Email from a reader: Hello, I am trying to put together a design for an earthbag dome built into a hill in New York, and for a few reasons, I would like to have some of it underground. Actually, there are two adjacent domes, one with a diameter and height of 14′, and the other 8′. The frost line here is at least 48″, and I’ll probably go down further.
underground
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
Dan Price’s underground home, art & philosophy on $5,000/year
“When Dan Price returned to his home state of Oregon in 1990 he was determined to avoid mortgages or rent (he and his family had just finished caretaking a mansion with a heating bill of $500/month). He found an unused meadow in Joseph, Oregon and began renting it from his neighbors for $100/year (in exchange … Read more
Cave-digging artist finds inspiration underground
“For the past 25 years, Ra Paulette has been carving out man-made caves from the sandstone hills of New Mexico, and then sculpting these spaces into works of art he calls wilderness shrines. Lee Cowan has the story of an artist who does his best work underground.”
How to Build Your Own Underground Home
Free ebook on Scribd: How to Build Your Own Underground Home, 2nd edition, 212 pages, by Ray G. Scott. He’s authored three previous books about underground houses. Scott explains how you can cut your heating cost 75% in an underground home. He cut his heating bill 100% by installing a wood stove and cutting his own wood.
Ferrocement Ground Tank
What’s the best, most efficient way to build water tanks? That question has been burning in my mind since seeing the extent of water shortages firsthand on my recent trip to Vanuatu. While looking and thinking about possible solutions, I’ve found numerous good ideas on the Internet such as this underground ferrocement tank made with mortar and chicken wire. This wouldn’t work in Vanuatu and on many other islands due to the rocky soil; however, it will work in many other areas. I love the simplicity of this method.