Eco-Friendly Underground Homes
By stephhicks68
Benefits of Living in an Underground Home
© Stephanie Hicks 2010
You don't have to be a hobbit to live in an underground home. In fact, the environmentally-conscious living trend is as hot as it is cool! Using the natural insulating properties of soil, people who build their homes underground can save a substantial amount in heating and cooling.
Underground homes (also known as earth sheltered homes) may be built into a hillside, or constructed near a hill and then covered with earth on the sides and over the top. The primary idea is energy efficiency. Earth's natural insulation helps reduce cooling costs in summer and heating costs during the winter from 60-85%!
Lest you think that underground homes are dark, cold and dank... think again! Many of these structures are built into the sides of hills or berms, opening out to allow substantial amounts of light in at the front. Air quality is often better than "traditional" buildings. And as for temperature, think about the basement in your home - its often the most comfortable no matter the season.
In addition to the insulation and cost-saving features, some people that live in earth-sheltered homes feel safer... less vulnerable to vandalism and theft. In addition, natural disasters such as tornadoes and fire seem less threatening when you live in an underground home. Insect invasion is also reduced and there is a lowered risk of pipes freezing in the winter.
What more could you ask for?
Underground Home Example
Earth Home
Underground Home Guides
 | Amazon Price: $20.54 List Price: $24.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $16.80 List Price: $27.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $18.00 List Price: $29.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $15.64 List Price: $24.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $9.58 List Price: $15.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $21.59 List Price: $29.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $14.00 List Price: $28.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $14.88 List Price: $14.99 |
Green Features of Underground Homes
There are a number of green features associated with underground homes. Instead of using wood for construction, earth-sheltered homes generally rely on concrete. Perhaps more importantly, the insulation of the ground allows for significantly reduced heating and cooling costs.
Lest you worry about feeling like a mole - the experience is nothing of the sort. Many earth-sheltered homes are constructed with large, south-facing windows to let in natural light. If that is not enough, you can implement skylights and solar tubes.
And, believe it or not, but living in an underground home is comfortable, warm and dry. Added insulation prevents dampness and water intrusion.
Beyond some of the more obvious green aspects of living underground, consider these benefits:
- Less need for exterior paint jobs
- Fewer windows
- Minimal (or no) roofing maintenance
- Gutters? How about less or no cleaning them out?
- Preservation of art and artifacts
With a significant portion of your living space sub-surface, you'll have to paint the exterior less often (and they will be less to paint). There will also be fewer windows to install, weatherize and clean! Roofing? How about mowing your roof instead of replacing shingles? Hate gutters? You may not even have any to deal with.
Yes.... aside from green features, there are some definite time and money saving aspects of living underground.
History of Underground Buildings
Underground homes and buildings are nothing new. In fact, they've been around for centuries! In addition to private homes, there are over 650 underground buildings in the United States alone! Art galleries enjoy the fact that underground displays are protected from damaging sunlight. Of course, many wineries are partially or fully subsurface too.
Earth sheltering is the architectural practice of using earth against building walls for external thermal mass, to reduce heat loss, and to easily maintain a steady indoor air temperature. Earth sheltering is popular in modern times among advocates of passive solar and sustainable architecture, but has been around for nearly as long as humans have been constructing their own shelter.
Earth shelter dwellings have literally been around since cave-person times. Yet, despite a brief insurgence in the 1970s with the oil crisis and self-sufficient movement, underground homes are rare, particularly in the U.S. Although earth-sheltered buildings are some of the most energy-efficient construction available, many architects and builders are largely unaware of this type of building construction.
Nonetheless, the options for underground homes and buildings are endless. With pressures on open plains and natural settings from the land development industry, could many of us be living in subsurface homes one of these days?
