On June 24, industry professionals gathered in Bluffton, South Carolina, for an exclusive tour and educational program showcasing the new May River Elementary School—the first public school in South Carolina constructed using Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). Hosted by key project stakeholders and industry partners, the event brought together architects, engineers, contractors, school district representatives, and concrete professionals to explore how innovative building systems can enhance the future of educational facilities.

The 113,000-square-foot school, currently under construction for the Beaufort County School District, will serve approximately 800 students and represents a significant milestone in resilient school design. Throughout the day, attendees gained firsthand insight into the decision-making process behind selecting ICF construction and the benefits it brings to safety, energy efficiency, durability, and long-term lifecycle performance.

Presentations featured perspectives from Beaufort County School District, Quackenbush Architects, Thompson Turner Construction, KB Walker, and Nudura. Discussions focused on design integration, structural considerations, lessons learned, and the collaborative efforts required to successfully deliver a first-of-its-kind project. A panel discussion provided attendees the opportunity to engage directly with the project team and ask questions regarding constructability, cost considerations, and performance expectations.

Participants also received hands-on ICF training through Nudura showcasing their new Pre-Cut Program and heard from Kerry Young, former Chairman of Kentucky’s Warren County Public Schools Board, who shared insights from more than two decades of collaborative school design.

The event concluded with a guided tour of the project site, allowing attendees to experience the scale and construction progress firsthand. As school districts continue seeking safer, more resilient, and energy-efficient facilities, May River Elementary serves as a compelling example of how innovative concrete solutions can help shape the next generation of educational environments.

CRMCA is proud to support efforts that advance resilient, high-performance school construction throughout the Carolinas. As educational facilities face increasing demands related to safety, durability, energy efficiency, and long-term operational costs, innovative building solutions such as Insulated Concrete Forms offer significant opportunities for school districts seeking to maximize taxpayer investment while creating healthier and more secure learning environments. We commend Beaufort County School District for its leadership and willingness to embrace innovation through South Carolina’s first public ICF school. By taking a forward-thinking approach to design and construction, the district is helping establish a model for future educational facilities across the region.