The architect has specified a beam and block floor between the basement and the floor above, the kitchen / family room. He's gone for beam and block because of the spans.

How do we minimise cold bridging at the ends where the beams sit on the wall?

Also, I recall reading about someone using EPS blocks (ones the same thickness as a concrete block, but in long lenghts) to infill between the beams, any one got any links?

The insulation in the basement is outside the blockwork and this links to insulation outside the timber frame. There will also be insulation between the frames.

Posted By: tonyif basement warm then no need for insulated floor, if cold then what about engineered wood floor beams?

Thanks for the clarification, I'll ask the architect about engineered wood floor beams!

Posted By: TriassicHow do we minimise cold bridging at the ends where the beams sit on the wall?

As Tony said, shouldn't be a problem if the basement is insulated externally (and therefore warm-ish). So the ends of the floor are still warm.

Also, I recall reading about someone using EPS blocks (ones the same thickness as a concrete block, but in long lenghts) to infill between the beams, any one got any links?

Sounds to me like the Marmox blocks (Thermoblock?). They're XPS rather than EPS and have vertical solid columns to bear the weight. An alternative to foamglas.