Links for Underground Homes
- Underground Homes
Underground Homes are among the most energy efficient dwellings in the world. dispel the myths and discover the many advantages to living underground. - UnderGroundHomes.com - Home Page
- PBS Performance Building Systems-earth sheltered-solar energy-underground homes-energy efficient-Ear
- Earth Sheltered Homes by Underground Home builder, Davis Caves Illinois
Underground home builder, Davis Caves, a homebuilder in central Illinois, builds underground and earth sheltered homes anywhere in the country.
Today's Advances in Earth-Sheltered Housing
Passive Annual Heat Storage (PAHS) is key with respect to green housing. It describes a process in which the home itself releases extra heat into the ground around it during summer months, which can then be radiated back into the living space when it gets cod outside. PAHS is said to help cut down on fossil fuel consumption by homeowners by up to 80%.
In addition to reduced need for electricity or natural gas, underground homes are perfect for use of geothermal heat pump systems. Geothermal systems draw on heated steam and/or water underground. When pipes are already installed under the earth for underground homes "green" hot water and interior heating are relatively simple propositions.
You might think that its expensive to build an earth-sheltered home. WRONG! Construction costs are comparable to most homes at the outset, and when you factor in energy savings and tax advantages, you'll be far ahead in no time.
Would You Live in an Underground Home?
See results without votingHave Something to Say?
Did you enjoy this article? If so, please leave me a comment below and tell me what you liked best!
For more information about the author, Stephhicks68, please visit my profile page here on HubPages.
Want to join in the fun and publish your own articles to earn money? Then just sign up here. Its FREE!
Comments
These are sweet!! I had no idea! What an awesome hub! Rated up. :)
Great hub, solid info, I had a small role in an earthship project some years back.
Thank you Michael - I am fascinated by underground homes! It would be wonderful to see land use planning incorporate and encourage the idea to help preserve open spaces and minimize energy costs.
Hi theherbivorehippi - very cool, huh? I forgot to mention that there is a Costco warehouse store that is underground, as well. Underground structures make sense for both residences and businesses.
Hi Bob - thank you! That must have been quite an experience working on an earthship project. Did it incorporate gardens on the roof at all?
Another great hub Stephanie. I have seen some very energy-efficient and cool (literally) earth-bermed homes here in Vermont. As a sun-lover, my underground home would need lots of light!
Thanks Glenn - I'm with you - I'd need lots of windows in a south facing underground home. :)
WOW how cool, I want one with a big sky light! Great Hub! Thanks and Peace :)
I'm with you katiem2! Peace to you as well.
Those houses were amazing steph. Maybe in the future I am hoping I could live in those kind of house. Thanks
We might be that fortunate, borge! Thanks for the comment, Steph
Stephhicks68, This is a great article. I like the idea about earth-sheltered houses. And as you said, the idea has been around for milleniae. Now, lots of modern houses have an underground level, that you don't need to cool it in the summer time.
Hi cameciob - thank you. I always loved sleeping in the basement in my grandparents' home when I was growing up. It was the coolest place to be in the summer months. Taking that concept to an overall green home is what underground homes are all about! Best to you - Steph
I helped a friend build an underground home in the 80's. They have too much heat in the winter because of the large south facing windows, and say they have to open the windows to cool down. The roof and overhead earth is supported by large steel beams. He uses solar heated water, and rarely has to rely on external electricity for anything.
Had to build it (and get it to pass code) by himself, and ended up having enough knowledge to become a qualified builder on his own.
Hi FitnezzJim, that is very interesting about your friend's experience. I'm sure most people would be surprised that it gets too warm in the underground home... yet large windows would do that! The combination with solar energy would be a perfect recipe for green living.
Hi.this is very informative hub.It opens the door of new horizon for me. I am architect, and always looking for new architectural design.I like to make use of natural resources for the same. It is very innovative idea and surely we come more close to nature.Thanks for sharing it.
Definitely some unique ideas here for architecture! Thanks for the comments, save my system and magnusjames.
Great hub. I would love to have one.
Me too! Thanks Granny's House!
