Michiana ICF Supply Brings Superform Blocks to Local Builders
For Orla Bontrager, construction is more than concrete and lumber, it’s about building smarter, stronger and with the future in mind. Michiana ICF Supply, located on U.S. Highway 20 in LaGrange, has spent the past several years installing Superform blocks, and Orla has only recently started introducing area builders and homeowners to an alternative to traditional wood framing: insulated concrete forms, or ICF.
ICF may sound like a technical term, however, Bontrager breaks it down in simple terms.
“Think of it like a giant Lego block made of foam, with reinforced concrete poured into the center,” he explains. “It’s solid, and once we had the opportunity to install Superform blocks, we loved them.”
Michiana ICF Supply now supplies Superform blocks to regional builders, homeowners and contractors, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive so far.
“We haven’t gotten any negative feedback,” Bontrager says. “We’re not selling to every builder, but those who have used the product really like it.”
Efficiency and Strength
One of the biggest advantages of building with ICF is its energy performance. By sandwiching concrete between layers of insulated foam, the walls regulate indoor temperature year-round, leading to significant savings on heating and cooling.
“It acts as a conductor from the ground temperature, regardless of the season,” Bontrager says. “The core of your walls is regulated year-round. From an energy standpoint, it’s hard to beat.”
Beyond efficiency, ICF delivers peace of mind. With concrete at its core, an ICF home offers protection against severe weather.
“It can stand up to 250 miles per hour winds,” Bontrager says. “From a tornado standpoint, it acts as a storm shelter. That’s a huge advantage for families here in the Midwest.”
These blocks are not only fire-resistant but also provide excellent noise reduction, making them appealing for both safety and comfort.
Compared to Traditional Wood Framing
Traditional wood framing has long been the standard in residential construction. But as Bontrager points out, it isn’t always as effective as it seems.
“To meet your R-value specs, which refers to a material’s capacity to resist heat flow, traditional framing is not a true R-value,” he says. “It doesn’t transfer from hot to cold in the same way.”
While ICF construction can come with a slightly higher upfront cost, Bontrager emphasizes that the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial expense.
“It’s an investment that pays for itself,” he says. “With energy efficiency, disaster resilience and the durability of the product, you’re looking at lower costs and higher value over the lifetime of the home.”
Installation is another advantage.
“The Superform blocks are very DIY-friendly,” Bontrager says. “The manufacturer provides plans and schematics, so even homeowners who want to take on their own projects have the resources to do it.”
Educating the Market
Bontrager sees education as the next big step for Michiana ICF Supply. Although ICF has been used in North America for decades, many consumers in northern Indiana and regional areas are still unfamiliar with the product.
“There’s a lot of interest in ICF, but little knowledge about it among the general public,” Bontrager says. “Our goal is to increase consumer awareness and be trusted experts you can partner with for answers.”
Bontrager and his team plan to host future seminars for contractors and anyone interested in learning about the benefits of ICF.
Building for the Future
When asked about who makes the best candidate for building with ICF, Bontrager quickly points to forward-thinkers.
“It’s generally people who like to plan years ahead,” he says. “They’re budget-conscious, they put a lot of thought into their build, and they want the best value that lasts.”
As ICF gains traction, Bontrager hopes more local families will experience its benefits firsthand. With Michiana ICF Supply now firmly established as a regional distributor for Superform blocks, Bontrager believes the timing is right for broader adoption.
“We’re here to help you take advantage of this amazing product, and to build homes that are not only strong and efficient but designed to last for generations,” he says.
Michiana Builders, LLC is located at 950 U.S. 20, LaGrange, Ind. For general inquiries, call 260-667-8411.
