Here’s a comment by poster ilekjer at Instructables.com: I was actually planning to build an earth-cellar, kinda like the ones built here in Norway for a couple of thousand years. They were/is used primarily for storing vegetables and food. They hold the temperature roundabout 8-10 °C in summertime and about 4-6 °C in the winter. Usually built with just stone walls (old gravestones actually, at least the one on my farm :)) and soil on top. Stone or bricks (Leca) would be way to expensive for what I had in mind, but earthbags might just be it!
My reply:
Earthbags are much faster and easier than stonework, and will work just as well. Just be sure to protect from sunlight. Use stones around the doorway if it will look like the photo.
Additional comments:
– Free plans are available on the Internet. (Rounded domes are more difficult to build than the one shown in this article. Rounded domes would need some sort of structural support on top.)
– You can build above ground, partially buried in the ground or entirely below ground.
– It’s easier to prevent moisture damage if you build above ground as shown in the article. Add multiple layers of plastic sheeting.
Image source: Virtual Tourist.com