How to build an underground home with a minimal budget. We suggest discussing in this article how to build an underground house. You will learn what the advantages and disadvantages of such construction are, and what are the differences from ground construction. It is also interesting that the landscapes behind such a house will correspond to the landscapes outside the windows of above-ground houses, since a mirror system is used.

Due to this, there will be a complete impression of the feeling that you live beyond the earth.

Highlights of construction

Today's underground houses are built according to the same principle, but a little differently. Now the outer part must be waterproofed, covered with dry sand, and covered with a rubber membrane over the area from above, so that the sand remains dry. Air pipes will be hidden under the sand. A fertile soil layer should be poured over the membranes. Due to a well-thought-out design, the house will be pleasant and comfortable, and unnecessary expenses will not be required.

It turns out that residents of such houses will be able to satisfy the desire for design and relevance, as well as get peace and environmental friendliness. Mansions that are located under the thickness of the earth can have their own patios, and you can also make several bedrooms, a bathroom, a spacious kitchen, a games room. It turns out that such houses are not much different from modern ground-based dwellings. The patio helps add magic to the underground habitat. In such a house, there will be minimal heat loss, because the temperature difference in the ground is very small. To this can be added isolation from neighbors, and this is also important.

All the pros and cons

The underground house has the following advantages:

Among the shortcomings, we note the following:

  1. The most difficult thing in such a house is to organize the sewer system. To do this, it will be necessary to install the pumping system so that the wastewater can enter the well.
  2. Such a house would require the installation of electric generators so that there was another source of energy in case the main power supply was cut off. For example, without this, the same pumps for pumping out may turn off wastewaters.
  3. By their nature, Russians love to show how wealthy they are with a facade, and it doesn't matter what it is about - appearance, car or house. If the house is underground, then in fact there is no house, and you come to spend the night in a dugout.

Now we propose to consider the main points of such housing


The first step is to dig a pit. For such a project, a very deep pit will be required, therefore, in its manufacture, it will be necessary to comply with stricter safety requirements. The most dangerous thing that can happen is the collapse of the pit walls. In order to avoid this problem, you should dig a depression at an angle on each of the four sides. After it is ready for the underground house, you can proceed to the monolithic part of the construction. The next step is to install slabs, wall formwork and then a monolithic floor.

In such construction, you will undoubtedly save money, because for the most part only concrete and reinforcement will be needed for construction, but then you will not have to puzzle over how to decorate the facade, how much it costs roofing material and where to find an intelligent roof specialist. Having built such a house, you will remove the formwork, and then miss everything bituminous mastic... After that, you should fill up everything and do not forget about the entrance group. Also, do not forget to make the outflow of water in front of the building. The only thing that can be made really attractive to others is the entrance lobby. We offer to overlay it with butt, or any other material.

Now let's talk about the windowing system. When pouring the walls, you should leave an opening for the window in the place where it should be located according to the house project. From the inside of the wall, under the window, the platform should be cast over the entire width of the window, and the length should be determined in advance, depending on what the height of the window will be and the slope should be at 45 degrees. The edge of each mirror should be aligned with the top edge of the window. Next, from the site should be laid out a pipe made of brick, preferably red. Set the pipe to the height you want to observe the area. Above should attach the opposite mirror.

When assembly work will be finished, you can start to work on ennobling the above-ground part with stones that will perfectly match the landscape.

The best underground houses. Overview

Although such houses are still rare, some people want to live underground. This is an interesting alternative to standard buildings. We offer to consider the best underground houses in the world.

Eco-friendly underground house

Such a house is a structure of several underground houses that was designed for the British football star Gary Neville. Accommodation combines functionality and beauty. The player's residence occupies 745 m 2, but not in the way you think (several floors), but on the contrary, a one-story building. The main goal in the development of such a house was to create a structure that would consume energy at a minimum and would represent an ecological version of the house. The underground house was built with local materials and traditional construction methods. A pump helps provide heating, while photovoltaic panels and a wind turbine help generate renewable energy.

This house was built practically on the side of a hill, and this made it possible to integrate into the environment of the house. The layout of the house is somewhat reminiscent of flowers with numbers in place of the petals and everything is organized around the kitchen. The comparison was not chosen by chance at all, since a house with night lighting looks like a flower and petals. Such a harmonious creation cannot be compared with anything else.

