There are two main foundation options for WOPAS buildings: 1. Horizontal foundation using WOPAS foundation beams of glulam (slab-on-ground). 2. Vertical foundation using WOPAS poles. The attached PDF describes these two main options, as well as different variations of each.

Advantages of the WOPAS Building Foundation:

Extremely low CO₂ impact
The combination of wood as the main load-bearing material and recycled polyethylene provides market-leading CO₂ performance – especially compared to traditional concrete foundations. Replacing concrete and reinforcement with wood offers a radical improvement in a building’s carbon footprint.
Research indicates that approximately 50–70% of a small house’s total CO₂ emissions come from its foundation.

Fast and dry construction process – no drying times
Since the foundation is mechanically assembled, neither concrete nor drying time is required. This allows for a faster, more efficient construction process and reduces the risk of delays.

Fewer contractors involved
The same carpenter who builds the house can also assemble the foundation, minimizing the need for external ground or concrete contractors.

Works in difficult terrain and soil conditions
WOPAS poles with large base plates can be installed even in rough terrain, marshland, loose soil, or sloped areas – without the need for blasting or extensive groundwork.

Circular and recyclable solution
The system allows for future disassembly and recycling – in line with circular construction principles and sustainability goals. Because the WOPAS technology uses untreated wood and PE (up to 100% recycled), which can be separated and recycled in the future, it provides a clear contribution to the circular economy.

High technical lifespan
The expected service life of WOPAS poles and WOPAS glulam with PE100 is 80 years.

Flexibility in design – multiple foundation options
WOPAS can be used for vertical pole houses, crawl spaces, insulated slabs, hybrid solutions, or even fixed installations in rock – with possibilities for prefabrication and customization.

See further details below for the different WOPAS foundation types,