Passive Foundation

The passive foundation is a PassiveHaus certified system, designed to thermally encase the foundation in high performance expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation, which delivers the lowest U-Vaule currently available at 0.105W/m2K. A localised point in a building,where there is a break in the continuity or a penetration of the insulation is called a cold or thermal bridge. These bridges are most commonly found at wall and floor junctions.Crucially, the passive foundation system is also engineered to super insulate the wall and floor junction with precision detailing, significantly enhancing thermal efficiency and eliminating all cold bridges.    

– Eliminates cold bridges
– 60% less concrete required lowering carbon footprint
– Strong structural base for timber frame
– Suitable for all site conditions
– Quick to install
– Cheaper to construct than conventional strip foundation
– Reduced wet trade on site
– Reduced labour & equipment costs 
– Internal load points accommodated
– Loads distributed more evenly in comparison to conventional strip foundation

MBC Passive Foundation EPS Insulation Layout

MBC Passive Foundation with Steel Reinforcement & Radon Barrier

MBC Passive Foundation Concrete Slab Poured

Please click here to read an MBC client blog, documenting the passive house approach to building.