When Richard and Cindy Jackson began planning their dream home 15 years ago, they envisioned a structure that would overlook the pond they had created on their Brownsboro, Alabama, property while providing safety in one of the nation’s most tornado-prone regions. Their vision became reality with the completion of an 8,999-square-foot residence that demonstrates ICF construction’s ability to combine classical architectural beauty with modern disaster resilience.

The project, built by Stonecraft Construction under contractor Danesh Foroughi, represents Nudura ICF technology across levels including a conditioned attic. With 100% ICF exterior walls totaling 12,425 square feet and an additional 1,800 square feet of interior ICF walls, the home achieved its dual goals of architectural distinction and storm protection.

“Richard and Cindy Jackson had done their research prior and knew they wanted to build their dream home using ICF material,” explained Foroughi, whose 20 years of industry experience focuses on building and promoting ICF construction in the Alabama and Tennessee region. As a Nudura distributor, Foroughi brings both construction expertise and product knowledge to challenging projects.
The project’s resilience was tested before completion when multiple tornadoes struck the area during construction. “This solid house was left unharmed, while more than 30 large trees nearby were ripped from the ground,” Foroughi reported, providing real-world validation of ICF’s storm resistance capabilities.

Project Specifications
The -story residence incorporates ICF technology throughout its 16,720 total square feet of ICF usage. The structure features 2,495 square feet of ICF floor decking across two levels, supported by 2,650 square feet of closed-cell foam underslab insulation. Interior applications include a dedicated safe room with ICF walls and a home theater utilizing ICF interior walls for superior acoustics and soundproofing.
The home’s design maximizes indoor-outdoor living with wrap-around covered concrete porches and balconies providing panoramic views of the adjacent pond and forest. An elevator system enables easy access between all levels, while storm-rated garage doors and a ventilated safe room with steel doors provide additional protection during severe weather events.

Architectural Complexity and Innovation
Classical Roman-inspired architecture defines the Jackson Residence, with arched openings serving as the central design theme. The ground-level lanai features five arches opening to side and back yards, while the rear porch incorporates eight additional arches creating a classical pool and deck area — all achieved with ICF exterior walls.

The curved formations required precise ICF forming techniques and careful attention to structural support during concrete placement. The project’s complexity extends beyond decorative elements to include cantilevered ICF walls over the garage and 20-foot wall structures requiring specialized support systems.

The home theater represents a unique application of interior ICF walls. “An indoor home theater was constructed with interior walls of ICFs, which help substantially with the acoustics and soundproofing of the room,” according to Foroughi. This application demonstrates ICF’s versatility beyond structural and thermal performance.

Advanced structural elements include ICF decking installations that presented forming challenges, particularly with free-floating deck sections and double-deck ICF porches. The kitchen features a dramatic 20-foot ICF interior wall with daylight windows at the top, creating both architectural interest and natural lighting.

Waterproofing received special attention throughout the project. “The team paid special attention to the waterproofing of the deck and deck trim around the house for proper rainwater drainage,” Foroughi explains, ensuring long-term performance of the complex deck and porch systems.

Construction Resilience in Tornado Alley
The Brownsboro location in “Tornado Alley” made disaster resilience a primary design consideration rather than an afterthought. The comprehensive ICF approach addresses multiple threats common to the region, including severe winds, hail, and flying debris.
Site conditions favored construction efficiency. “The site is level and open, allowing for ease of construction with plenty of space to move equipment and ICF blocks around,” Foroughi notes.

The tornado encounters during construction provided unplanned but valuable proof of concept. The structure’s ability to withstand direct tornado impact while surrounding mature trees were destroyed demonstrates ICF’s superior performance under extreme conditions that would challenge conventional construction.

Sustainability and Performance Features
The Jackson Residence maximizes ICF’s inherent thermal efficiency through comprehensive envelope design. Low-E windows complement the ICF walls’ thermal performance, while open-cell spray foam R-30 insulation addresses the roof deck. The combination maintains comfortable interior conditions while minimizing energy consumption in Alabama’s challenging climate.
Water conservation measures include low-volume flush toilets and water-saver shower heads, while two hybrid water heaters provide efficient domestic hot water. Total home automation controls LED lighting throughout the structure and operates blinds on the east, south, and west-facing windows to manage solar heat gain.

Low-maintenance exterior finishes including stucco and a lifetime-warranted metal roof reduce long-term maintenance requirements. “The use of ICF creates a strong, soundproof building that is resistant to fire, termites, and severe weather conditions,” Foroughi noted.
The project will receive Fortified Gold certification from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), a program promoting construction resilience against natural disasters. This third-party validation of the home’s disaster resistance provides measurable confirmation of ICF’s protective capabilities.

Impact and Industry Advancement
The Jackson Residence serves as a showcase for ICF construction in a region where disaster resilience directly impacts life safety and property protection. “With this home being built in Tornado Alley, disaster-resilience of the structure was paramount,” Foroughi explained. The real-world tornado testing during construction provides compelling evidence for ICF adoption in similar high-risk areas.
The project’s visibility extends beyond technical performance to demonstrate ICF’s architectural versatility. “The gorgeous aesthetic and customization achieved by designing and building with ICFs also highlights the versatility of this construction method,” according to Foroughi.

Community influence stems from the Jackson family’s prominence in the area. The project’s success creates opportunities for broader ICF adoption through influential local networks.

After 15 years of planning, the homeowners celebrated completion with an appreciation gathering for all project participants. “After 15 years of planning their dream home, the homeowners are excited to finally be moving in and realizing their dream,” Foroughi reported.