With the site prepared, the groundworkers removed the topsoil and dug trenches for the new bungalow’s foundations.

The design of any building’s foundations is determined by several factors, including the structural load and the characteristics of the underlying ground. These considerations dictate the most suitable type, as well as the required depth and width, of foundations.

Fortunately for this and many of our builds, trench fill foundations were the most appropriate solution. Compared to alternatives such as piled or raft foundations, trench fill is typically faster to construct and more cost-effective where ground conditions allow. The process involves excavating trenches for load-bearing walls, which are then filled with concrete to the specified depth. In areas where additional strength is required, steel reinforcement is incorporated to ensure long-term structural stability. Once the concrete has set, trench blocks are laid to the designated height, ready to support the subfloor.

The next stage is the installation of the beam and block floor system. Precast concrete beams are positioned to span the distance between the supporting walls, with concrete blocks fitted between them to create a robust and level base for the building. Because the components are manufactured offsite and assembled quickly on location, beam and block floors offer an efficient and reliable flooring solution.

With the foundations complete and the floor structure in place, the site was ready to receive the timber frame kit delivered from our factory in West Sussex.