Earth sheltering is the architectural practice of the earth’s energy supply, and reduces the temperature of the atmosphere. Earth sheltering has become relatively more popular in modern times, especially among environmentalists and advocates of passive solar and sustainable architecture. However, the practice has been around for as long as humans have been constructing their own shelters.

The expression earth-sheltering is a generic term, with the general meaning: building design in which soil plays an integral part. The Earth-sheltered Earth is a thermally significant volume of soil or substrate (where “thermally significant” means a functional contribution to the thermal effectiveness of the building in question. earth-covered, earth-bunded, and subterranean. An earth-covered building is one where the thermally effective element is placed on the roof, but is usually a continuation of the earth-bundling at the unexposed elevations of the building. An earth-bundled building is one where the thermally significant element insulates one or more of the sheltered elevations of the building. The bunding can be partial or total. A subterranean building is one where the thermally significant element insulates all elevations of the building, leaving only the roof exposed; however, if the building is built into an incline, it may be that the roof is covered and only one elevation is left exposed.

Living in earth shelters has been a large part of human history. The connection to the earth’s dwellings began with the use of the caves, and over time evolving technologies led to the construction of customized earth dwellings. Today, the earthquake is a rare practice, particularly in the USA During the energy crisis and the 1973 Oil Crisis, along with the back-to-the-land movement, there was a surge of interest in earth shelter an effort towards self-sufficient living. However, progress has been slowed down, and earth built by architects, engineers, and the public alike has an unconventional method of building. Techniques of earth sheltering have not yet become common knowledge,

The benefits of earth sheltering are numerous. They include the use of the earth as a thermal mass, extra protection from the natural elements, energy savings, and more. solar building design. The Earth ‘s mass absorbs and retains heat. Over time, this heat is released to surrounding areas, such as an earth shelter. Because of the high density of the earth, change in the earth’s temperature slowly. This is known as ‘thermal lag.’ Because of this principle, the earth provides a constant temperature for the underground shelters, even when the outdoor temperature undergoes great fluctuation. In most of the United States, the average temperature of the earth is between 55 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 14 degrees Celsius). Frost line depths vary from region to region. In the USA can not be more than 40 inches. Thus, at the base of a deep earth berm, the house is heated against an outside temperature gradient of perhaps ten to fifteen degrees, instead of against a steeper temperature grade where the air is on the outside of the wall instead of earth. During the summer, the temperature helps the house. The reduction of air infiltration within the earth can be highly profitable. Because of the structure of the earth, it is exposed to the outside air. This alleviates the problem of warm air escaping the house through gaps around windows and door. Furthermore, the earth walls protect against cold winter winds. However, this can also become a potential indoor air quality problem. Healthy air circulation is key. As a result of the thermal thermal mass of the structure, the thermal lag of the earth, the protection against unwanted air infiltration and the combined use of passive solar techniques, the need for extra heating and cooling is minimal. Therefore, there is a drastic reduction in energy consumption for the home compared to homes of typical construction. Earth shelters also provide privacy from neighbors, as well as soundproofing. The ground provides acoustic protection against outside noise. This can be a major benefit in urban areas or near highways. In urban areas, another benefit of underground sheltering is the efficient use of land. Many houses can be found below the ground without spoiling the habitat above ground. Each site can contain both a house and a lawn / garden.

