Our Foundation Walls are Super(ior)

So we'd been pretty set on this foundation wall system since first stumbling across it on the interwebs.  Thankfully Giraffe was also eager to give it a shot.

The basic concept behind Superior Walls is that they are pre-cast concrete panels, made in a factory to our provided home plan specifications. Then they truck the panels out and use a crane to set them on a specially prepared stone footer.  The entire foundation installs in one easy day of work, and the benefits include:

• Uses up to 70% less concrete than pouring a standard foundation wall, with zero job-site waste
• High strength, high pressure concrete exterior requires no further waterproofing
• 2.5" of built-in insulation gives an R-value around 12.5
• Pre-framed with metal studs on the inside.  Ready for finishing!
• 6" wall cavities are ready for that much more insulation, so about another R22 or so, giving a total wall R-value of around R-35.  Pretty excellent for an underground foundation wall!

On the day of the wall installation, I couldn't just sit at work and miss all the action, so I shot out during lunch.

Truck #2 was waiting patiently up by the road for it's turn to supply panels

Crane is on-site and getting it done.

Jeff and Zac of Giraffe help coordinate the exact layout

Here's a better shot of the crane that did most of the work

Drop in the new panel, bolt to the adjacent piece, apply sealant in the gaps, and continue.

After work, I went back to see the completed foundation.  Exciting to see some real, rapid progress

Starting to get an idea of how the house will sit on the land

Waterproof concrete exterior, pre-insulated and framed interior.

Looking down at the house from atop a dirt pile behind it.

Looking back down the driveway.