Great hub Stephanie. Liked your concept.. Joining your fanclub and would like to invite you to join mine.. Thanks
I have had an interest in earth contact homes since the late 70's. I think it's interesting to see the various design details and the green innovations that have been incorporated into the homes. Sure would save a lot on energy costs. Great hub. Thanks.
Thank you belliott - I love to hear from people like you! I was born in the 60s myself, so I am with you on the excitement of seeing underground homes and other concepts that make going green not only "cool," but environmentally responsible!
Excellent Hub! I like the idea of going green as well as cost savings. My question is what does it cost to build an earth home compared to conventional construction?
Great question - I guess it depends on whether you are excavating an existing berm, or building one over the construction. I'll have to look into that question...
Very cool, have read about underground homes in the past, and think it is about time that homes like this become more main stream. Thanks for writing this hub!
Great Hub.
Underground homes with high thermal mass are suitable for semi-arid, temperate climates, not sub-tropical such as where I live. However, for those climates, you cant beat it. Some great examples shown bth!
Very interesting hub - I'd love to live in one!
Very interesting, I had no idea how far down the road underground houses have come. I remember a movie a few years back about a family living in one on an island somewhere - sorry can't recall the name.
These houses are so neat! My boyfriend want's to build one so badly. He knows someone who lives in one. Really great hub and pictures:)
Thank you Tamarind! I totally agree!
What a great Idea, I know you don't have to be a hobbit to live in one but it would be fun to imagine!
WooooooooooooW!! I just loved the picture. Now I am also thinking about an underground house. It would be nice if you could upload or send me more of the pictures. Joining your fan club to stay connected and would like to invite you too.
Thanks FashionFame - there are definitely more photos of underground homes out there, just not a bunch to which I have the rights to use. :) I will check out your profile as well. Cheers, Stephanie
awesome!
Intriguing hub! I love interesting architecture and ideas...grew up in a unique home, designed by my Dad.
Thanks sagebrush mama - I think (hope) we'll be seeing more underground homes in the years ahead! Both for energy efficiency and land use preservation.
stephhicks68
When placing earth on top of any habital structure one must consider some type of protection for having a sealing or waterproofing the top of the structure. In some instances a drainage field may need to be installed on top of the structure between the waterproofing and the surface of the covering. Building the top of the structure sloped from one side to the other maybe sufficient for draining purposes.
That's a great, helpful comment for anyone considering building their own underground home, Jon. Thanks!
STEPHHICKS68
YOU'RE WELCOME
WHEN CONSIDERING THE CHALLENGE,SEEK THE HELP OF A PROFEESIONAL
i really wish i had an underground home! seems super cozy.
Hi Nami - aren't these underground homes cool? Both literally and figuratively :)
Wow! I want one! lol These are fabulous! What a great hub!
Great hub!
I build furniture from reclaimed material. Mainly antique doors, windows and edge grain fir. I am hoping to build a cob cottage one of these days. I am also going to turn a 34' boat into a cabin. I love these underground homes. Now you have me thinking where I could do a cottage like this.
That's cool DaisyExpress! I love the idea of reclaimed furniture. Re-using material and giving it new life. Wouldn't an underground cottage be cool? Good luck - and hope you complete the project!
Some great eye opening ponts here. I really like the idea of using the natural warmth in the ground to our advantage. It is certainly one step ahead of energy saving products!
Right lindsay - its like using a geothermal energy blanket wrapped around your living space! :)
These homes are beautiful AND efficient!
I had never heard of these homes before but, now that I have, it may become a goal to live in one! They are simply amazing and almost a no brainer.
Underground homes are lot safer and the ones given above are so beautiful.
I'd love to live in a Hobbit house! What a great way to save on heating and cooling. And the pictures are beautiful! Some time ago, I was investigating Earthships - homes build by filling tires with soil, another interesting technique for greener living!
Thanks Dolores - I've been looking into Earthships too! They are another great type of eco-friendly home. Cheers, Stephanie
Nice to know about this underground house! I think this is a cool idea. If ever I buy a home, I want this idea. Today I'm staying at an apartment here in St. Louis. When I moved here, I fixed the damages of some of the windows, while some needed replacement. Windows are useful for ventilating a home, so it's better you fix or improve your window.