Problems of water seepage, internal condensation, bad acoustics, and poor indoor air quality can occur if an earth shelter has not been properly designed. Issues also include the sustainability of building materials. Earth sheltering often requires heavier construction construction techniques, and many construction companies have limited or no experience with earth-sheltered construction, potentially compromising the physical construction of even the best designs. The threat of water seepage occurs in areas where the waterproofing layers have been penetrated. Winds and ducts emerging from the roof can cause specific problems due to the possibility of movement. Precast concrete slabs can have a deflection of 1/2 inch or more when the earth / soil is layered on top of them. If the wind or gold is held rigidly in place during this deflection, the result is usually the failure of the waterproofing layer. To avoid this difficulty, or separate segments of pipes can be installed. A narrower pipe in the roof that fits snugly into a larger segment of the building can also be used. The threat of water seepage, condensation, and poor indoor air quality can all be overcome with proper waterproofing and ventilation. The building materials for earth-sheltered construction tend to be of non-biodegradable substances. Because they are often made of plastics. Concrete is another material that is used in great quantity. More sustainable products are being tested to replace the cement within the concrete (such as fly ash), as well as alternatives to reinforced concrete (see more under Materials: Structural). The excavation of a site is also drastically time- and labor-consuming. Overall, the construction is comparable to construction, because the building requires minimal finishing and significantly less maintenance. Condensation and poor quality indoor air problems can be solved by using earth tubes, or what is known as a geothermal heat pump-a concept different from earth sheltering. With modification, the idea of ​​earth tubes can be used for the construction of underground buildings. The excavation of a site is also drastically time- and labor-consuming. Overall, the construction is comparable to construction, because the building requires minimal finishing and significantly less maintenance. Condensation and poor quality indoor air problems can be solved by using earth tubes, or what is known as a geothermal heat pump-a concept different from earth sheltering. With modification, the idea of ​​earth tubes can be used for the construction of underground buildings. The excavation of a site is also drastically time- and labor-consuming. Overall, the construction is comparable to construction, because the building requires minimal finishing and significantly less maintenance. Condensation and poor quality indoor air problems can be solved by using earth tubes, or what is known as a geothermal heat pump-a concept different from earth sheltering. With modification, the idea of ​​earth tubes can be used for the construction of underground buildings. Condensation and poor quality indoor air problems can be solved by using earth tubes, or what is known as a geothermal heat pump-a concept different from earth sheltering. With modification, the idea of ​​earth tubes can be used for the construction of underground buildings. Condensation and poor quality indoor air problems can be solved by using earth tubes, or what is known as a geothermal heat pump-a concept different from earth sheltering. With modification, the idea of ​​earth tubes can be used for the construction of underground buildings.

The site planning for an earth-sheltered building is an integral part of the overall design; investigating the landscape of a potential building site is crucial. There are many factors to assess when surveying a site for underground construction. The topography, regional climate, vegetation, water table and soil.

On land is relatively flat, a fully recessed house with an open courtyard is the most appropriate design. We have sloping site, the house is set right on the hill. The slope will determine the location of the window wall; a south-facing exposed wall is the most practical in the northern hemisphere due to solar benefits. The most practical house design in the tropics (and with equal advantage in both hemispheres) is that the two shorter walls on the ends be exposed, one facing east and the other facing west.

Depending on the region and location for earth-sheltered construction, the benefits and objectives of the earth shelter construction vary. For the avoidance of cold weather, avoiding infiltration, receiving winter sun, using thermal mass, shading and ventilating during the summer, and avoiding winter cold and cold pockets. For hot, arid climates objectives include maximizing humidity, providing summer shade, maximizing summer air movement, and retaining winter heat. For hot, humid objective climates include avoiding summer humidity, providing summer ventilation, and retaining winter heat. Regions with extreme daily and seasonal temperatures emphasize the value of earth as a thermal mass. In this way, earth sheltering is most effective in high temperature and high temperature differentials. In regions such as the southeastern United States, earth sheltering may require additional care in maintenance and construction. The earth temperature of the region may be too high to permit earth cooling if temperatures fluctuate. Preferably, there should be adequate winter solar radiation and sufficient means for natural ventilation. Wind is a critical aspect to evaluate during site planning, for reasons of wind chill and heat loss, as well as ventilation of the shelter. In the Northern Hemisphere, south facing slopes tend to avoid cold winter winds typically blown in the north. Fully recessed shelters also offer adequate protection against these harsh winds. However, atria within the structure has the ability to cause minor turbulence depending on the size. In the summer, it is helpful to take advantage of the prevailing winds. Because of the limited window arrangement in the earth, and the resistance to air infiltration, the air within a structure can become stagnant if proper ventilation is not provided. By making use of the wind, natural ventilation can occur without the use of fans or other active systems. Knowing the direction, and intensity, of seasonal winds, is vital in promoting cross ventilation. Winds are commonly placed in the roof of the bermed or fully recessed shelters to achieve this effect. Atrium within the structure has the ability to cause minor turbulence depending on the size. In the summer, it is helpful to take advantage of the prevailing winds. Because of the limited window arrangement in the earth, and the resistance to air infiltration, the air within a structure can become stagnant if proper ventilation is not provided. By making use of the wind, natural ventilation can occur without the use of fans or other active systems. Knowing the direction, and intensity, of seasonal winds, is vital in promoting cross ventilation. Winds are commonly placed in the roof of the bermed or fully recessed shelters to achieve this effect. Atrium within the structure has the ability to cause minor turbulence depending on the size. In the summer, it is helpful to take advantage of the prevailing winds. Because of the limited window arrangement in the earth, and the resistance to air infiltration, the air within a structure can become stagnant if proper ventilation is not provided. By making use of the wind, natural ventilation can occur without the use of fans or other active systems. Knowing the direction, and intensity, of seasonal winds, is vital in promoting cross ventilation. Winds are commonly placed in the roof of the bermed or fully recessed shelters to achieve this effect. and the resistance to air infiltration, the air within a structure can become stagnant if proper ventilation is not provided. By making use of the wind, natural ventilation can occur without the use of fans or other active systems. Knowing the direction, and intensity, of seasonal winds, is vital in promoting cross ventilation. Winds are commonly placed in the roof of the bermed or fully recessed shelters to achieve this effect. and the resistance to air infiltration, the air within a structure can become stagnant if proper ventilation is not provided. By making use of the wind, natural ventilation can occur without the use of fans or other active systems. Knowing the direction, and intensity, of seasonal winds, is vital in promoting cross ventilation. Winds are commonly placed in the roof of the bermed or fully recessed shelters to achieve this effect.

