September 12, 2023
Cassandra Gillespie

Setting the Stage: Footings at the Leawood High Performance Home

We’re in the initial phases of construction for a new custom high-performance home in Leawood, Kansas. While these early steps in the construction process may not seem as glamorous as others, starting off on the right foot, with a strong foundation, is arguably one of the most important steps to get right. 


ABI Corporation, a concrete foundation company based in Lee’s Summit, handled the execution of the footings and foundation for this project.



Crafted from concrete and reinforced with rebar, poured into an excavated trench, footings are an essential piece of the foundation system. The footings ensure durability and stability as they distribute the weight of the structure evenly, preventing settling. 


Next steps: capillary break! Follow along to see this home continue to take shape.


More on the blog

Modern home exterior with wood siding, black roof, deck, and outdoor seating.

A West Plaza Home Built Around Natural Light

By Cassandra Gillespie • September 10, 2025
Though they enjoyed living in a house in the historic Brookside neighborhood, Kyle and Elizabeth decided they wanted to build a new home that used high-performance features to deliver better durability, health, sustainability, and comfort.
Steel bar set in foundation footings with capillary break applied to footings

Building Code: A minimum standard, not a good one

By Cassandra Gillespie • July 8, 2025
The main purpose of building code is to ensure a home doesn't burn down, fall down, or suffer catastrophic failure to its main systems - not to ensure durability.
A modern style kitchen with large windows, high ceilings, and a large island in the center.

Why Understanding Dew Point is Key to Building Durable Homes

By Cassandra Gillespie • June 13, 2025
Of all the things that can damage a home, water is by far the most pervasive and destructive. And when we say water, we don’t just mean the water that falls from the sky as rain.