Project Overview

The Drew Castle is a 10,000 sq ft residential project in Dexter, Michigan. The clients, Michael and Sue Drew, wanted a home that reflected traditional castle architecture while delivering modern comfort, long-term durability and strong energy performance. The design required a structural system that could support stone façades, tall walls, deep openings and significant roof loads. BuildBlock ICF provided the reliability and consistency needed to achieve the brief.

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Design and Site Challenges

The project team faced several conditions that shaped the approach:

• A water table located only 16 inches below the surface.
  
  
• A full basement requested by the clients.
  
  
• Heavy structural demands from stonework, granite details, fireplaces and a slate and copper roof.
  
  
• Complex geometry including towers, high walls and long internal corridors.
  
  
• Harsh winter weather that affected sequencing and progress.
  
  

Each challenge increased the importance of accuracy, structural strength and construction predictability.

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BuildBlock ICF Solution

BuildBlock ICF was selected for its strength, accuracy and thermal performance. The walls were assembled using the Stack, Prop and Pour method. This ensured consistent alignment throughout all stages of construction.

Key advantages observed on the project included:

• Capacity to carry very heavy stone and roof loads.
  
  
• Straight and clean wall finishes, even on long runs.
  
  
• Steady progress during cold weather due to the reliability of the system.
  
  
• A thermal envelope that reduced operational energy demand.
  
  

A 70-foot internal corridor was completed with a precise, straight finish that demonstrated the accuracy of the BuildBlock system.

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Engineering Around the Water Table

The team adapted the basement design to suit the ground conditions. The strategy involved:

• Pouring footings at grade to avoid the saturated soil.
  
  
• Constructing the basement walls upward using BuildBlock ICF.
  
  
• Reusing excavated material from the creation of two large ponds as backfill.
  
  
• Using the ponds as a future source for the geothermal heating and cooling system.
  
  

This approach protected the structure, controlled moisture risk and created a long-term energy advantage for the home.

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Performance Results

The Drew Castle performs at a level that exceeds expectations for a building of its size. Reported heating and cooling costs are similar to those of the owners’ previous 2,000 sq ft home. This performance is supported by:

• The insulated concrete envelope created by the ICF.
  
  
• The geothermal system linked to the on-site ponds.
  
  
• High-quality window and door casings that reduce thermal loss.
  
  

The structure supports the weight of stone cladding, slate roofing and multiple fireplaces without movement, cracking or settlement.

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Impact and Final Outcome

The completed home demonstrates how BuildBlock ICF can support ambitious architectural design while maintaining accuracy and long-term performance. It highlights how complex shapes, heavy materials and detailed layouts can be delivered confidently when the structural core is consistent and insulated.

For the clients, the result is a comfortable and durable home built for long-term living. For the wider industry, the project serves as a clear example of how ICF can unlock design freedom and dependable performance in challenging environments.