Meet the Builder
Hi, I'm Giancarlo Masciarelli
I’ve always been involved in the construction industry, swinging my first hammer at the age of four. Working alongside my father, I’ve fostered a no-nonsense work ethic and passion for building. My hands-on experience has curated my appreciation, respect and keen attention to detail in every aspect of the build process.
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I construct my homes using ICF because I believe it is the future of strong, sustainable, and efficient home construction. I have the understanding and patience to enjoy the challenge of forethought that ICF requires. I build my homes on the basis of comfort and function, and I do not compromise either of these core principles. It is about using time and materials respectfully and efficiently that allow for a more cost-effective build.
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My passion and excitement begin at the conceptual stage. Discussing the architectural details already lights my fire until I can take off with a shovel in the ground. That energy and my “build your home as if it’s my own” philosophy reassures clients' trust in a Magnolia Fine Homes build.
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If you love what you hear, I’d love to hear from you!
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)
What Are ICFs?
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) have been around for decades and are used to build high performance structures by strength, sustainability, longevity, energy efficiency and comfort. It consists of a steel reinforced concrete wall that is sandwiched between thick EPS foam panels that serve as its insulation, air and vapour barrier, and is therefore most commonly used for foundations in lieu of traditionally poured concrete or block walls.
What Makes Our Homes So Special?
ICFs' superior benefits are most notably realized above grade, and our homes' exterior walls have been entirely built using just that. That means that from the footing all the way up to the roof is one monolithic wall of concrete and continuous insulation providing the following benefits over traditionally wood-framed houses:
01. Higher Performing R-Values
An R24 insulated wood framed wall has a stud (thermal bridge) every 16” with an R-value of about 5. That means the entire wall’s performance would be lower than its stated value. However, with the continuous EPS foam, no thermal bridging, and the thermal mass of concrete (takes a long time to heat/cool), an R24 ICF wall would perform closer to R40-R50.
A comparison of the amount of heat loss from a wood-framed home (left) versus an ICF home (right). The visibility of the wood studs are a result of thermal bridging where more heat escapes than through insulation.
02. Superior Fire Protection
ICFs will hold up to 4 hours and not fail structurally.
03. Wind and Disaster Proof
ICFs are ten times stronger than wood-framed walls resisting winds of up to 400 km/h.
04. Resistant to Rodents, Mold, Rot and Mildew
ICFs are not a significant food source and are vapour tight preventing any opportunity of unwanted critters or mold that could compromise the structures integrity.
05. Sound Attenuation
The continuous thermal mass of concrete acts as an effective sound barrier absorbing unwanted outside noise and vibrations.
06. Lower Energy Consumption, Increased Comfort and Cost Savings
As a result of the combined performance of the R-value and air tightness of the foam panels, the stabilizing effects of the concrete’s thermal mass, and the absence of thermal bridging, an ICF house would require up to 60% less energy to heat and cool than a traditional wood-framed house! This results in significant cost savings that will be continuously realized over its lifetime and assist in its sustainability. In addition, a stabilized home with less temperature fluctuations will ultimately be much more comfortable with improved air quality.
07. Sustainability and Longevity
ICFs are made of mostly recycled materials and result in less than 1% construction waste. It helps conserve trees and result in a lower carbon footprint in its lifetime than wood-framed structures. Its construction results in a structure that will stand the test of time mitigating any need for re-build and environmental waste contribution.
Our homes use less energy and achieved an air tightness score of 0.74 ACH which is less than half of what is required for a Net Zero Home!
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Inquiries
Like what you see? We'd love to hear from you to discuss your next project!
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EMAIL: info@magnoliafinehomes.ca
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TEL: 647-250-7100