A Ground Frame Foundation delivers proven steel and pipe technology, utilizing the inherent stability of the earth’s soils as a trusted natural support system
Benefits of Ground Frame
Dig Less
Eliminate the need for significant excavation.
Build Faster
Skip excavation, pouring, and back fill.
Reduce Cost
No heavy equipment, fewer build days.
Lower Impact
Leave soils, water flows, and vegetation intact.
How Ground Frame Works
How Ground Frame Works
The ground should be considered your first building material. The Ground Frame foundation provides a solid, stable and efficient foundation that captures and preserves the supporting strength and natural functions of the Earth’s soil.
Pipe
High strength galvanized steel connection to the earth.
Beam
High strength galvanized steel.
Wood Cripple walls
No concrete needed!
Earth
The basis of all foundations.
Explore Our Applications
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU)
Custom Homes
Containers
Modular Housing
Neighborhood Developments
Sloped Solutions
Locations We Serve
Real Feedback, Real Results, Real Success.
“I have always been interested in “How?”. How can I make this project and my world better? This question lead me to learn about Pin Foundations over 15 years ago. Since then, I have designed PFI foundations into projects a number of times. I find the specification process straightforward and really like how efficient and low-impact the installation process is. Perhaps the best testimonial I can give is that my personal home is supported by a PFI Ground Frame design.”
– Jane Baughman, AIA, LEED AP, Technical Director, Associate Principal, EYP
“This building system was the perfect solution and in alignment with my clients’ conservation goals for their environmentally sensitive site. The elimination of excavation and concrete needed for a traditional perimeter foundation for this residence became a reality with Ground Frame.”
— Shannon Mari, Light Source Residential Design
“There were many benefits for us using a Ground Frame foundation for our tiny house. It has less environmental impact vs concrete, and it was easy to deliver materials into our small backyard, which doesn’t have alley access.”
— Sara Fogard, Tiny House Homeowner
“[Ground Frame] … utilized construction methods that allow homes to have firm foundations without blocking the natural flow of groundwater. Additionally, they created ample open spaces to allow for the growth of lush, native vegetation, as well as creating numerous rain gardens to mimic the native forested landscape.”
– From Contractors from The Greens
“I’ve engineered the design of dozens of projects that employ the use of the Ground Frame system and, after initial study of the procedure, find it straightforward and simple to engineer.”
– Terry Nettles, Professional Engineer
“We were able to use a Ground Frame foundation on our tiny house built in our daughter’s backyard. The site was tight, difficult to access and needed a foundation that could straddle the existing sewer line and be minimally disruptive. This foundation worked perfectly.”
– Glenna Coopershear, Tiny House Owner
“Architecture requires buildings and landscapes to come together as one. When successfully done, structures have a feeling of belonging, with a purpose and connection to the land. Too often, traditional building foundations interrupt the natural flow of a site, severing the relationship between ground and structure. Ground Frame, with its light touch on the land, is the perfect partner for fostering this relationship.”
