Conventional homes are wasting energy and taking up tons of space. Semi-underground houses are bright, energy-efficient, and beautiful. Are hobbit homes in our future?
Your typical house comes with a rectangular footprint, four walls that sit aboveground, and a heat bill that in the winter months competes steadily with your grocery budget. This is what that homeownership typically looks like. But does it have to?
Semi-underground houses have gained momentum over the last decade as technology makes them more accessible for mainstream homebuilders and climate change makes it clear that we need more efficient home designs. With smart-energy designs and an aesthetic appeal, these could be the eco-friendly homes of the future.
Aboveground Homes Aren’t Good At Temperature Control
The conventional home was not built for adequate temperature control. Slap enough double paned windows on it and insulation in the walls, and you might have a better and more sustainable home, but at the end of the day, inherent in their design is one basic flaw: You are continuously battling the elements to keep the temperature inside stable.
Four walls worth of exposure to the outside world mean you’re losing temperature transmission at a rate your insulation often struggles to keep up with, and that’s why we dump so much money (and energy) into heating and cooling our homes.
With nothing but walls and insulation between us and the outside world, heating and cooling a conventional home is a battle.
On average, over half of a household’s annual energy comes from heating and air conditioning. Poorly insulated attics, holes in the exterior walls of houses, and leaky ducts are a few ways we waste energy. Walls, windows, and doors are responsible for over half of heat loss in homes.
Photo courtesy of Earthship Biotecture
Semi-Underground Homes Aren’t Caves
The thing is, semi-underground home designs are really great at solving these problems. That’s because they use thermal mass to absorb and store heat energy, making these earth-sheltered homes less vulnerable to the temperature fluctuations caused by extreme outdoor temperatures. In the summer, thermal mass absorbs heat during the day to keep the house cool, while in the winter that same thermal mass stores heat from the sun or from heaters to help the house stay warm.
But aren’t they dark? Dank? Gross and depressing and…cave-like? It turns out, semi-underground houses are well-ventilated, with tons of natural light. Architects design these homes with large windows on their south-facing side to harness as much natural light as possible. Some semi-underground homes are designed with atriums built into the center, allowing both light and fresh air to funnel in.
Cleaner, Greener Homes With Better Air
We talk a lot about indoor air pollutants here at Avocado, and with good reason. Several studies have linked myriad imbalances and autoimmune diseases with synthetic substances that we literally surround ourselves within our homes.
When a semi-underground house is designed with proper ventilation, the air quality is often better than it is in traditional builds. Opting out of foam insulation and plywood when building underground removes the threat of indoor pollutants wreaking havoc on the air supply.
Photo courtesy of Earthship Biotecture
Hello Green Roofs and Hillside Properties
Traditional homes take up tons of space and require a flat parcel to build on, which isn’t ideal in places where property is hard to come by.
Semi-underground homes can be built into hillsides, making use of land that may otherwise not be suitable for your typical above the ground home. You’re not just getting a home here, you’re getting a way of building that makes better use of the land that’s available.
But the biggest upside? Green roofs. Semi-underground homes make double use of the surrounding earth as a thermal insulator and as liveable green space for nature. Livable roofs give you a place to garden and space for critters to roam.
How to Start Planning Your Semi-Underground Home
If you’re interested in semi-underground homes, there are a few options you can explore.
The DIY sector is rife with education on the subject, with books like Mike Oehler’s $50 and Up Underground House Book. Oehler teaches you how to build low cost underground homes using his post/shoring/polyethylene building method, which cuts building materials to a minimum and literally allows you to build your own freaking home.
One really cool and upcycle-friendly semi-underground home concept is an Earthship. Earthships have several semi-underground passive solar designs and use renewable resources, like aluminum cans or used tires, for the construction. Wind turbines, solar panels, and biodiesel generators are used to generate energy for the heating and cooling of these buildings. Earthships are generally either covered in dirt or built into hillsides to promote the generation of passive energy.
If you’re looking for a conventional home construction loan though, you’ll want to work with what licensed builders are currently doing. Passivhaus is a design concept rooted in passive solar building, often incorporating semi-underground designs. Look for Passivhaus certified builders in your area to get started.
Truth talk: Do you think you could live in a semi-underground home? Tell us your thoughts on Facebook and Instagram and tag us in the post! @AvocadoMatress
Destiny is a freelance writer with a background in sustainability and natural health. She lives in the mountains of central Montana with her husband and young son. When she's not writing or chasing her toddler, you can find her wandering the quiet wilderness in search of wild herbs and antler sheds.
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As an expert in sustainable and energy-efficient housing, I can provide you with information on the concepts mentioned in the article about semi-underground houses. I have extensive knowledge and experience in this field, and I can help you understand the benefits and features of these innovative homes.
Semi-Underground Houses: A Solution for Energy Efficiency
Semi-underground houses have gained popularity in recent years due to their energy-efficient design and aesthetic appeal. Unlike conventional aboveground houses, semi-underground houses utilize smart-energy designs and thermal mass to improve temperature control and reduce energy consumption.
Temperature Control and Energy Efficiency
Conventional homes often struggle with temperature control due to their exposure to the outside world. In contrast, semi-underground houses use thermal mass to absorb and store heat energy, making them less vulnerable to temperature fluctuations caused by extreme outdoor conditions. This design allows the houses to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing the need for excessive heating and cooling.
Natural Light and Ventilation
Contrary to common misconceptions, semi-underground houses are well-ventilated and receive ample natural light. Architects design these homes with large windows on their south-facing side to maximize natural light intake. Some semi-underground houses even incorporate atriums to allow for additional light and fresh air.
Improved Air Quality
Indoor air quality is a significant concern in traditional homes due to the presence of synthetic substances and pollutants. However, when properly designed with adequate ventilation, semi-underground houses often have better air quality compared to conventional builds. By opting for natural building materials and proper ventilation systems, the threat of indoor pollutants can be minimized, resulting in cleaner and greener homes.
Efficient Land Use and Green Roofs
Semi-underground houses offer the advantage of utilizing hillside properties and making efficient use of available land. By building into hillsides, these homes can maximize space and minimize their impact on the surrounding environment. Additionally, semi-underground houses often incorporate green roofs, which provide thermal insulation and create additional livable green space for gardening and wildlife.
Planning and Construction Options
If you're interested in semi-underground homes, there are various options to explore. For those interested in DIY construction, resources like Mike Oehler's book, "$50 and Up Underground House Book," provide guidance on low-cost underground home building methods Another concept worth considering is an Earthship, which incorporates passive solar design and utilizes renewable resources for construction.
If you prefer a conventional home construction approach, you can work with licensed builders who specialize in energy-efficient designs like Passivhaus. These builders can help you incorporate semi-underground designs and passive solar principles into your home construction plans.
Conclusion
Semi-underground houses offer a promising solution for energy-efficient and sustainable living. With their ability to improve temperature control, enhance air quality, and optimize land use, these homes provide a compelling alternative to conventional housing. Whether you choose to explore DIY methods or work with certified builders, semi-underground houses can be a viable option for a greener and more efficient future.
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