top of page

2025 Nominees

Project Name

Lally Blvd. residence

Description

Nomination for Concrete Innovation Award: Leigh Overland Architect

Leigh Overland’s nomination for the Concrete Innovation Award centers on his clients home, the Lalley Blvd residence, built in 2023 in Fairfield, Connecticut. This project, a collaboration with NRMCA member Dominic DiCenzo—who organized tours of the home during and after its construction—and O&G as the concrete supplier, exemplifies his expertise in using Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF).

As an architect specializing in ICF construction, Leigh Overland has championed this innovative building technique for its exceptional benefits: superior soundproofing, energy efficiency, fire and storm resistance, reduced maintenance, and often lower construction costs. The Lalley Residence is a testament to these advantages, serving his clients with his sustainable designs to help change the landscape for resilient, high-performance homes and buildings.

Leigh has successfully completed around 20 ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) homes and buildings, with six additional projects currently in the pipeline. Awards play a vital role in raising public awareness about the importance of improving the design and sustainability of future buildings. Thank you to NCRMA.

Evidence

Nomination for Concrete Innovation Award: Leigh Overland Architect

Leigh Overland has been a trailblazer in promoting and advancing the use of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) in residential and commercial construction for over a decade. His commitment to designing fireproof, storm-resistant, and energy-efficient homes has not only set a new standard in sustainable architecture but has also earned him numerous accolades and widespread recognition.

Among his many achievements, Leigh has received the prestigious HOBI awards for "Best Green Energy Efficient Home by an Architect" and "Best Designed Green/Energy Efficient Custom Home." These accolades underscore his dedication to creating homes that prioritize resilience, sustainability, and efficiency.

Leigh's passion for ICF construction has extended beyond his projects. He has been featured in over a dozen interviews and publications, where he shares his expertise and advocates for high-performance, disaster-resistant buildings. His work has also been highlighted during the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association's (NRMCA) "Coffee and Concrete" tours, which have showcased the innovation and practicality of his designs to industry professionals.

As an educator, Leigh has further demonstrated his commitment to advancing the field by teaching at the Connecticut Society of Architects' annual convention, where he inspires the next generation of architects to embrace better, safer, and more sustainable building practices.

An excerpt from a recent article perfectly encapsulates why Leigh Overland is deserving of this recognition:
"Have you heard of Leigh Overland yet? A 42-year veteran in architecture, Overland has been driving a lot of buzz around town with the construction of his new home, a stylish two-story structure overlooking Ash Creek. What makes this modern beauty so appealing is not just the clean lines, impeccable, thoughtful design, and invigorating natural light, but also the fact that Leigh is using a building technique called Insulated Concrete Forms, or ICF, which renders a house basically maintenance-free and a strong, safe structure to withstand the elements."

Leigh Overland continues to push the boundaries of architectural innovation, demonstrating that we can and must build better. His unwavering dedication to creating homes that protect against fire and storms while championing energy efficiency makes him a true leader in concrete innovation.

Images

© 2022 by NRMCA

bottom of page