Patent ID: 8011158

Claim:
A method of constructing an architectural structure, said method comprising: providing a foundation system comprising an elongated body having a lower base surface, an upper support surface and side surfaces between said lower base surface and said upper support surface; supporting said base surface on a ground surface; supporting at least a portion of the architectural structure with said upper support surface; defining a concrete form with said elongated body, said concrete form adjacent said upper support surface, said concrete form including a generally vertical support surface extending substantially the longitudinal length of said elongated body, wherein said upper support surface defines an upwardly opening trough thereby dividing said upper support surface into two upper surface portions and wherein said generally vertical support surface extends upwardly from one of said upper surface portions, said trough having a lower surface terminating between said upper support surface and said lower base surface; and pouring a concrete slab in situ against said upper support surface and said generally vertical support surface wherein the concrete slab is at least partially contained by said generally vertical support surface while curing, wherein said concrete slab is supported with said upper support surface, wherein said foundation system provides both a support for said concrete slab and a form for use in pouring said concrete slab.