Everything You Need To Know About Earth Shelter Homes
As a wise person once said, nature gives us all we need, and shelter is one of our fundamental requirements. Mother Earth is at the very centre, or at least side, of Earth Shelter homes – a home that uses earth as the mainstay in its construction.
As the name suggests, earth – including dirt, clay, rocks, and hill faces – is incorporated into the structure of these kinds of homes. Orientation and geographical location play important roles in Earth Shelter Homes, so set’s take a look at the kinds of structures that can be built, as well as the benefits they bring.
Structures of Earth Shelter Homes
The basis of an Earth Shelter Home depends on the home site. Hill sites, as the name suggests, have a naturally terraced structure formed from dirt or sheer rock faces. The structure of the home on this site utilises the natural fall of the land with the home built to fit the site’s earth wall. The opposite wall will feature large windows to maximise natural light, so in Australia, the optimal block will be oriented to the north to allow for plenty of winter sun.
Naturally sloping blocks offer excellent sites for Earth Shelter Homes, and require less ground retention than their hillside neighbours, and that means less cost in reinforced concrete and steel. Earthworks can provide the additionally required formation for the home’s structure and clever placement of windows and skylights will allow natural light and ventilation.
Flatter sites can also be re-purposed for Earth Shelter Homes. Earthworks move dirt to one side of the home site, creating an earth wall. High windows are thoughtfully placed to allow for light and air flow, and with expert structural engineering to ensure weight bearing requirements, a green roof – a layer of earth planted with low growing plants – can be created to create additional aesthetic and functional features.
Depending on the location and if permits allow, Earth Homes can be built partially or fully underground. High windows and glass conservatory-styled roofs allow ventilation and natural light. Depending on the structure and location, you may need to consider mechanical ventilation, as well as comprehensive waterproofing.
Benefits of Earth Shelter Homes
There are many aesthetic and functional benefits to building an Earth Shelter Home.
Outside, striking designs that literally fit with the homesite’s natural contours allow for clever terracing, and green roofs invite the home to disappear into the natural environment. The interior of the home can feature natural stone. Of course, it’s imperative to waterproof the home, and an expert builder will guide you on the options available.
Functionally, the thermal mass of the earth provides effective natural insulation as well as temperature regulation to keep utility costs down, and exterior walls and roofs can incorporate local plants to augment landscaping. Depending on the nature of the site, the home’s design can minimise the use of required materials to minimise the upkeep of the home too.
Earth Shelter Homes do require expert engineering and specialist waterproofing so you will need to engage a builder with this construction expertise.
At Olsson Building, we have the knowledge and experience to design and build Earth Shelter Homes throughout the Gippsland region. Mark and the team take great pride in helping you realise your dream of building of an Earth Shelter Home, incorporating the Passive House methodology. Let’s start the conversation and contact us today.