Before visiting the monkeys at the Erie Zoo in Erie, Pa., patrons can scope out the new ticket booth made of Insulated Concrete Forms at a secondary entrance.

Pennsylvania Concrete Promotional Council members donated the material and labor to build the ICF ticket booth. PCPC Community Relations Director Kevin Wagner says it is an excellent example of the structural durability of insulated concrete forms.

“We'd been looking for a place to show off the benefits and ease of construction offered by ICFs,” Wagner says. “The zoo project presented itself, and we thought why not give something to the community while showcasing our product.”

Insulated concrete forms are foam blocks or panels stacked and filled with reinforced concrete to create a solid wall. The exteriors and interiors of ICF walls can be finished with the same material as wood-frame walls.

“This new booth will be placed at the zoo's Children's Zoo entrance leading to Glenwood Park, the City of Erie's most heavily used park,” says Erie Zoo Community Relations Director Scott Mitchell.

It was built with 14 cu yd of concrete. A. Anthony & Sons, ARXX Building Products, Austin Concrete, Concrete Services, Jim McCall Construction, Schlosser Roofing & Drywall and Fibermesh donated materials. Jim McCall Construction and Schlosser Roofing & Drywall provided the manpower and hand tools for the project.

Nearly 60 regional building professionals attended a pouring demonstration. While attendants watched, Joe McCosby from ARXX provided explanations and hosted a question-and-answer session.

The finished product has 12 × 12 ft of interior space and stands 15 ft tall. A plaque on the building lets those passing by know that it was built from the council's insulated concrete forms. The project was part of a three-acre redevelopment of the zoo. Zoo contractors will complete the booth.

A PCPC engineer working on the zoo's redevelopment project recommended ICF as an alternative to a standard stick-built building. Wagner says ICF buildings are more durable and energy efficient because of the polystyrene molds. ICFs also protect against fire and natural disasters such as hurricanes or tornadoes. ICF walls are 700% stronger than wood framing and can withstand winds up to 600 mph.

ICFs also resist molds, says the Michigan Concrete Association. Concrete does not have the cellulose food prevalent in wood frames that molds thrive on. These molds are rich with allergens, irritants and toxic substances that can cause health problems. Stachybotrys, the most insidious of molds, is fed by paper-faced drywall, wood framing and plywood sheathing when humidity and moisture are uncontrolled.