We're in the planning phase of putting a good size addition on our old (1880) house. The addition is the first phase and will allow us living space while we rehab the original structure

Original plans were drawn for SIPS but converting to ICF. I've found a semi-local ICF builder who as offered some advice but I'd really like to get another set of eyes on it so to speak.

The addition is going to have a walk out basement however the basement will actually be the garage. Due to terrain, street height, and existing floor elevation we are a bit limited on vertical height.

Any glaring issues? Any feedback or advice? Also looking for a engineer in the WI area to approve some of the details.

It's been suggested that I ask more specific questions.

I like the idea of the cast in place floor system(hydronic in floor). My builder would prefer to do spancrete and then a topping coat. My architect would prefer wood truss, subfloor, vapor barrier, topping. Being over the garage (unconditioned space) I feel like an insulated product makes more sense as I won't have to come back to insulate. How would you do it?

I'm curious about a monopour footing but can't get any local feedback. Would it be a good system for this application?

70% of the structure is using 8" core but the west and south wall convert to 6" for the next level. Would it be easier to just go with 8" all the way around?

The front of the garage needs a 4' frost wall (section view 1). As the wall moves back into the hill the footing steps up (sections 2 and 4). Is it worth stepping the footing up to save some block but add complexity?

What sequence and heights would you poor in

I hope that isn't too overwhelming and thank you for any feedback.

Why aren't you think about passive solar a bit in the plans?

Why aren't you thinking about passive solar a bit in the plans?

I think passive solar is great and would love to incorporate what I can without sacrificing the design. The original house is a 1880 Queen Anne and we are trying to maintain that in the addition as well as the restoration of the original house. Passive solar is certainly on my list, I just haven't gotten that far down it yet...

The first image just barely has the north arrow visible. Any suggestions?

can't go into all the details but get the window locations and types of glass correct for starters can save big time.

Research it on google the info is easy, but to build today w/o taking basic solar considerations is missing an easy opportunity to save and go green