Retro Barn is a 10,206 sq. ft. barndominium-style barn renovation in New Hamburg, Ontario. The project preserved the original 1890s barn structure by lifting it from its original stone foundation and moving it to a new ICF foundation.
The $1.5 million project used 15,764 sq. ft. of ICF and 10,206 sq. ft. of AmPex radiant floor heating panels. The barn was designed as Net Zero Ready with solar panels. Amvic™ ICF and AmPex were used for the new foundation and slab insulation strategy, helping improve energy efficiency, durability, and long-term building performance.
Retro Barn was recognized as the 2026 ICF Builder Awards specialty application 1st runner-up.
Q&A
Q. What was the major benefit of using Amvic™ ICF over traditional construction methods?
A. “This project fully leverages the benefits of Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction through its exceptional energy efficiency, durability, and thermal performance. The continuous insulation and airtight concrete core create a high-performance building envelope that minimizes thermal bridging and drastically reduces energy loss. Sustainable design principles were integrated throughout, including high-efficiency HVAC systems & low-flow fixtures.
The structure incorporates spray foam and additional insulation at critical junctions to enhance air tightness, while strategically placed overhangs and high-performance windows optimize passive solar gain and natural lighting. Photovoltaic panels were installed to offset electrical consumption, contributing to its Net Zero Ready status. Energy testing confirmed an impressive airtightness rating, with average monthly heating and cooling costs significantly lower than conventional builds.”
Distributor Quote
“The contractor was selected based on their proven experience and long-standing expertise in building with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), specifically Alleguard products. Having worked extensively with Amvic™ ICF’s R30 block on numerous successful projects, the contractor’s familiarity with the system and strong relationship with the brand made them the ideal choice. The decision to use Amvic™ ICF was driven by its superior energy efficiency, structural strength, and ease of installation, aligning perfectly with the project’s performance and sustainability goals.”
– IsoMatrixx Building Supply, Distributor
Project Overview
- Project Name
- Retro Barn
- Project Type
- Specialty Applications
- Location
- New Hamburg, Ontario
- Size
- 10,206 sq. ft.
- Distributor
- IsoMatrixx Building Supply
- Product(s) Used
- Amvic™ ICF, AmPex, SilveRboard