The plant cover of the landscape is another important factor. Adding plants can be both positive and negative. May be valuable in wet climates because of their roots remove water. However, a prospective builder should know what types of trees are in the area and how large and rapidly they are growing, due to possible solar-potential compromise with their growth. Vegetation can provide a windbreak for houses exposed to winter winds. The growth of small vegetation, especially those with deep roots, also helps in the prevention of erosion, on the house and in the surrounding site.

The soil type is one of the essential factors during site planning. The soil needs to provide adequate bearing capacity and drainage, and help to retain heat. With respects to drainage, the most suitable type of soil for the earth is a mixture of sand and gravel. Well, graded gravels have a large bearing capacity (about 8,000 pounds per square foot), excellent drainage and a low frost heave potential. Sand and clay can be susceptible to erosion. Clay soils, while least susceptible to erosion, often do not allow for proper drainage, and have a higher potential for frost heaves. Clay is more likely to heat shrinking and expanding. Being aware of the moisture content of the soil and the fluctuation of that year will help prevent potential heating problems. Frost heaves can also be problematic in some soil. Fine grain soils retain moisture and are most likely to heaving. A few ways to protect against capillary action responsible for frost heave material in the existing soil. Water can cause damage to earth shelters if it ponds around the shelter. Avoiding sites with a high water table is crucial. Drainage, both surface, and subsurface must be properly dealt with. Waterproofing applied to the building is essential. Atrium designs have an increased risk of flooding, so the surrounding land should slope away from the structure on all sides. A drain pipe at the perimeter of the roof edge can help collect and remove additional water. For bermed homes, an interceptor drain at the crest of the berm along the edge of the rooftop is recommended. An interceptor drainage swale in the middle of the berm is also helpful or the back of the berm can be terraced with retaining walls. We sloping websites runoff may cause problems. A drainage swale or gully can be built to divert water around the house, or a gravel-filled trench with a drain tile can be installed along with jogging drains. Soil stability should also be considered, especially when evaluating a sloping site. These slopes may be inherently stable when left alone, but they may greatly compromise their structural stability.

 

In earth-sheltered construction, there is often extensive excavation done on the building site. An excavation several feet larger than the walls is planned to allow for access to the outside of the wall for waterproofing and insulation. Once the site is prepared and the utility lines installed, the foundation of reinforced concrete is poured. The walls are then installed. Usually, they are either in place or in place. Reinforced concrete is the most common choice. The process is repeated for the roof structure. If the walls, floor, and roof are all in place, it is possible to make them with a single for. This can reduce the likelihood of being broken down at the joints. On the outside of the concrete, a waterproofing system is applied. The most frequently used waterproofing system is a layer of liquid asphalt to which a heavy grade waterproof membrane is affixed, followed by a final liquid water sealant which may be sprayed on. It is very important to make sure that all of the seams are carefully sealed. It is very difficult to locate and repair leaks in the waterproofing system after the building is completed. One or more layers of insulation board or foam are added on the outside of the waterproofing. If the insulation is chosen, a top layer of waterproofing is added. After all is complete, the earth is backfilled into the roof of the roof of the wall Any exposed walls and the interior are finished according to the owners’ preferences.

