Expert: Dan Griffin - 7/15/2008

Question
We're building our house on a slope using stilts. It gives us a better view and takes advantage of the breezes under the home for cooling and ventilation. The stilts will vary between 5' and 10' high. Once the footers are done (24x24x8 - approx), are there requirements for different methods for the supports - i.e., concrete block, 8x8 PT timbers, poured concrete tubes,etc? What styles would you suggest?

Answer
Rob, I would think you would need more than simple bearing pads to carry a house on stilts.  I'm thinking steep like Topanga canyon and tall like beach front stuff.  The bearing stilts are deep and designed almost more for lateral stability than bearing.  Think about the maze of cross bracing on beach front stilts that are driven deep or the exotic steel bearing arms that you see in the movies of those houses cantilevered on the canyon wall.

YOu will really need the services of a structural engineer to proceed.  Most code authorities will demand it, especially if you do not have a conventional perimeter footing.  I would be inclined to look at concrete piers drilled to remission formed in Sonotube or equal.