What are strip foundations and are they right for your home?

mini digger digging foundations
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Just what are strip foundations and could they be the best option for your self build or extension project?

As discussed in my previous articles in this series, foundations systems usually form a crucial part of the main structural support for a building. They should have sufficient ‘load bearing capacity’ to safely and efficiently transfer the weight of the building above, into the ground below.

Ninian MacQueen
Architect

 

Ninian MacQueen is an ARB registered, and RIBA chartered, architect. He studied at the Mackintosh School of Architecture in Glasgow, before completing his ‘Part 3’ at the Bartlett School of Architecture in London. He worked for four Stirling Prize winners – including Richard Rogers, Norman Foster and AHMM architects – as well as smaller firms, before starting his own private practice: Borderland Studio. His designs have contributed to super tall towers, city master plans, infrastructure projects, and many others in countries such as India, Russia, China, Nigeria, Canada and the UK.