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Underground homes did not disappear after
the 60s, they simply evolved into "earth sheltered housing."
The oil crisis of the 1970s and the subsequent jump in energy
prices gave new impetus to some time-tested energy saving ideas.
No one builds true underground homes anymore;
they are called "bunkers." Instead, a concrete shell
is built and then earth is bermed around three sides and over
the roof, leaving one wall of windows (usually to the south)
exposed. Thus the advantage of using the earth as insulation
is retained while avoiding the expense of excavating underground.
A solar heating advantage is gained as well as is the psychological
advantage of a true view to the outside world.
The University of Minnesota's Underground Space Center has published
several excellent books on the subject:
Ahrens, D., T. Ellison and R. Sterling. 1981. Earth Sheltered
Homes - Plans and Designs.
Underground Space Center, University of Minnesota. New York:
Van Nostrand Reinhold. ISBN 0-442-28676-7
Carmody, J. and R. Sterling. 1985. Earth Sheltered Housing Design,
2nd Edition. Underground Space Center, University of Minnesota.
New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. ISBN 0-442-28746-1
Carmody, J. and R. Sterling. 1993. Underground Space Design -
A Guide for Subsurface Utilization and Design for People in Underground
Spaces. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. ISBN 0-442-01383-3
In addition, there are several builders that specialize in earth
sheltered construction:
Davis Caves Construction, Inc.
P.O. Box 69
Armington, IL 61721
http://www.daviscaves.com/index.shtml
Earth Sheltered Technology, Inc.
PO Box 5142
Mankato, MN 56001
http://www.earthshelteredtech.com/Default.htm
Performance Building Systems, Inc.
PO Box 1679
Durango, CO 81302
http://www.earthshelter.com/
Home Sweet Earth Home
Rick Ohanian, Earth Home Master
P.O. Box 091161
Columbus, OH 43209-1161
http://www.undergroundhomes.com/home.html
Finally, here's a couple who did it themselves:
http://www.ourcoolhouse.com/
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