Years of aimlessly browsing the internet means I've seen all this before, but never all in one place. Thanks for sharing this new trend in a quality hub!
Thanks Fluid Druid - it was fun to pull the information and photos together on underground homes. Cheers, Steph
Great if you have the land and money. With such a low percentage of availability of space and high cost, do you think this can work large scale?
Hi solarwind,
I see no reason why underground homes cannot work large-scale in the appropriate location! Thanks for the comment, Steph
I love the idea of this, and think it would be a great idea for any new home. It just makes sense.
I live in one, and they are not what all the "wonderful" articles purport them to be. Mine leaks like a collander because the skin cracked, we fight mold constantly, and there are a myriad of other things the ads don't tell you. I live in the mid-South and say "buy one at your own risk!" I do feel very safe in it, though, because I live in Tornado Alley. I have a hub in progress on this and hope to publish it soon.
Looking forward to reading your hub MizBejabbers - please include some photographs if you can! Thanks, Steph
Thanks, Steph, I actually wrote the hub then deleted it before publishing because I wasn't satisfied with it. I am writing from a new angle now, and I will include photographs of my house, warts and all. The ads show you the fancy ones, but those would run probably a half million dollars if they were built today. Mine is plain Jane.
Sounds great MizBejabbers, I think you'll do readers a benefit by showing and talking about your own underground home. Best, Steph
- Self Driving Cars: Robotic Cars to Improve Safety and Fuel Efficiency on the Road
Can you imagine riding in a 100% robotic, self-driving car? - 7 days ago
- Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)
Untreated, high blood sugar - also known as hyperglycemia - is a dangerous health risk. - 10 days ago
- Best Workout Routines to Lose Weight After Pregnancy
If you have recently had a baby and you are looking for a workout routine to help you lose weight, consider the suggestions in this article. - 2 weeks ago
- Kids Cook Monday: Garlic Shrimp and Rice Recipe
Shrimp is a low-fat healthy ingredient in this delicious recipe. - 2 weeks ago
- How to Prepare a Useful Self-Evaluation: Get a Raise or Promotion
Writing a self-evaluation is an important tool for a company to assess your performance and show your superiors that you should be awarded a raise or promotion. - 3 weeks ago
- Tips on Getting Solar Panels for Your Home
If you are considering installing solar panels on your property, think about these factors. - 4 weeks ago
- Running Marathons and Other Races with Insulin Dependent Diabetes
Training for a marathon or other endurance race can be challenging if you have insulin dependent diabetes. - 5 weeks ago
- 10 Creative Solar Energy Applications
Solar power can be used for more than just generating residential electricity. - 6 weeks ago
More Hubs from this Author
- Breakfast Pizza on Whole Wheat Crust
Love pizza? - 23 months ago
- Maple Cured Bacon: A Meat and Sugar Marriage Made in Heaven
Maple cured bacon - also known as brown sugar bacon or candied bacon - is a delicious addition to any recipe. - 24 months ago
- Orzo Pasta and Bean Salad Recipe
A delicious orzo pasta and bean salad recipe. - 2 years ago
- Kombucha Vinegar
Learn how to make your own kombucha tea with these recipes and directions. - 24 months ago
- Whitening Your Teeth
Whitening your teeth is easier than ever with at home tooth whitening kits. - 4 years ago
- Alcohol Addiction - Are You an Alcoholic?
You might not think you are an alcoholic, but are you addicted to alcohol? - 4 years ago
- Ladies Golf - Welcome to the Club
Ladies golf is growing in popularity among women. - 4 years ago
- The Party Business Model: Make Sales at Parties
Make money as your own boss by selling merchandise at your friends' homes with the party business model - 4 years ago
Michael Davis 2 years ago
Very informative hub. Thanks for the information. This opens my eyes to a world I didn't know existed. Great job!