The 2018 FHB House is a net-zero energy, high-performance home in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills designed to meet the goals of the California 2020 initiative and comply with the most progressive energy code in the country. The project combines a very tight, well-insulated envelope, cutting-edge mechanical systems, and unique material choices, all wrapped up in a one-of-a-kind modern design.
We always get some extra hands for a pour to make sure it goes well. Placing concrete is basically permanent. For this pour we used the keyway as our screed level and concentrated on troweling a nice platform to build the wall forms upon. The keyway form “floats” on steel stakes that are pulled ASAP. The vertical dowels are studded out through notches in the keyway board. In areas of cascading rock, we needed to form steps and dowel into the granite. The next day we pulled all of the forms, salvaging what we could for future uses.
The footings were troweled and allowed to set overnight. Steel columns will land on the four square footings seen here to support our elevated floor structure.
Closeup of one of the stepped footing sections and 2×6 keyway.
The basement boulder surrounded by footings. The footings for our basement are in the foreground. The basement footprint shrank because of this boulder.
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Handy Heat Gun
This heat gun is great for drying joint compound, primer and paint when patching drywall and plaster walls. Plus it can soften adhesive, get a very cold small engine to start, and shrink heat-shrink tubing.
A Speed Square or rafter square can help you cut rafters, measure angles, and accurately guide your saw for straight and angled cuts. It's a must have.
Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently
say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.
View Comments
Ever hear of blasting?? Why not drill and blast BEFORE U shrink basement???