Pier foundation showing anchor straps for future porch columns.

Flood vents on two walls of the crawlspace, not more than one foot above grade, to meet NFIP requirements for enclosures.

Back-filled stemwall with sealant applied to reduce moisture migration to the slab cap.

LaHouse has a flood protection level thee feet above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). This provides a margin of safety and qualifies for the best flood insurance rating. The house is elevated; the garage/classroom is dry-floodproofed. Sill gaskets prevent air infiltration under wood sills.

Pier Foundation (Master Bedroom)

• Block piers—filled-cell concrete masonry units (CMUs)—are steel-reinforced and anchored to continuous concrete footing, not independent pads.
• Embedded hurricane straps connect piers to floor beams and to [future] porch columns.
• Deck and subfloor are treated to prevent decay.

Crawlspace Foundation (Master Bath/Utility Room)

• Reinforced CMU chainwall is anchored to reinforced concrete footing.
• Flood vents within 1 ft. of grade allow floodwater to flow in and out freely. Some vents have code-compliant closures.
• Crawlspace ground is higher than surrounding grade so water does not collect under the house.
• 6-mil. plastic ground cover will reduce moisture in crawlspace.
• Wood subfloor is treated to prevent decay.

Slab on Back-Fill Foundation (Main living area and north bedroom)

• Reinforced CMU stem-walls are anchored to continuous-reinforced concrete footings.
• Reinforced concrete slab cap over compacted soil/limestone back-fill is anchored to the stemwalls with re-bar.
• Durable plastic sheeting under slab and waterproofing compound on upper stemwall prevent moisture migration.

Slab-on-Grade Foundation (Garage/Classroom)

• Durable plastic sheeting provides moisture barrier under slab; wraps under grade beams. 
• Low water-to-cement-ratio concrete (fly ash, slag mix) for high strength and reduced curl.
• Wet curing blanket improves concrete strength without frequent rewetting.
• Exterior coating on the slab will be part of the dry floodproofing system.