Basement Foundation
In the challenging terrain of Wellington, we recently completed a critical foundation project for a modern 2-story residence. This project required exceptional precision to manage significant seismic requirements and soil variability, ensuring a rock-solid base for the artisanal home above. Our expert team navigated tight site constraints and complex engineering specifications to deliver a result that epitomizes our commitment to building quality foundations that stand the test of time.
This project involved a significant structural alteration to an existing home, requiring extensive temporary works before demolition could begin. Prior to removing any of the existing structure, we installed all structural steel beams to safely support the house and transfer its load during the excavation and rebuilding process.
Due to restricted access, each steel beam had to be carefully rolled underneath the house one at a time. As the beams were installed, we encountered existing concrete piles that were supporting the structure. These piles had to be removed individually, with the newly installed steel beams taking over the load-bearing role as the work progressed. Temporary timber sleepers were then placed beneath the steel beams to provide support and maintain stability until the permanent foundation system could be constructed.
This stage of the project required careful planning, precise sequencing, and close attention to structural requirements, as the entire building remained supported while excavation works were carried out beneath it. The scale of the excavation and the complexity of installing the steelwork beneath an occupied structure made this one of the more challenging and rewarding aspects of the build.
This short video demonstrates a complex structural underpinning operation where the existing building has been successfully supported on temporary steelwork and props, allowing extensive excavation to be carried out beneath the house while maintaining the integrity and stability of the structure above. The temporary propping system is one of the most critical elements of the project, ensuring the building remains secure throughout the construction process.
In-Depth structural preperation Insight
Once the structural steel and temporary propping were in place, we completed the excavation beneath the existing home, creating a large open space ready for the new foundation system. This was a major milestone in the project, showcasing the scale of the work and the careful planning required to safely support the structure while excavating below. A challenging but highly rewarding stage of the build, see photos below.
Project Gallery: Site Preperation
“The foundation work A-Class Builders completed for our 2-story Wellington home was exceptional. Their precision on such a challenging site gave us complete confidence in the rest of our build.”
DAVID THOMPSON
Wellington Property Owner
Start Your Build
Contact our Wellington team for a specialist consultation on your 2-story house foundation project. Our experts provide precise, high-standard builds across the capital.
PH 027 209 9779
Info@a-classbuilders.com
68 Karamu Crescent, Wainuiomata
Lower Hutt, Wellington