Abstract: In order to provide a form of foundation on which light-weight shuttering may be erected prior to pouring the concrete into the foundation, there is provided a method of forming a foundation for an excavated construction, comprising excavating to a predetermined depth, arranging pre-formed footing elements 2 in a required configuration on the base of the excavation 1, the said footing elements 2 having upper surfaces with means for locating shuttering 3, 4 for walls to be erected on the foundation, the footing elements also being adapted to receive reinforcing bars 5, 5a for the foundation and/or the walls, and subsequently pouring a concrete mix into the excavation to bond substantially monolithically with the footing elements. The footing elements need considerable strength, and they are preferably pre-formed in an open construction of concrete or a light-weight aggregate. The invention further includes footing elements as set forth above, and foundations made by the method.