EARTH SHELTER HOMES

Earth homes rely on the same principles as earth tubes and geothermal systems; they utilize the earth as a source of energy and as a buffer against outdoor extremes. Earth homes range from homes that are dug into a hill to those that are almost fully subterranean and that use solar tubes and other techniques for natural lighting.

An earth home is energy efficient, particularly when earth tubes are used for incoming air. This is because the constant heat of the earth (52° at 5 feet below the surface) exposes the home to a much smaller differential between the interior and exterior air in the winter. It also naturally cools the home in the summer.

Earth homes are durable because more of the structure is made of concrete and steel, which will last for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. They are fire resistant, rodent and insect resistant, and natural disaster resistant.

If principles of good building are followed, earth homes can be healthy to live in. They require thoughtful construction and well-drained soil to ensure that they remain dry with good air quality. Ventilation systems should be used, but the earth and good building techniques could also allow them to maintain a stable temperature and moisture content.

Earth homes can be cost-effective to build. A south-facing hill presents an opportunity to build a very efficient home that incorporates many principles of a passive house. Although technically not an earth home, a modest ranch could even be constructed into a walk-out site. This would employ some principles of an earth home and would result in a house that makes much better use of both space and energy.