

2025 Nominees

Project Name
Overland/Edwards residence
Description
Nomination for Concrete Innovation Award: Leigh Overland Architect
Leigh Overland’s nomination for the Concrete Innovation Award centers on his own home, the Overland/Edwards Residence, built in 2021 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 Overland/Edwards Residence is a testament to these advantages, serving as both his personal home and his office a showcase for the potential of resilient, high-performance design.
Key Features of the Overland/Edwards Residence:
ICF EXTERIOR WALLS: Cost-effective, fire- and stormproof, highly energy-efficient, and sustainable. These walls also ensure superior indoor air quality compared to traditional wood construction.
SIP ROOF: Insulated roof panels that are quick to install, durable, and energy-efficient. Depending on project requirements, metal-framed roofs or Lite-deck systems are used.
METAL STUD Interior Walls and Floors: Offering top-tier fire protection and structural strength, with Lite-deck flooring included in select areas for enhanced durability.
IN-FLOOR RADIANT Heating and Cooling: Eliminates the need for ductwork, reduces indoor air pollutants, and provides efficient temperature control. The system integrates CERV units, delivering MERV 14 filtered fresh air with UV light for pollutant elimination.
TRIPLE-PANE European Doors and Windows: These highly insulated and cost-effective solutions significantly reduce energy consumption compared to standard options.
SOLAR PANELS: Designed to achieve net-zero energy use, with energy savings of 50–75% compared to traditional homes, even without solar integration.
The Overland/Edwards Residence is a model of sustainable innovation, embodying the principles of safe, energy-efficient, and resilient architecture. Leigh Overland’s dedication to advancing ICF design and construction continues to influence the industry, making him a deserving candidate for the Concrete Innovation Award.
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.
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