Going Underground

Originally posted 8/24/06 here.

If you haven't been reading, I have been talking about how we have had free or low cost shelter during our married years. I started with part one here, and part two is here, if you want to see where we have been and are now. Today is about where we want to go. Tim has a posted about it here also.

I don't remember how it started exactly, but when this property was purchased by Mamaw and Papaw, and we knew we would be moving here, Tim and I decided we would like to build an underground (or earth bermed or earth sheltered) home. If you have been reading this blog, you might think from our recent adventures that we just like to be underground. No, that is not the case, but we do like saving money.

There are many ways this type of house saves money. In construction; underground homes tend to use less building material. We plan to do almost all the work ourselves using many materials (lumber, rock) from our property. We don't have a set plan yet, but depending on the type of construction we end up going with the cost of materials can be significantly less than conventional building. I am interested in cordwood construction, but not sure if we will use it.

The real savings comes after construction. How you might ask? Well, how about $0 for heat and A/C. for the rest of your life. Earth bermed homes do not need A/C. They also need less heat. We read of one home in upper NY that didn't need any heat until March. I think it was a mild winter, but still. Many earth bermed homes use passive solar heat and a wood stove. This is our plan and since we have more free fire wood than we could ever use our heating costs will only be a little sweat and some time.

There are other ways this type of house saves money too. They are practically weather and fire proof, theft resistant and you won't ever have frozen pipes. There is less maintenance. (no painting, no roof to replace)

We also like the aesthetics of an earth bermend home. Surprised? We are not exactly sure how we will build, but it may be something like this. We want to build into the hill with a south to southwest exposed side of glass windows. This wall would overlook the hollow and hills. Beautiful view, but from the back we are hoping the house will blend in with the surroundings. It will have an earth roof. I'd like to plant some edible wild plants and native wild flowers there.

Earth bermed homes are very nice. There are lots of floor plans out there. Here are some examples. And some more. Want something different? Here are some round plans.

The insides are not dark and dreary caves either. They are nice and bright. More surprised? They utilize natural light in different ways. Plans include one or more of the following: a wall of windows, skylights, atriums, greenhouses, and center courtyards. There are some pictures of the inside of a house here.

So, this is a little about our dream home. Barring any surprises this will be the last home we live in. I am not exactly sure when we will start construction. Up until a few weeks ago we thought it would be several years, but now we think it may be sooner. Next spring? I almost hesitate to say it, but it may happen.

Do any of you have experience with this type home? I would love to hear about it.