Design
Patterns and Recommendations
8.
Foundation
– Beginning with
efficiency
The type of
foundation commonly used in
construction varies from region to region, and from site to site, based on climate and
soil conditions. Specific soil conditions may
require particular types of foundations, but in general, several principles can be applied
to reduce the cost and resource consumption of foundations.
First, simplify the foundation footprint to reduce costs. A dull, boxy house can be avoided by installing
detail above grade, at less cost than an intricate foundation pour. Some innovative foundation systems reduce the
amount of concrete used in foundations. These
are worth considering on most projects because they reduce the environmental impacts, such
as carbon dioxide release, that stem from the production of cement, and often reduce cost,
as well. Foundation systems that incorporate insulation, either as an integral component
of the system or by accommodating supplementary insulation later, improve the energy
efficiency and comfort level of homes.
One
foundation system that includes insulation, reduces concrete costs and
significantly reduces excavation costs is the frost-protected shallow
foundation. This design, included in the International Residential Code,
offers its best potential for foundation cost savings in cold climates.
Recommendations:
§
Develop a design with a simple foundation footprint.
§
Consider foundation systems that use less cement (such as flyash concrete) or
less concrete (frost-protected shallow foundations).
§
Give preference to foundation systems that have insulative value (ICFs, for
example).
§
Mandate reusable forms for any poured-in-place concrete foundations.
Reference:
§
Guide to Resource-Efficient Building Elements
§ Oak Ridge National Laboratory “Builder’s Foundation
Handbook" (.pdf format)
§
PATH Technology Inventory: Fly
Ash Concrete
§
Fly Ash Concrete, Austin Energy’s Green Building Program
§
FPSFs--Frost Protected Shallow Foundations, National Association of Home
Builders (includes code standard and Air Freezing Index link)
§
PATH
Technology Inventory: Frost Protected Shallow Foundations
§
Frost
Protected Shallow Foundations in Residential Construction,
HUD
§ PATH
Technology Inventory: Insulating Concrete Forms
Applied in Case Studies:
§ Northside Strawbale Project
Additional Examples:
§ MADE
Homes
§ Strawbale
Demonstration House in Minneapolis
Also see:
§ Building
America program Regency Crest homes
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