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Title: Why build below

Abstract

Building homes underground is a rapidly growing concept. From less than 200 in 1977 to about 6000 homes at present, this trend is discussed in detail. Although dirt is a poor insulator, its temperature moderating properties offer advantages. The need for insulating an underground house is discussed as well as the advantages of this type of home: (1) security advantages (fewer entrances); (2) storm resistance; (3) protection against fire; (4) lower maintenance costs; (5) space for lawn and garden is greater; and (6) these homes are quieter. The three principle types of underground homes are discussed in detail and illustrated with drawings and floor plans. These are: (1) the elevational type (most popular) with all doors and windows on one wall with other walls and roof completely covered; (2) penetrational homes with windows and doors on more than one side; and (3) the atrium home which is built around an open courtyard or atrium. Problems associated with earth-sheltered homes (underground water, structural strength requirements, building codes, indoor air pollution, costs, and financing) are discussed and suggestions are made for cutting costs. 4 references. (MJJ)

Authors:
Publication Date:
OSTI Identifier:
5774629
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Journal Name:
Rodale's New Shelter; (United States)
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 3:1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION; 29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY; EARTH-COVERED BUILDINGS; COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS; DESIGN; ATRIA; BUILDING CODES; CONSTRUCTION; COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS; DIRECT GAIN SYSTEMS; FINANCING; RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS; THERMAL INSULATION; WATERPROOFING; BUILDINGS; ENERGY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT; HEATING SYSTEMS; PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS; SOLAR EQUIPMENT; SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS; 320101* - Energy Conservation, Consumption, & Utilization- Residential Buildings- (-1987); 291000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Conservation

Citation Formats

Rawlings, R. Why build below. United States: N. p., 1982. Web.
Rawlings, R. Why build below. United States.
Rawlings, R. 1982. "Why build below". United States.
@article{osti_5774629,
title = {Why build below},
author = {Rawlings, R},
abstractNote = {Building homes underground is a rapidly growing concept. From less than 200 in 1977 to about 6000 homes at present, this trend is discussed in detail. Although dirt is a poor insulator, its temperature moderating properties offer advantages. The need for insulating an underground house is discussed as well as the advantages of this type of home: (1) security advantages (fewer entrances); (2) storm resistance; (3) protection against fire; (4) lower maintenance costs; (5) space for lawn and garden is greater; and (6) these homes are quieter. The three principle types of underground homes are discussed in detail and illustrated with drawings and floor plans. These are: (1) the elevational type (most popular) with all doors and windows on one wall with other walls and roof completely covered; (2) penetrational homes with windows and doors on more than one side; and (3) the atrium home which is built around an open courtyard or atrium. Problems associated with earth-sheltered homes (underground water, structural strength requirements, building codes, indoor air pollution, costs, and financing) are discussed and suggestions are made for cutting costs. 4 references. (MJJ)},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5774629}, journal = {Rodale's New Shelter; (United States)},
number = ,
volume = 3:1,
place = {United States},
year = {Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1982},
month = {Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1982}
}