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Inside an ICF Monopour Foundation on Grand Manan

Part 1 of High Performance Builds Series, Featuring: Mark Wille, Aron Jones, & Shaun St-Amour


The team at Offsite Dirt Network kicked off 2026 on the island of Grand Manan with a behind-the-scenes look at the early stages of an ICF monopour foundation. Hosted by Shaun St-Amour alongside Mark Wille and builder Aaron Jones, this episode of High Performance Build captures a project at its very beginning, when accuracy, planning, and performance decisions matter most.


Filmed on site in a Climate Zone 6A environment, the discussion centers on how monopore foundations are quietly evolving and why ICF systems continue to gain traction in high-performance construction. From layout strategy to thermal performance, the team walks through the real-world decisions that shape durable, airtight buildings.



The foundation process begins with traditional batter boards, a method that may feel old-school but still plays a critical role in establishing accuracy. Painted reference lines mark the center of wall, outside of wall, and outside of footing, creating clear visual boundaries for the entire build. While not all three lines are always necessary, following the instructions closely on a first-time monopour install helps ensure precision.


This project uses HD monopour brackets, which are fully reusable and allow for consistent offsets throughout the layout. Because the site sits on a solid wedge rather than loose soil, grade pins were hammer-drilled into the ground, making batter boards a viable option even in challenging terrain. Instead of relying on a surveyor, the layout was established using bearing points and compass orientation, a common practice for projects on the island as long as property line setbacks are maintained.


A key component of the monopour system on this build is the use of Fastfoot corners. Fastfoot products have been part of the industry for decades, but newer innovations allow for green certification and LEED-approved applications. Rebar was used to stabilize the Fastfoot system, an important step as the foundation transitions into the monopour pour.


As with any first-time installation, lessons were learned along the way. Rebar chairs, used to keep steel off the ground, ended up creating challenges during this phase and were ultimately moved out of the way. These moments underscore a recurring theme in high-performance building: even when instructions are read multiple times, real-world execution reveals details that can only be learned on site.



The ICF system used on this project features a flat-pack design that reduces shipping volume and speeds up installation. Each panel includes two and five-eighths inches of EPS foam on both the interior and exterior, with a six-inch concrete cavity in between. While the nominal R-value of the foam alone is approximately 23.6, the true performance comes from the complete assembly. Continuous insulation on both sides of the concrete, combined with the concrete core itself, creates a highly airtight system that significantly enhances thermal performance.


Airtightness is a recurring focus throughout the episode. By placing the concrete within the insulated layers, the monopore foundation forms a complete air barrier. Once the concrete cured, informal testing confirmed just how resistant the assembly was to air movement. In high-performance construction, this level of airtightness plays a major role in overall energy efficiency.


Rebar sizing and placement followed Part 9 of the National Building Code along with guidance from the ICF Manufacturers Association manual. These standardized tables allow builders to determine reinforcement requirements based on location and seismic conditions without the need for custom engineering on every project. In this case, an average twelve-inch rebar mat was required.


By the end of day one, a three-person crew had completed the foundation layout from sunrise to sunset. For Aaron Jones and the Big Dog Construction team, choosing a smaller foundation as their first monopore project was intentional. Trying something new on a smaller scale allows builders to learn quickly, minimize risk, and refine their process before applying it to larger projects.


This project offers a clear example of how thoughtful planning, proven systems, and a willingness to learn on the job come together in high-performance construction. As monopore foundations and ICF systems continue to evolve, builds like this one provide valuable insight into what the future of durable, energy-efficient construction may look like.



FAQs


What is an ICF monopour foundation? 

An ICF monopour foundation combines insulated concrete forms with a single continuous concrete pour for the footing and wall, improving structural continuity, airtightness, and thermal performance.


Why are monopour foundations gaining popularity in high-performance builds? 

Monopour foundations reduce thermal bridging, improve airtightness, and streamline construction by combining steps that are traditionally completed separately.


How does Climate Zone 6A affect foundation design? 

Cold, wet conditions require assemblies that manage moisture, resist air leakage, and maintain consistent insulation, making ICF monopour systems well-suited for this climate.






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