For people looking for a home with a unique architectural design and landscape; or a building that is environmentally friendly, earth sheltered homes should be of great interest. Some forms of underground homes may look like they belong in a fairy tale but these dwellings are not just for hobbits. Earth sheltering has become increasingly popular with the green movement and there are many modern designs that can be seen worldwide.
Some Background on Underground Homes
The practice of living in buildings which are underground or reinforced by earth is not new. Humans have been using this method for almost as long as we have been constructing shelters; for example choosing a cave as a shelter and using material like earth or sod as a part of your structure. However, progress in this form of architecture has been slow. It has only been during recent years that this architectural practice has been gaining some popularity. This is mainly due to the green movement that has swept the globe. Piling earth against your building walls acts as external thermal mass which will help to reduce heat loss and keep a steady indoor air temperature. Even with this recent interest earth sheltered houses are still considered an unconventional form of building.
How it works
By constructing your home underground and using the earth as a thermal mass this will help to save on energy expenses. Below the frost line the earth is at a constant temperature of 55 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit (or 13 to 14 degrees Celsius). The thermal lag of the earth is also a source of protection against unwanted air infiltration. Therefore, by talking advantage of the passive solar techniques and by keeping unwanted air out, while retaining the air located inside, this will help to keep the air temperature indoors steady and comfortable.
However, it needs to me stated that a professional architect whom specializes in this type of building construction should be hired. Some architects that are unfamiliar with this form of construction may attempt to cut costs by using cheaper materials; or they may unknowingly make a mistake in the design technique. This could lead to problems with water seepage, poor indoor air quality, internal condensation and poor acoustic sound quality.
Types of Earth Sheltering
Earth Berming:
This form of construction involves packing earth against exterior walls and forming a slope that gradually tapers off from the home. For these type of designs it is optional to completely cover the roof with earth and include windows in particular locations.
In-Hill Construction:
This involves setting a house into a hillside or a slope. It is recommended to choose a hill that is facing towards the equator (south for the Northern Hemisphere and north in the Southern Hemisphere). All of the walls are embedded within the earth except for the one wall that is facing out from within the hill.
Underground/Fully Recesses Construction:
This is a process where the ground is excavated so that the house can be constructed below the grade. This design includes a common courtyard or atrium that is placed in the middle of the house to allow for exposure to sunlight and ventilation.
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