Building a Landmark: The Women-Led Team Behind North America's Largest ICF Project

As the demand for more resilient, energy-efficient, and sustainable multifamily housing continues to grow, innovative construction methods are reshaping the future of residential development. One project helping lead that transformation is Aspen at Greenleigh, a 335-unit luxury multifamily community currently under construction in Middle River, Maryland.

KLINE is proud to serve as the Engineer of Record (EOR) for this landmark project, which is expected to become the largest Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) project in North America. This milestone reflects both the growing adoption of ICF construction and the vision of the project team behind it.

Engineering North America's Largest ICF Project

Aspen at Greenleigh represents a significant advancement in the use of Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction for large-scale multifamily developments. The residential community consists of four interconnected seven-story residential structures built entirely using ICF construction, demonstrating the system’s scalability and performance advantages for modern residential design.

At the center of the development, a post-tensioned concrete parking structure utilizes PT beams and one-way PT slabs, providing an efficient and durable structural solution that complements the residential buildings. The system maximizes parking efficiency while delivering the long spans and durability required for a high-density multifamily community.

As Engineer of Record, KLINE provided the complete structural design for both the residential and parking components, integrating innovative structural systems to support the project’s long-term performance, resilience, and sustainability goals.

From Vision to Reality: Engineering Through Change

Delivering a project of this scale requires more than technical expertise; it demands adaptability.

Since the earliest stages of design, Aspen at Greenleigh has undergone multiple iterations as the project team evaluated structural systems, construction methods, efficiency opportunities, and long-term performance objectives. Throughout that process, KLINE worked closely with the ownership, development, and construction teams to refine the design and identify solutions that balanced constructability, cost, schedule, and performance.

The resulting design combines two structural systems tailored to the development’s unique requirements. The six-story residential buildings utilize Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction with Vescom floor joists, creating a durable, energy-efficient residential structure. At the center of the development, the five-level parking garage utilizes cast-in-place post-tensioned concrete beams and one-way PT slabs, providing the long spans, efficiency, and durability required for a modern parking facility.

This integrated approach reflects KLINE's experience delivering complex projects in which engineering solutions must evolve alongside project goals while maintaining a focus on quality, efficiency, and long-term performance.

Why ICF Matters

Insulated Concrete Form construction combines the strength and durability of reinforced concrete with continuous insulation, creating structures that deliver exceptional performance across a range of applications. Compared with conventional construction methods, ICF buildings can offer improved energy efficiency, enhanced acoustic separation, increased fire resistance, and superior resilience to severe weather and environmental exposure.

While ICF has long been recognized for these benefits, projects of this scale demonstrate that the technology is no longer limited to niche applications or low-rise construction. Aspen at Greenleigh highlights the growing role of ICF in large multifamily developments where long-term performance, occupant comfort, and sustainability are key priorities.

The Future of Multifamily Construction

The multifamily market continues to evolve. Developers are seeking greater energy efficiency, municipalities are demanding higher sustainability standards, and residents increasingly value comfort, resilience, and quality.

ICF construction addresses each of these challenges simultaneously.

Insulated concrete forms offer unmatched ease of use, exceptional strength, and long-lasting durability, making them an ideal choice for new construction projects.

Projects like Aspen at Greenleigh demonstrate that ICF is becoming an increasingly viable and attractive solution for large-scale multifamily developments where performance, durability, and long-term value matter most.

Read more about the advantages and opportunities with ICF: https://www.kbwalker.com

Building the future

KLINE during a site visit at Aspen at GreenleigH

Aspen at Greenleigh demonstrates what is possible when innovative construction methods are paired with strong engineering leadership. As North America's largest ICF project, Aspen at Greenleigh serves as a showcase not only for the capabilities of Insulated Concrete Form construction but also for the collaborative leadership, technical excellence, and dedication that define KLINE's engineering approach.

For KLINE, the project represents more than a structural achievement; it reflects our commitment to advancing the industry through innovation, technical expertise, and the development of future engineering leaders.

Project Partners

Aspen at Greenleigh is the result of a collaborative effort among an exceptional team of owners, developers, designers, and builders. KLINE is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a project that is helping redefine the possibilities of large-scale ICF construction.

Read more about the project’s recent groundbreaking announcement here

The KLINE Team Behind the Project

While Aspen at Greenleigh is notable for its scale and technical complexity, it is equally a testament to the strength of the team delivering it.

The project is led by KLINE’s Vice President of Operations and Principal, Katherine Farley, PE, who serves as Project Executive alongside Project Manager Estefania Ramirez. Together, they have guided the structural design and coordination efforts for the largest ICF project in North America.

Notably, Aspen at Greenleigh is led by a team of accomplished women engineers whose leadership has been instrumental to the project's success. From structural design and project management to construction administration and coordination, Katherine Farley, PE, Estefania Ramirez, and Yuriko Reátegui have played central roles in delivering North America's largest ICF project.

Under their leadership, a talented team of emerging engineers and design professionals, including Joseph Diaz, Mohamad Asad, Nicholas Owusu, and BIM Lead Christian Queirolo, has contributed to the project's design and development. Their collective efforts reflect KLINE's commitment to fostering the next generation of engineering talent while delivering innovative and technically demanding projects.

Katherine Farley, P.E.

Project Executive

Provides strategic leadership and technical oversight for Aspen at Greenleigh, helping guide the delivery of North America's largest ICF project. Her experience and vision continue to support the project's success through every phase of development.

Estefania Ramirez

Project Manager

Leads project coordination and structural design efforts, working closely with the team and project partners to advance this landmark development. Her dedication and attention to detail help drive the project forward every day.

Yuriko Reategui

Structural Engineer II

Leads KLINE's construction administration efforts, working closely with the field team to maintain design continuity and support successful project execution. Her proactive approach helps keep this complex project moving forward with confidence.

Aspen at Greenleigh

Middle River, MD

Project Facts

  • Developer: Somerset Companies, LLC

  • General Contractor: St. John Properties, Inc.

  • Project Architect: KTGY

  • ICF Contractor: KB Walker

  • EOR: Kline Engineering & Consulting.

  • Market Sector: Multifamily Residential

  • Distinction: #1 largest ICF Project in North America

  • Status: Under Construction