Rubble trench foundation

The rubble trench foundation, an construction approach popularized by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is a type of building foundation that uses loose stone or rubble to minimize the use of concrete and improve drainage. It is considered more environmentally friendly than other types of foundation because cement manufacturing requires the use of enormous amounts of energy.

To construct a rubble trench foundation a trench is dug down below the frost line and then filled with drainage tile and loose stone. A concrete cap is poured to provide ground clearance.