A smarter approach to building bases

When it comes to construction projects, the base is often the stage where the most headaches occur. Difficult ground conditions, awkward obstructions underground, unforeseen costs, waste disposal and the sheer mess all play a part in making traditional foundations one of the most unpredictable aspects of a build, especially on small sites.

Alex Hewitt, marketing director at Ultraframe, spoke with Glass Times about why bases are frequently problematic, and how the new hup! Base system has been designed to resolve these long-standing challenges for installers.

“Traditional base construction is still rooted in digging deep trenches, filling them with concrete, and dealing with the huge volumes of spoil that this process creates,” explained Alex. “This method can result in excessive mud, disruption to the home and garden, and often needs to be carried out with limited site access for heavy equipment. All too often, homeowners are left with additional landscaping bills just to put their garden back together once the build is complete.

Over recent years, these challenges have only intensified. As homeowner requirements evolve and designs become more complex, more extensions fall under Building Regulations. The narrowing definition of what qualifies as an exempt conservatory means compliant bases now have to be much deeper. Depending on the ground conditions, this can send costs spiralling. In some cases, piles or foundations over 1m deep are required – creating health and safety risks and adding significant expense.”

To address these issues, Ultraframe has created the hup! Base – an innovative base solution that transforms the way installers approach this crucial stage of a project. Developed in direct response to customer feedback, the hup! Base is designed to bring new levels of predictability, speed, and simplicity to a site.

Rather than relying on full concrete foundations, the system has been engineered to work with ground screws or concrete pads. This not only makes the installation process faster and cleaner but also makes it more environmentally responsible. Unlike large amounts of concrete, which are difficult to recycle, hup! bases built with ground screws can be unbolted, repurposed, or even unwound and reused – making it a far more sustainable option.

Among its many benefits, the hup! Base offers:

• Cost certainty: Base costs are predictable regardless of ground conditions, making it highly competitive compared to piling or deep foundations.
• Minimal machinery: No need for diggers, and skips are reduced or even eliminated.
• Reduced excavation: Only 70–150mm of topsoil needs to be removed.
• Less concrete: Avoids messy, time-consuming dry-outs and delays caused by poor weather.
• Cleaner sites: Significantly less disruption, dirt, and no requirement for specialist bricklayers.
• Flexible installation: Works with either ground screws or concrete pads.
• Regulatory compliance: Fully meets Building Regulations, achieving a U-Value of 0.18 W/m²K, with pre-approval by Stroma and MFA for faster compliance.
• Fixed pricing: For builds under 30m², ground screw prices are guaranteed when ordered through Ultraframe’s partner, Great British Ground Screw.

To deliver this new approach, Ultraframe has partnered with Great British Ground Screw (GBGS) – the UK’s largest ground screw provider. With more than 12 years of experience across commercial and domestic projects, GBGS offers national coverage and a proven track record.

“Through our partnership with GBGS, installers can have complete peace of mind when specifying ground screws for a hup! project,” continued Alex. “The screws are galvanised, come with a 25-year guarantee, and are accredited to the Construction Line Gold Standard. What’s more, the process is straightforward – a single site visit is all that’s needed for both assessment and installation, and GBGS even offer a fixed price on all ground screw installations up to 30m² to ensure cost certainty for both the installer and the homeowner.

“One of the most exciting aspects of the hup! Base is the speed of installation it enables. With the right scheduling, ground screws can be fitted in the morning, the hup! base can be completed early that afternoon, and walls can be installed the same day – minimising disruption to the home and garden.

This approach takes ground screw technology, which has traditionally been used for standalone buildings such as garden rooms, and moves it firmly into the realm of home extensions. For installers and homeowners alike, the hup! Base represents a step change in how bases are approached: faster, cleaner, more sustainable, and more predictable than ever before.”