 

Reinforced concrete is the most commonly used structural material in earth shelter construction. It is strong and readily available. Untreated wood rots within five years of use in earth shelter construction. Steel can be used to keep things in order to keep track of what the metal is. Bricks and CMUs (concrete masonry units) are also possible options in earth shelter construction but must be reinforced to keep them moving forward. Unfortunately, this is not the most environmentally sustainable material. The concrete industry is working to develop products that are more earth-friendly in response to consumer demands. Products like Grancrete and Hycrete are becoming more available. They claim to be environmentally friendly and require additional waterproofing. However, these are new products and have not been extensively used in earth shelter construction yet. Some unconventional approaches are also proposed. One such method is a PSP method proposed by Mike Oehler. The PSP method uses wooden posts, plastic sheeting and non-conventional ventilation. This design also reduces some problems associated with conventional designs. The method uses woods, which is the basis for the production of plastics. These are new products and have not been extensively used in earth shelter construction yet. Some unconventional approaches are also proposed. One such method is a PSP method proposed by Mike Oehler. The PSP method uses wooden posts, plastic sheeting and non-conventional ventilation. This design also reduces some problems associated with conventional designs. The method uses woods, which is the basis for the production of plastics. These are new products and have not been extensively used in earth shelter construction yet. Some unconventional approaches are also proposed. One such method is a PSP method proposed by Mike Oehler. The PSP method uses wooden posts, plastic sheeting and non-conventional ventilation. This design also reduces some problems associated with conventional designs. The method uses woods, which is the basis for the production of plastics. plastic sheeting and non-permitting. This design also reduces some problems associated with conventional designs. The method uses woods, which is the basis for the production of plastics. plastic sheeting and non-permitting. This design also reduces some problems associated with conventional designs. The method uses woods, which is the basis for the production of plastics.

Several layers are used for waterproofing in earth shelter construction. The first layer is designed to be used in the structural materials, as well as an adhesive for the waterproof membrane. The membrane layer is often a thick flexible polyethylene sheeting called EPDM. EPDM is the material usually used in water, pond and swimming pool construction. This material also provides roots from burrowing through the waterproofing. EPDM is very heavy to work with and can be done by some common insects like fire ants. It is also made from petrochemicals, making it less than perfect environmentally friendly. There are various cementitious coatings that can be used as waterproofing. The product is sprayed directly onto the unprotected surface. It dries and acts like a huge ceramic layer between the wall and earth. The challenge with this method is, if the wall or foundation shifts in any way, it cracks and water is able to penetrate through easily. Bituthene (Registered name) is very similar to the three-layer process only. It comes already layered in sheets and has a self-adhesive backing. The challenge with this is the same with the manual layering method, in addition, it is sun sensitive and must be covered very soon after application. Eco-Flex is an environmentally friendly waterproofing membrane that seems to work well, but not much is known about its effectiveness in earth sheltering. It is a group of liquid paint-on waterproofing products. The main challenges with these are they must be applied, making sure that every area is covered by the right thickness, and that every crack or gap is tightly sealed. Bentonite clay is the alternative that is closest to optimum on the environmental scale. It is naturally occurring and self-healing. The drawback to this system is that it is very heavy and difficult for the owner / builder to install and subject to termite damage. Bi-membranes have been used extensively throughout Australia where 2 membranes are paired together-typically 2 coats of water-based epoxy as a ‘sealer’ and the outer vapor pressure of the moist concrete exploding in the membrane. hot sun. The bond strength of epoxy to concrete is stronger than the internal bond strength of the membrane will not blow in the sun.

Unlike the conventional building, earth shelters require insulation on the exterior of the building rather than inside the wall. One reason for this is that it provides protection for the waterproof membrane, another is that the earth is better able to retain its desired temperature. There are two types of insulation used in earth shelter construction. The first is close-celled extruded polystyrene sheets. Two to three inches glued to the outside of the waterproofing is sufficient. The second type of insulation is a spray on foam. This works is unconventional, rounded or difficult to get to. Foam insulation requires an additional protective top coat such as foil to help it resist water penetration. In some low budget earth shelters, insulation may not be applied to the walls. These methods rely on the factor or thermal heat storage capacity of the earth itself below the frost layer. These designs are the exception and the risk of cold climates. The theory behind the insulation of the earth, which is more important than the temperature of the earth. This is the exception to the rule of thumb and the need for more efficient cooling. The theory behind the insulation of the earth, which is more important than the temperature of the earth. This is the exception to the rule of thumb and the need for more efficient cooling. The theory behind the insulation of the earth, which is more important than the temperature of the earth. This is the exception to the rule of thumb and the need for more efficient cooling.

