Arkform

03/07/2025

Question: Does anyone have experience in where I can get a battery powered concrete vi****or with around 30mm diameter head and at least 2.4m long. I want to vibrate our ICF walls sometimes and a machine that could do that would help. If you have one or have had one you thought was good value for money can you give me contact details on where to buy?

02/07/2025

Just a bit of boasting from us!

A Solid and Dramatic Award winning home in ECO-Block
ECO-Block is proudly sold in New Zealand and the Pacific by ARKFORM

It must be special to be awarded the 2025 “Home of the Year”, and that is very true of the Bunker House designed by Chris Tate Architecture.
This stunning house speaks for itself, but what it can’t tell is what is hidden behind the cladding. When choosing material for the exterior wall structures, the designers chose ECO-Block ICF Insulated concrete Formwork.

ECO-Block is an internationally known Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) block that combines a polystyrene exterior with a concrete and steel core.

ECO-Block structures are designed to last more than 100 years with energy-efficiency, fire resistance, strength and a solid quietness. The building process is also quick and cost-effective with a zero-waste target.

Not all ICF Block are created equal, so why choose ECO-Block?
1. BRANZ Appraisal: ECO-Block is BRANZ appraised for fire rating. Builders anddevelopers know about RFIs – Requesting Further Information. Having a BRANZ appraisal gets rid of one set of those RFI’s without further question.
2. T-Blocks: ECO-Block is the only ICF company that provides a T-Block in the NZ market. Anything with internal walls made from ICFs will require a T-intersection if it ties into the exterior wall. For example, basements, large households with acoustic requirements, pillars in long walls, fences, swimming pools and apartments with inter tenancy walls will need T-blocks. Without a T-block there is a lot of time, labour and timber formwork required. T-blocks dramatically reduce those three components of the build saving you money.
3. Corner Blocks: Not all corner blocks are created equal either. ICFs without polypropylene in the corners require a great deal of extra work for many forms of cladding that require fixing at the corners. ECO-Block has the polypropylene embedded in the corners that reaches right back into the concrete for solid fixing.

4. Connectors: not bridges. When it comes to wide windows and doors many engineers call for a cage. The time and cost saving with ECO-Block connectors soon becomes obvious for these lintels. There is no extra formwork required, the connectors are simply slipped through the steel and clicked into place.

Behind this attention capturing house lies some great engineering using ECO-Block ICFs. ECO-Block which is marketed exclusively by ARKFORM Ltd is delighted to have been a supplier to such a standout design.

Here are the links if you want to know more about the designer https://www.christatearchitecture.com/ the photographer https://www.instagram.com/simondevitt_photographer/ or about ARKFORM and ECO-Block https://www.arkform.co.nz

09/04/2025

We'd all like zero waste on a build site!

09/11/2024

Summer is Coming. The economy is picking up
Your clients may be thinking 'Backyard Swimming Pool"

We provide insulated concrete formers on site and the expert guidance for you to build your clients the long lasting, leak proof, pool of their dreams. Arkform's Eco block is easy and quick to build, gives you a solid concrete pool with R4 rating meaning the pool can be used well into autumn - and even winter with a modest energy consumption heat pump. Happy to talk you through questions if you want to know more.

14/03/2024

Maybe you have a wall, a basement or a heated swimming pool you have in mind, or are being asked for by a client. I've got enough left over ICF blocks from a previous supplier that I could supply you for just one project. I need to get rid of them. I'm not going to move them again! I'll sell them to whoever wants them for a project for $30/m2. That's well below cost and nearly 1/4 retail price. If you've ever used ICFs you will know you don't have to be a blocklayer to use them and they are fast to put together and give you about an R4 straight off. If you can do lego you can do ICFs. If you haven't used them before I will guarantee you will want to look at using our new version ARKFORM block for your next project. PM me if you are interested. All negotiable. Just want them gone. Got to pick up from Penrose though! PM me

27/11/2023

Hi
Urgently need hammer hands and/or builder for installing formwork in Warkworth. Immediate start. About 10 days work. Pay by negotiation related to skill and experience. Ring me on 021 807692

19/11/2023

We’re looking for two or three labourers for a one year project in Warkworth. Good hourly rate . Please send a summary of your experience here.

25/10/2023

Arkform strongly recommends membership of CBS as a way to level the paying field, create better profitability and see business growth. As a director its always thrill when we distribute rebates to see thousands of dollars flowing back into firms and to know they'e already gained from the discounts we provide. That CBS is continuing to grow even in hard times is a testament to their value.

