Slab foundation / Discussions

I'm designing our new home in Anchorage, Alaska (building zone 7) to be insulated to R-40 or better ICF walls and an appropriate level of insulation in the roof and slab. I'm taking inspiration from Passive House but not pursuing the official certification. We've already decided on finished concrete floors throughout t...

I posted this elsewhere before i found this page: i am trying to decide on slab on grade vs basement for TOTAL cost. While i know SOG is cheaper than basement, i can do 750 sq ft on top of 750 sq ft basement with finishing in two years after concrete dries vs about 1200 sq. feet with SOG to accomodate our total needs. ...

...slab with dimple membrane, 2" XPS and osb/plywood achored with tapcons. The problem here is that there's a significant slope to a central drain (4" at the lowest). I will be removing that drain and other old cast iron pipes. If I level with sleepers, there will be multiple breaks in the insulation.  My ideas was as fol...

...slab on grade foundation. My builder was suggesting that we at least start with the foundation in the fall and then start work back up again in the spring. This may be okay when installing a full basement foundation, but can a slab foundation hold up in the cold new england winters without any protection from the eleme...

...slab-on-grade construction over a basement are undeniable, you can read all the pros and cons here -  Slab on Grade or Foundation and Basement; Which is Best? And have a look at the Edelweiss House that we built a few years ago, it is a 4 bedroom home (or three and storage room).