Underground house questions

 Questions About
  under ground Houses.

Often I am asked important questions concerning under ground houses. I have included answers to some of the most popular questions here so that you may better understand some additional advantages of earth sheltered living.

Q: What is the difference between "earth sheltered" and "earth berm-ed"?

A: An "earth sheltered" house is one in which the top as well as most of the sides are covered with earth. An "earth berm-ed" house utilizes a conventional roof or earth covered, with the sides of the house protected with earth pushed up around the sides.

Q: What are the advantages of an earth sheltered house versus an earth berm-ed house?

A: Reduced maintenance costs and increased safety from fire and high winds, earth sheltered houses are much more energy efficient than earth berm-ed houses. An advantage of placing earth on the roof of the house is that the roof is 3 feet further from the surface and is thus has a more stable temperature. Houses built with wood structural systems do  provide the same mass as a concrete shell but a way to stop the posts rotting is to burn the surface which is to be placed into the ground.

The temperature of the earth during the summer is much higher at the surface than at greater depths. Thus, an earth sheltered house. Will net much more energy savings due to moderate earth temperatures than an earth berm-ed house with a conventional roof.

Q: Can we expect good air circulation in a earth sheltered house?

A: Of course!  systems can be set up manually or automatically providing abundant year round fresh air without significant energy loss. 

Q: Can I get appropriate financing to purchase earth sheltered house?

A: YES!  number of houses constructed, have gained recognition and approval from lending institutions.
Q: How thick are the ceiling and walls if made from concrete?

A: All structural reinforcing rod is grade #60. The standard 8 foot high wall is about 8" thick and designed for a minimum of 54 lbs. per square inch lateral load.

The standard ceiling is about 12" thick and designed for a vertical load of 65 lbs. per square inch. This allows for a minimum of 3 feet of earth cover. Note these figures are an estimate and are not to be used for actual construction.

Q: Is it dark?

A:No

Q: How do you meet building codes?

A: With great difficulty. They can meet any building code.

Q: Are you able to add skylights?

A: Yes.But not preferable

Q: How is a earth sheltered house insulated?

A: They are insulated on the outside of the concrete between the shell and earth back fill. This eliminates thermal stress on the structure and provides mass within the heated envelope. Use Extruded Polystyrene insulation due to its superior quality for this application.

Most conventional basements have little or no insulation on the exterior walls. So, the walls are exposed to subfreezing air and ground temperatures. When the cold wall surface comes into contact with warmer, moisture-laden air, condensation and must odor may result.

Q: What about drainage and waterproofing?

A: If the correct procedure is taken then there is little problems

Q: What qualifications do you have?

A: I was a coal miner in NSW coal fields and was employed to stop roof falls and to recover machinery that was in areas with lousy roofs.