Why we chose to build an earth sheltered house to live the rest of our life in!
What is an earth sheltered house?
An earth sheltered house is a house that is covered with dirt. The house uses a combination of passive solar and geothermal properties of the earth.
After we decided to build an earth sheltered house we did a lot of research as to how to build it. There are a lot of different styles out there from rammed earth tires, to flat roofed homes.
We finally decided to go with a kit from Formworks Building Incorporated.
After we decided to build an earth sheltered house we did a lot of research as to how to build it. There are a lot of different styles out there from rammed earth tires, to flat roofed homes.
We finally decided to go with a kit from Formworks Building Incorporated.
Formworks Building Incorporated kits and design concepts have been used for more than 40 years. They have a great website with a lot of information on both commercial and residential earth sheltered buildings. Check them out using the button below!
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#1 REASON - ENERGY EFFICIENCY
There are several reasons why we chose this house, but if we had to pick the NUMBER 1 reason why, it would have to be energy efficiency.
The most expensive bill in a household is heating and cooling. In an earth sheltered house, a temperature of between 55 degrees F in the winters and about 75 degrees F in the summer will be maintained with NO additional heating or cooling!
That means an 80-90% savings on those costs over a traditional home! Watch the video to learn more...
The most expensive bill in a household is heating and cooling. In an earth sheltered house, a temperature of between 55 degrees F in the winters and about 75 degrees F in the summer will be maintained with NO additional heating or cooling!
That means an 80-90% savings on those costs over a traditional home! Watch the video to learn more...
From the Formworks website: "The key principle that gives earth-sheltered homes their utility and viability is thermal mass. The earth’s capacity to store heat for a long period of time is quite impressive. It is the ground’s thermal mass properties that explain the consistent warm-to-moderate temperatures we find when we move just a few feet down below the surface. The earth’s temperature below the surface fluctuates very little, allowing the home to hold a consistent and comfortable temperature year-round. The house itself is the energy system. Windows are the collectors, the roof, walls, and floor are the storage system, and the earth is the protector and moderator. Little can go wrong in the functioning of such a simple system!"
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#2 REASON - MINIMAL MAINTENANCE
We plan on growing old in this house so we need to think about our capabilities and our finances as we age.
We all know that as we age on a fixed income, our money won't go as far...so think roof replacement for example. We won't have one so in 20-30 years we won't need to replace it!
This house will need minimal maintenance and cost us less money over the course of our lifetimes.
We all know that as we age on a fixed income, our money won't go as far...so think roof replacement for example. We won't have one so in 20-30 years we won't need to replace it!
This house will need minimal maintenance and cost us less money over the course of our lifetimes.
#3 REASON - SAFETY
It is a house under a minimum of 2.5 feet of dirt (up to 10' on the sides), made of steel beams, a ton of rebar and 4+ inches of concrete. There are only windows on the south side (for passive solar and lighting).
This means we are protected from all sorts of weather related disasters such as tornadoes, wind storms, blizzards, earthquakes, wildfires and so much more!
Because of this, homeowners insurance also tends to be less costly. It's a win-win!
This means we are protected from all sorts of weather related disasters such as tornadoes, wind storms, blizzards, earthquakes, wildfires and so much more!
Because of this, homeowners insurance also tends to be less costly. It's a win-win!
And NO, it IS NOT like living in a cave!! LOL
A lot of people comment that it's like living in a cave. I guess it could be like that, but since we get to plan and design it the way we want, we made sure that all main rooms have plenty of windows and light!
Also, if you have ever stayed in a Florida Condo on the water, they are like long tunnels with windows/sliders only at two ends. This house will have vaulted ceilings in the living/dining room that will provide additional lighting from above!
We also really like the cozy feeling - too much white is not our style!
Also, if you have ever stayed in a Florida Condo on the water, they are like long tunnels with windows/sliders only at two ends. This house will have vaulted ceilings in the living/dining room that will provide additional lighting from above!
We also really like the cozy feeling - too much white is not our style!
Interested in learning more about this house kit?
The Formworks Building Incorporated Kits have been featured on television twice. If you can, check out the two seasons and episodes!
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Building Off The Grid, Underground Living Available on DIY Network and the Discovery Channel. Season 4 Episode 8 |
The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals Season 2: Episode 6 Eco-Friendly, Available to watch anytime on Netflix |