Earth sheltered housing performance: a summary report
Oklahoma and the surrounding interior plains region is being studied with respect to the extensive development of earth sheltered housing. An understanding of the occupant responses to this rediscovered dwelling concept is being determined through extended questionnaires and telephone interviews. Statistical evaluation of these responses should suggest regional relationships between the interior human environment and the exterior environment as expressed by earth sheltered architecture. Habitability and passive energy design are the main topics of interest being investigated at Oklahoma State University. Initial results indicate that occupants are generally satisfied with such attributes as structural safety, thermal comfort, and acoustic environment; but have some reservations concerning daylighting, site design, privacy of family members, and energy design and performance. Despite reservations on energy performance, owners have still achieved significant savings in comparison to their previous homes. A most promising fact is that these savings have been realized with little decrease and often an increase in comfort and habitability aspects.
- Research Organization:
- Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater
- OSTI ID:
- 5829041
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-810509-(Vol.2)
- Journal Information:
- Proc. Annu. Meet. - Am. Sect. Int. Sol. Energy Soc.; (United States), Vol. 4.2; Conference: Annual conference of the International Solar Energy Society, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 26 May 1981
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Passive energy design and habitability aspects of earth-sheltered housing in Oklahoma
Earth sheltered structures