I have consent for a single story timber framed studio. It will be fully insulated, timber clad with corrugated sheet roofing. I have been looking at foundation systems, micro-piles or pads, that do not use concrete, does anyone have experience of these?  

Evening. Have a look at screw piles as they are easy to install and will do what you need. 

https://youtu.be/BeU7dzlh6wk

+1 re screw piles . No More Digging etc.  I’m currently researching same as we have tree roots.  Screw piles were quite pricey so looking at DIY options

 

What's the benefit of piles over a slab with a ring beam?

Auger out holes, ram with stone, masonry pads on top of stone, beams over pads. I did not invent the idea, saw it in an article some years back. Confess I have never seen it done. Quick internet search all retuned foreign links for rammed stone piles.

 

 

Thank you for the replies. Will get some quotes to see how pricey it would be. Would still be interested to hear from someone who has used screws or the kind of mini piles with multiple rods.

11 hours ago, Carol L said:

that do not use concrete

Any reason for this?

11 hours ago, Timedout said:

Auger out holes, ram with stone, masonry pads on top of stone, beams over pads. I did not invent the idea, saw it in an article some years back. Confess I have never seen it done. Quick internet search all retuned foreign links for rammed stone piles.

 

 

This is great for load bearing but no use if the foundation is also a ground anchor against wind load (rolling over) etc. Screwed piles work in compression and tension so fantastic for lighter buildings in windy areas.

15 hours ago, SteamyTea said:

Any reason for this?

Partly environmental, would like to raise the floor off the ground (could still use concrete pads I suppose) and interested to see how the costs and time frames compare. 

You’ll struggle to get cheaper than concrete unfortunately although there are low carbon concrete options.

 

concrete pads with metal posts are probably the most economical.