06/10/2023

See how using Arkform Insulated Concrete Formwork compares with building with other methods. In todays economic climate, you need the best value for money. We're here to help. Our mission is to bring down building costs in New Zealand. www.arkform.co.nz

06/10/2023

See a video about our innovative, easy to use, inexpensive midfloor system!

The ARKFORM Midfloor, featuring the ECO-Block midfloor system, offers a range of advantages for both discerning homeowners and builders. This product ensures...

06/09/2023

ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) houses are indeed renowned for their exceptional fire resistance, which can be attributed to the presence of a bromide-based fire retardant in the ICF material. This unique feature sets ICF structures apart when it comes to fire safety.

In a typical house fire scenario, the contents within the house, such as furniture, appliances, and personal belongings, are the primary fuel sources. These items can readily burn, generating intense heat and flames. However, the ICF walls themselves are remarkably fire-resistant. The key limiting factor, as you rightly pointed out, is often the ceiling.

Ceilings in many homes are constructed with materials that are not as fire-resistant as ICF, such as drywall or wooden beams. In the event of a fire, the ceiling can become compromised, potentially leading to the spread of flames and heat.

However, when the ceiling is also constructed using ICF, the outcome can be different. ICF mid-floors have demonstrated a remarkable ability to self-extinguish in certain conditions. This means that even if a fire starts within the structure, the fire may not spread as rapidly or as extensively as it would in a conventional building with less fire-resistant materials.

This additional layer of fire protection can be invaluable in situations where rapid fire spread can be life-threatening or result in significant property damage. It's a testament to the effectiveness of ICF as a fire-resistant building material, and it underscores its potential to enhance overall safety and reduce the risk associated with house fires.

In summary, ICF houses are renowned for their fire resistance, primarily due to the presence of bromide-based fire retardants in the ICF material. When constructed with ICF mid-floors or ceilings, these structures have the potential to self-extinguish fires, providing an extra layer of safety and protection for occupants and property.

06/09/2023

Building for Profit: How ICF Improves the Bottom Line for Developer

The world of real estate development is a complex and ever-evolving one. Developers face a myriad of challenges, from shifting market demands to rising construction costs. In this landscape, every decision counts, and one innovative construction method is proving to be a game-changer for developers looking to improve their bottom line: Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF).

**The Cost Efficiency Equation**

Developers are always seeking ways to optimize costs without compromising on quality. ICF presents a compelling solution in this quest. Here's how it adds up:

**1. Speedy Construction**:

Time is money in the development business, and ICF offers a faster construction process. The interlocking blocks are quick and easy to install, reducing labor costs and allowing projects to move forward at an accelerated pace. Shorter construction timelines can translate to substantial savings.

**2. Energy Efficiency**:

ICF is known for its exceptional insulation properties. It creates buildings that are more energy-efficient, leading to lower operational costs for future owners. Savvy developers recognize that homes with reduced heating and cooling expenses are more attractive to buyers, further enhancing the marketability of their projects.

**3. Durability and Resilience**:

ICF structures are robust and resilient, capable of withstanding various environmental challenges, from earthquakes to extreme weather conditions. This durability reduces the need for costly repairs and maintenance over the long term, contributing to a healthier bottom line.

**4. Local Production and Sustainability**:

In an age of global uncertainty and supply chain disruptions, ICF's local production is a strategic advantage. Developers can rely on a steady supply of materials, reducing the risks associated with international dependencies. Furthermore, the sustainability aspect of ICF aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly construction practices, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.

**The Added Value for Buyers**

Beyond cost savings during construction, ICF construction offers additional value to developers by making their properties more attractive to buyers:

**1. Modern Comfort**:

ICF structures provide superior insulation, resulting in a more comfortable living environment. Buyers appreciate homes that are cool in summer and warm in winter, and this comfort factor can drive demand and potentially command higher prices.

**2. Reduced Operating Costs**:

ICF homes have lower energy bills, which is a significant selling point. Buyers often calculate the long-term cost of ownership, including utility expenses. ICF properties score well in this regard, making them more desirable to budget-conscious buyers.

**3. Resale Value**:

ICF-built homes are perceived as high-quality and durable, which can positively impact resale value. Buyers are often willing to pay a premium for properties with a reputation for longevity and low maintenance costs.

**A Win-Win for Developers**

In the competitive world of real estate development, every advantage counts. ICF construction offers developers a win-win scenario. It enhances cost efficiency during construction while simultaneously increasing the appeal and value of the final product. It's a formula that can improve the bottom line for developers and position their projects as smart investments for buyers.