Hello everyone, I'll start by saying I have very little
experience in the field of building. I'm just trying to get advice and help on a design concept for a basement that's "above-grade". I know most basements are defined as being below-grade, but bare with me here. Essential we have a seasonally high
water table of 24" and a frost line of 48", so obviously this creates some issues with waterproofing and drainage. I really want to have a 'basement' of sorts, so this is what I came up with.
The idea is to build a basement at the original grade level, and back-fill around it to create a "basement" of sorts that is well above the seasonal high-water table. I attached a bit of artwork I threw together to help visualize the concept. I read into building codes a little bit to get the scale dialed in. Other than that I'm clueless as to what a legal footing/foundation needs in a location when the seasonal high water table is higher than the frost 'line'. I
should also note that this house is being designed as passive
solar, hence the added 'umbrella' of waterproof membrane around the exterior. The roof is going to overhang by 24" and most of the glazing will be facing and angled towards the winter sun. I have more sketches I'm working on and I'd love to share more. Of
course, I need everything to be code approved and permittable, any advice is appreciated!