Reusing Foam Packaging for Frost-Protected Shallow Foundation
I’m planning on building a 400 sq ft off grid cabin in northern Minnesota, with a passive solar design. The footprint will be 19×27’ with a shed roof. The structure with be timber frame with straw bale walls surrounding the frame and a wall of south facing windows. For the foundation, I was looking at the Legalett air heated radiant floor system with an insulated concrete slab and wondering if I could come up with a DIY approach. I am also wondering if I could reuse flat sheets of foam that is used in packaging and shipping. It seems this stuff is thrown out regularly. Maybe I can collect from the neighborhood and reuse it? I have a relative who gets weekly medication shipments in styrofoam coolers. Maybe I could cut up and use those as forms? Any advice on whether this might be feasible or a bad idea?
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EPS used for shipping is very lightweight and crumbly, and not appropriate for most construction assemblies. You could use some in an attic with loose-blown insulation or other locations that don't have loads or that have to withstand water pressure, but I wouldn't use if for a foundation.