Mount Martha Two Storey New Build: Structural Foundation Stage
Mount Martha New Build: Foundation & Structural Progress
At TEMSEA Building Group, we see the early structural stages of a build as the point where a home’s quality is truly established. These are the phases that never make it into brochures, yet they determine how the home feels to live in, how it performs in changing conditions, and how well it holds its value over time. For this Mount Martha two-storey new build, recent progress has focused on the concrete slab, subfloor construction, and structural steel installation. While these elements will soon be hidden from view, they form the backbone of the home and shape every stage that follows.
Building a Stable Base with a Raft Slab
We began this stage with the installation of a standard raft slab, chosen for its ability to provide a strong, stable foundation while responding to the specific structural needs of a two-storey home.
Rather than treating the slab as a single, uniform surface, we designed it to work in partnership with the home’s structure. Beams and footings have been carefully positioned to carry heavier loads, including steel columns and weight-bearing walls, ensuring the forces from the upper level are transferred safely and evenly into the ground.
This approach allows the slab to manage movement more effectively over time. In coastal areas like Mount Martha, where ground conditions can vary across a site, this added stability plays an important role in protecting the structure above from unnecessary stress.
By taking the time to engineer the slab correctly from the outset, we set the foundation for a home that remains solid, aligned, and comfortable for years to come.
Subfloor Construction: Supporting the Home Above
Once the slab was complete, we moved into the subfloor installation, a stage that sits between the concrete base and the framed structure above.
For this project, we used a combination of timber and concrete stumps, selecting each material for its specific strengths:
- Timber stumps are well suited to taller heights, offering flexibility and ease of adjustment while reducing overall weight on the slab.
- Concrete stumps provide strength and rigidity where loads are more concentrated and direct.
By combining both, we created a subfloor system that supports the home efficiently while allowing for natural movement without compromising stability. This approach helps reduce the risk of long-term issues such as uneven floors or structural stress as the home settles over time.
Integrating Termite Protection Early
We also incorporated termite treatment during the subfloor stage, rather than leaving it until later in the build.
Addressing termite protection early allows us to:
- Provide continuous protection beneath the structure
- Safeguard timber elements that will later become concealed
- Minimise disruption and rework as the project progresses
In regions like the Mornington Peninsula, termite management is a long-term consideration. Integrating it early ensures the system remains effective for the life of the home.
Structural Flooring & Wet Area Preparation
With the subfloor in place, we installed structural timber flooring to form a strong yet efficient base for the levels above. Timber flooring allows loads to be distributed evenly while keeping the structure lighter than alternative systems.
In wet areas, we installed compressed sheet flooring to prepare for future waterproofing. This approach supports:
- A stable base for waterproofing membranes
- Proper drainage and falls
- Fully recessed showers for a clean, seamless finish
By planning for these details early, we reduce the risk of waterproofing issues and ensure wet areas perform as intended long after completion.
Structural Steel: Supporting Design Without Compromise
One of the key milestones during this stage was the installation of structural steel, which allows us to support architectural features without unnecessary visual bulk.
In this Mount Martha build, steel plays a critical role in supporting the first floor as it extends over the garage. This design feature creates a strong visual impact but requires careful structural planning to ensure long-term stability.
By using steel to manage these loads, we achieve the desired architectural form while maintaining strength, safety, and durability.
A Strong Foundation for What’s to Come
At TEMSEA, we believe exceptional homes are defined as much by what sits beneath the surface as by what’s on display. This stage of the Mount Martha build reflects our commitment to thoughtful planning, precise execution, and long-term performance.
As the project continues, these early structural decisions will support every design element that follows, ensuring the home not only looks refined, but stands the test of time. If you’re planning a new build on the Mornington Peninsula and value builders who think ahead at every stage, we’d be happy to talk.
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