A landmark first for ICF construction in Scotland
The Thankerton development is the first large-scale housing scheme in Scotland to be built using Amvic ICF: 17 semi-detached, two-storey homes totalling 34 units on a noise-sensitive site adjacent to active rail infrastructure. The project had been three years in planning and drew on a decade-long working relationship between Amvic ICF and BHC Construction.
When the brief demanded performance across thermal, acoustic and programme criteria simultaneously, ICF was the natural choice. Before a single block was laid, BHC’s Managing Director Brian Hewitt and Construction Director Bryan Cathcart travelled to Ireland to visit our production facilities and walk live Amvic sites. Two of their lead foremen then trained on an active Irish project before returning to commence the Thankerton build.
“As a Company committed to embracing innovation and improving efficiency in construction BHC Ltd has adopted the Amvic ICF system within its residential developments, recognising the significant benefits it offers to the build process.
The systems ease of construction enables us to utilise the transferable skills of our existing workforce, reducing reliance on sub-contractors.
It’s the speed of erection that has allowed us to meet the build program durations, delivering measurable cost savings. In addition, the reduced material storage requirements enable more efficient use of the limited site space, while decreased site traffic contributes to overall health and safety performance.”
The Thankerton development demonstrates that ICF is a viable and practical choice for large-scale residential schemes in Scotland. The 34 units were delivered using a local, in-house crew working through challenging winter conditions, without the site disruption or programme delays that typically accompany traditional masonry construction in this climate.
The 200mm core Amvic 330 party wall system met Scottish Building Regulations for airborne sound insulation by specification from the outset.
ICF kept the build moving through a Scottish winter, maintaining programme progress where blockwork would have faced weather-related stoppages.
No mortar silos, no large-scale mechanical plant. A quieter, cleaner site with less day-to-day impact on the surrounding community.
BHC’s own crew handled the ICF installation, trained in Ireland before work commenced. No specialist subcontract labour required.
