[Strawbale] Sub Floor Radiant Heating

[Mary Fletcher]

<snip> The XPS foam
insulation will cost about $2000, and is not very
"green". The cellulose will cost about $300, and
is very "green". The wood floor or concrete will
cost about the same in materials. Maybe the wood
might run an additional $500, since it needs to be
closed in underneath. Again............wood "green"
concrete...."not green" So the savings is in a range
around $1000, and you get a floor that is insulated
a third better, when you need it the most. The
foundation will cost about the same. In milder
months of the heating season, the slab will suck
even more heat (relatively) from the house. Even
an insulated slab is a heat loss. That can be a good
thing where cooling is the priority, but in the north,
where heating is a greater concern, a slab is a big
additional heating load.

-Laren Corie-
Natural Solar Building Designs, Since 1975
<end snip>

I guess Laren Corie said the above, although I am replying to Shody's post. 
If I understand this correctly, a properly insulated "pier" foundation 
(there's no slab, right?) will keep more heat where you want it (in the 
house) than a normal concrete foundation? If I am reading this right, then 
the possibilities of keeping our house warm just jumped exponentially! We 
live in Northern BC, where the temps are below freezing (at times, WAY 
below) for 6 months of the year. The idea of a pier foundation that doesn't 
lead to bitterly cold floors, no matter how well insulated, is a new one to 
me...
I won't write any more until I hear from someone as to whether I'm on the 
right track or not.
Thanks,
Mary in Quesnel BC