Earth sheltered homes are often built with energy conservation and savings in mind. Specific designs of earth shelters allow for maximum savings. For bermed gold in-hill construction, a common plan is to place the living spaces on the side of the house facing the equator. This provides maximum solar radiation to bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchen spaces. Rooms that do not require natural daylight and extensive heating such as the bathroom, storage, and utility room are typically located on the opposite side (or in hill) side of the shelter. This type of layout can be transposed to a double level of design with both levels completely underground. This plan has the highest energy efficiency of the earth as a result of the structure being submerged deeper in the earth. This provides a greater ratio of earth cover to a wallet than a one-storey shelter would. With an atrium earth shelter, the living spaces are concentrated around the atrium. The atrium arrangement provides a much less compact plan than that of the one or two story bermed / in hill design; it is therefore less efficient, in terms of heating needs. This is one of the reasons why atrium designs are classically applied to warmer climates. However, the atrium does tend to trap air within it. it is therefore less efficient, in terms of heating needs. This is one of the reasons why atrium designs are classically applied to warmer climates. However, the atrium does tend to trap air within it. it is therefore less efficient, in terms of heating needs. This is one of the reasons why atrium designs are classically applied to warmer climates. However, the atrium does tend to trap air within it.

Earth sheltering is often combined with solar heating systems. Most commonly, the use of passive solar design techniques is used in earth shelters. In the Northern Hemisphere, South East of the United States, the most effective application for passive solar systems. A large double glazed window, double glazed gold Zomeworks beadwall (vacuum / blower pumps that fill your double glazed windows with styrofoam balls at night for extra insulation and vacuumed the beads in the morning, patent now expired. R3 thermal resistance to an R16 to R32, depending on the thickness of the styrofoam bead wall), spanning most of the solar energy gain. It is helpful to accompany the window with insulated drapes to protect against heat loss at night. Also, during the summer months, providing an overhang, or some sort of shading device, is used to block out an excess solar gain. Combining solar heating with earth heating is referred to as “annualized geo solar design”, “passive annual heat storage”, or sometimes as an “Umbrella house.” (See Nick Pine’s on-line posting alt.homepower and alt.solar.thermal groups about this type of house.) In the umbrella house, Polystyrene insulation extends around the radius of underground walls. A plastic film covers the insulation (for waterproofing), and is a layer on top. The materials slope downward, like an umbrella. It keeps water while keeping the soil warm and dry. Passive cooling which pulls air with a fan or convection from a constant temperature. This also provides fresh air to occupants and the air exchange required by ASHRAE.

 

Historically, earth berming is a common building practice that combines heavy timber framing and rough stonework with stacking thick layers of sod or peat against the walls and on the roof. This served as excellent protection from the elements. In a relatively short period of time the earth layers grow together leaving the structure with an appearance of a hill with a door. In these early structures, the heavy timber frame framing as structural support and added comfort and warmth to the interior. Rough stone is often stacked along the outer walls with a single mortar for structural support and even serves as an exterior facing wall and foundation. There is a greater use of stone in the world. These are the most sustainable of the earth as they are able to break ground. Hvalsey Church in Greenland where only the stacked stones remain. One of the oldest examples of berming, dating back some 5,000 years, can be found at Skara Brae in the Orkney Islands off Northern Scotland. Today’s bermed earth structures are built over the past. Common construction employs large amounts of steel reinforced concrete as structural support and building shell. Bulldozers or bobcats are used to pile earth around the building and the roof instead of stacking earth in place. One modern example of bermed earth structures is the Hockerton Housing Project, a community of 5 homes in Nottinghamshire, England.

One historical example of in-hill earth shelters would be Mesa Verde, in the southwest United States. These buildings are built directly onto the ledges and caves on the face of the cliffs. The front wall is built with local stone and earth to encloses the structure. Similar today, in-hill earth shelter construction utilizes the natural formation of a hillside for two to three of the exterior walls and sometimes the roof of a structure. Alternative builders craft a type of in-hill structure known as an Earthship. In earthship construction, they are used as structural elements for the front wall of passive solar energy. A well-known example of an earth-sheltered home is the residence of Bill Gates, who had it built over a period of several years on Lake Washington, USA. It is an excellent example of the lack of obtrusiveness of this kind of home, since it appears much smaller than it actually is, when seen from the lake.

If underground construction is relatively uncommon in the US, where the ground is so strong are the tools of the builder / remodeler. See Coober Pedy and Lightning Ridge. The Forestiere Underground Gardens in Fresno, California is a North American example. In the early 1970s, China undertook the construction of Dixia Cheng, a city underneath Beijing. It was mainly a complex of bomb shelters that could only be 40% of the population at that time. It was a response to the fear of the Soviet attack. Parts of it are now used in more commercial ventures.