Foundation Update

We’ve needed to pause work as a decision taken by BC Housing as to whether our project remains a renovation or has tilted in the new build category. No major impact as far as design is concerned, the same net zero house will be built back up. What is in balance is the foundation.

If new build, we may be required to tear out and re-pour our foundation to meet code. Concrete has a very high GWP (global warming potential). Replacing the foundation would result in an extra 9 tonnes of CO2 emissions, or a third of the total emissions for the entire home. Hugely wasteful in terms of carbon, cost and time for all involved.

The existing foundation is in excellent condition. Many new high-performance homes require insulation underneath the slab to achieve net zero or passive house requirements. We are keen to demonstrate that it is possible to meet net zero without demolishing the foundation.

Hopeful that common sense prevails here and we can navigate a way through.