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California 2018

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.

Tools & Materials

Steel Beams and a Metal Pan Deck

Borrowing from the commercial building world, we use steel to prep for an elevated concrete slab.

By David Good
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We chose to use steel framing to elevate a slab over the land because of the seasonal creek that would otherwise cause issues in a crawlspace. Also, we are designing for durability (fire, pests) and zero maintenance. The W10x22 girders (10-in. flange; 22-lb./ft.) are supported between the foundation walls by 4-in. by 1/4-in. steel posts.

Drilling holes for the anchor bolts. A steel column supporting one of the W10x22 steel beams will land on this footing.
Drilling holes for the anchor bolts. A steel column supporting one of the W10x22 steel beams will land on this footing.

We cut and tacked the posts for the Ace Welding steel crew who laid the girts with their crane and completed the certified structural welds. This frame will support the pan decking that is the base of the concrete slab to come.

The columns are cut, bolted, and tack-welded by the carpentry crew before the welding crew arrives on site.
The columns are cut, bolted, and tack-welded by the carpentry crew before the welding crew arrives on site.

 

The welders handle all of the structural welds.
The welders handle all of the structural welds.

 

The steel girts are flown into place with a crane.
The steel girts are flown into place with a crane.

On top of the steel frame we lay out a metal pan deck to support the concrete slab. Each pan-deck panel is 36 in. wide with six 3-in.-deep corrugations. The panels click together with a male and female seam on each panel. The seams can be field welded or crimped—we chose welding. The panels are also “puddle-welded” to the steel girders from above.

As the metal frame takes shape the metal pan deck is staged.

 

With the pan deck in place the panels are welded.
With the pan deck in place the panels are welded.

The shiny galvanized undulating surface became our next daily encounter. It’s a step above the mud and rocks of the past, but blinding. It was like snow that gives you sunburn under your nose.

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California 2018 Videos

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Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
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  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
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