Quiggly Holes

“Ever wonder what it would be like to live completely underground? Picture a beautifully built dwelling etched into the ground, used as refuge from cold winter months. This is what is known as a ‘Quiggly Hole’ or an earth lodge used by the native people of British Columbia, also known as The First Nations. Originals … Read more

Earth-sheltered Homes

“Earth sheltering is the architectural practice of using earth against building walls for external thermal mass, to reduce heat loss, and to easily maintain a steady indoor air temperature. Earth sheltering is popular in modern times among advocates of passive solar and sustainable architecture, but has been around for nearly as long as humans have … Read more

The Earth-Sheltered Solar Canadian

Follow the adventure of building an earth-sheltered structure in Canada, six hours north of Winnipeg. In brief, they’re exploring how to optimize Mike Oehler’s earth sheltered concept using earthbags. Their greenhouse was a success (an amazing feat that far north), and now they want to build a larger structure. Their plans remind me of ancient … Read more