Oakwood Homes: Denver, CO

Technologies were implemented in several homes throughout a large development.

Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations (FPSF)

FPSF diagram

Builder chose an 18-inch deep concrete perimeter foundation, insulated with 1-inch thick extruded polystyrene foam board (R-4.5), although design standards only required a 12-inch depth below finish grade. A trench digger created consistently straight walls, due in part to the compacted sandy soil. A small crew followed to remove excess dirt. Trenches for several homes were dug each day. Concrete was then placed for the slab and perimeter grade beams. Builder used post-tensioned slabs due to local soil conditions. To finish, workers attached foam to the exposed foundation with adhesive and covered all exposed foam with synthetic stucco.

PEX Water Supply Piping

Installed manifold

Plumbing manifold was installed at the same time as the drain system and was fitted between two studs in the mechanical room. Holes were drilled in adjoining studs for supply piping prior to mounting the manifold. The manifold was capped to keep out foreign debris.