Why Passive House Builders Love Slab-on-Grade (and How to Get It Right)
By Graham Mann | Published: 11/6/2025
Explore the advantages of slab-on-grade foundations for passive houses, including energy efficiency, cost savings, and eco-friendly construction techniques.
Why Passive House Builders Love Slab-on-Grade (and How to Get It Right) When building a passive house(https://passivhaus.com/), slab-on-grade foundations(https://diyecohomes.com/blog/slab-on-grade-foundations-cost-insulation-design-tips/) stand out for their energy efficiency, cost savings, and simplicity. These foundations involve pouring a concrete slab directly at ground level, eliminating basements or crawl spaces. Here's why they work so well: - Energy Performance: The concrete slab acts as a thermal battery, storing and releasing heat to maintain stable indoor temperatures. With proper insulation (R-40 to R-50), heat loss is minimal, even in cold climates. - Cost Efficiency: Slab-on-grade foundations require less excavation and fewer materials compared to basements, lowering both material and labor costs. - Eco-Friendly: They use fewer materials (like steel reinforcements) and reduce CO2 emissions during construction. Shallow excavation also preserves the surrounding site. To get...
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