At A Glance
- Award-winning builder Will Gonell shares why insulated concrete forms were chosen for the landmark Chateau Nectar project.
- The custom home showcases how ICF construction supported faster installation, complex architectural design, and predictable project costs.
- Originally built with Logix ICF, the project reflects the proven foundation that continues today through Element ICF.
- From exterior walls to retaining walls, pools, and structural features, ICF was used throughout the nearly 20,000 sq. ft. estate.
- The project demonstrates why builders continue to choose high-performance ICF systems for demanding residential construction.
Why Builders Choose Element ICF: Building on a Proven Legacy
Originally published November 19, 2018. Updated to reflect the evolution from Logix ICF to Element ICF.
The name has changed, but the philosophy behind the system remains the same: help builders create stronger, more efficient buildings with greater confidence.
Element ICF is the next evolution of the insulated concrete form system many builders came to know through Logix ICF. While the project featured below was completed using the Logix product available at the time, today’s Element ICF continues that legacy with innovations designed to simplify installation, improve jobsite efficiency, and give builders even greater flexibility.
Rather than simply listing product features, we wanted to revisit one of the best examples of ICF performance—a remarkable custom home built by award-winning contractor Will Gonell of Gonell Homes.
His experience demonstrates why insulated concrete forms continue to earn the trust of builders tackling ambitious residential projects.
A Legacy Project Built with Confidence
When Gonell Homes began construction on Chateau Nectar, the vision was anything but ordinary.
Located in Vaughan, Ontario, the nearly 20,000-square-foot estate was inspired by classic French château architecture, complete with soaring 26-foot ceilings, expansive open spaces, intricate stonework, and imported materials sourced from across Europe.
Projects like this don’t leave much room for compromise.
Every structural decision had to support both exceptional craftsmanship and long-term durability.
That’s why insulated concrete forms became the foundation of the project.
Nearly 90% of the home’s exterior walls were constructed with ICF. The system was also used for interior structural walls, retaining walls, the swimming pool, elevator shaft, window wells, and multiple outbuildings.
The result was a building envelope capable of supporting bold architectural design while delivering the strength and energy performance expected from modern ICF construction.
Why Builders Continue Choosing ICF
Ask experienced ICF builders why they continue using the system, and the conversation rarely starts with R-values or wall thickness.
Instead, they talk about smoother builds, fewer surprises, and greater confidence throughout construction.
For Will Gonell, building with ICF simply made sense.
“It becomes easy to sell something you truly believe is the best choice for the client.”
That confidence came from experience.
Here are several advantages he identified during the Chateau Nectar project.
Faster Construction
Building with insulated concrete forms saved approximately two weeks on the overall schedule.
Less time spent assembling wall systems meant crews could move more efficiently and maintain project momentum.
Greater Design Freedom
- Large openings, soaring ceilings, and long structural spans often require creative engineering.
- ICF construction helped simplify many of those challenges while supporting the home’s ambitious architectural vision.
Predictable Costs
- Unexpected expenses are common on large custom homes.
- Gonell found that building with ICF reduced many of those surprises, allowing the project to stay more predictable throughout construction.
Long-Term Performance
- Luxury homeowners aren’t only investing in appearance.
- They’re investing in comfort, durability, energy efficiency, and peace of mind for decades to come.
ICF construction supports those long-term goals by creating a strong, insulated building envelope that performs year after year.
A Builder's Perspective
When asked what made Chateau Nectar stand apart from other custom homes, Gonell pointed to the homeowner’s unwavering commitment to quality.
Every decision centered around selecting materials that would stand the test of time.
The project introduced technologies that were uncommon in Canadian residential construction, and the freedom to pursue the very best solutions pushed the entire team to think differently.
It became more than another luxury home.
It became a showcase of what thoughtful design and high-performance construction could achieve together.
From Logix ICF to Element ICF: An Evolution Built on Experience
When Chateau Nectar was built, the homeowner carefully evaluated available ICF systems before selecting Logix ICF.
Its performance, durability, and energy efficiency made it the right choice for the project.
Today, that same commitment continues through Element ICF.
Element wasn’t created to replace a successful legacy—it was created to build on it.
Modern innovations like ZipTabs, Bridging Flexties, and streamlined inventory options help today’s builders complete projects more efficiently while maintaining the structural integrity ICF construction is known for.
It’s the next chapter of a proven system that’s continually evolving to meet the needs of modern builders.
Award-Winning Results
The Chateau Nectar project received Best Unlimited Residential Project at the 2019 ICF Builder Awards, earning recognition for both its remarkable craftsmanship and innovative use of insulated concrete forms.
Years later, it remains an excellent example of what’s possible when ambitious design is paired with the right building system.
Wrapping Up
Great construction systems don’t just make buildings stronger—they make the entire building process more predictable, more efficient, and more rewarding for everyone involved.
That’s exactly why builders continue choosing insulated concrete forms.
While Chateau Nectar was built using the Logix ICF system available at the time, today’s builders benefit from everything that experience helped create through Element ICF.
Element ICF carries forward decades of proven ICF performance while introducing smarter innovations that help crews build faster, simplify inventory, and pour with confidence.
Whether you’re constructing a custom home, a multi-family development, or a commercial project, Element ICF is helping builders move the industry forward—one project at a time.
