to "re-invent the wheel", is mainly cost of the material, cost of importing the smaller/expensive sections of pre-drilled wood from Canada and also speed of build. I am however, concerned about how well the wall will hold with pour heights of ~3m. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Many thanks

I am nearly done with my entire demolition. We only got the little Brick Plinths wall left where the previous suspended Timber floor was sitting on : (This was the previous Timber Floor): The new Foundations go in the exact same spot as the old Brick wall (this is whats left of the now) : So my Problem is, I want to re use as many of the old bricks as possible , but a fair amount is just crushed or falling to pieces when you touch them. I am going to remove the bottom of the walls with a mini digger, but would like to avoid carrying/driving the old bricks that cant be reused out of the site. So my Plan was to keep them in the middle, underneath the new buildings Block and Beam floor . Maybe crush them to Gravel and fill the bottom of the Trenches as well. The only rule I am aware of atm for suspended Block and Beam floor is, that you need an airgap/clearance underneath of at least 150mm , better 225mm which is ventilated and clear of organic material. Is there any rules or practical reason not to do this . So my plan was next, to dig out the old wall and at the same time dig the trenches for the new build , ready for the piling contractor to put piles in and concrete the RC beam with the Piles in 1 go . Any suggestions?