Elliptical underground structure with mountain views

The second house is also built on the hillside, but has a completely different design. the house is elliptical and is the result of a creation between architects from the Netherlands. The house is located in the Swiss village of Wells, but it is difficult to see it, as it is embedded in a cluster of mountains, but this is far from the only reason why it is difficult to see it on the surface. The house is based on stone, but it itself consists of two entrances. One of them, which is the main entrance, is an area with lots of entertainment, while the other leads to an underground corridor. There are many windows in the round hole, and this is the main source of light in the house, and it also offers an incredibly beautiful view of the surrounding area.

Considering that the house is built underground, it is well lit by natural sunlight. In addition, a beautiful view of the mountains will open in front of you and the highest level of privacy for each resident of the house will be preserved. This version of the house is interesting and everyone who sees it from the inside likes it.

Residential building underground from Nobbiton The Lord of the Rings

One cannot help but think about the houses underground that are built on the hillside and compare them with those that remained in the memory of many thanks to the Lord of the Rings movie. Those hobbit houses became a real symbol and were able to inspire many people to incredible projects. You can see the real houses that were filmed in the house in New Zealand, the place Matamata. This is where the filming took place, and after they were finished, some of the houses were preserved and used as landmarks. Such houses are not decorated and look interesting if you look at them from afar, and then you examine them up close.

Eco-friendly home hotel in Italy


Recently, it has been noted that a lot more ideas and energy have appeared when it comes to building completely environmentally friendly residential buildings. Most people opt for sustainable home designs and even go for more massive designs. There are many hotels that have been recently built or old renovated. Bella Vista Hotel is one of those. It is the first park-hotel that Matteo Thun has labored to design, with a focus on ecology and sustainability. The project includes 11 underground houses that have been built on the hillside since 2009.

The entire structure of the houses has ecological heating, cooling and you can use local resources, as well as materials from the areas located nearby. In terms of design and architecture, the underground houses have been able to influence the local culture. The emphasis was placed on the incredibly strong connection with nature, to create a harmonious tandem of artificial and natural elements. Such a project is ambitious and constantly attracts attention.

House made in a cave (Missouri)

Many houses built underground are located on the hillside and follow the housing model suggested in the Lord of the Rings movie. But there are other options, for example, the house in the cave has become a simple and at the same time quite logical solution. This is probably the starting point for modern homes underground - the concept has become something truly unique. This house, which is inside a cave, is in Missouri, Festus and was built by Kurt and Deborah Sleeper. The interior of the house is surprisingly modern, there are many unique textures, for example, sandstone walls that are not completed, and they help to give a special charm.

Besides the fact that the location of the pulp is extremely unusual and unique, there are other important details. The house is volatile, has geothermal heating and even functions smart home, which helps to eliminate the need to install an air conditioning system. The cave house has three rooms, each with unfinished walls. Could you live in a place like this?

Organics of the underground house of Peter Vеtsсh

This is a unique house in Switzerland, which has an original and new concept that is associated with progressive and environmentally friendly architecture. The structure itself contains 9 houses, and three of them have bedrooms, one has 4 bedrooms, another has 5 bedrooms, and one has 7 bedrooms. The underground houses are spacious enough, but visually seem small, as they are completely covered with grass and earth. They are completely different from each other and are grouped around a small artificial lake.

Each of the houses uses earth as a blanket for insulation, which provides protection from cold, heat, wind and rain. The organic forms of structures make it possible to naturally integrate into the environment and become part of the landscape. And yet, it is not necessary to build such houses underground, they can be located on the ground in a natural way, but then there will be no “wow” effect.

Underground Coastal House


Many underground houses that are located on the hillside have side holes; they represent the entrance and make the house visible. But this is definitely not the case with this house underground, which is located on the Welsh coast, and it is extremely difficult to find it if you do not know its exact location, since it almost completely disappears into the ground.

The house is a project of the future system, as it was erected in a man-made embankment and is located on the top of a hill. This location helps to take advantage of the panoramic beautiful views, and the design allows you to view the houses located on the coast of Wales. In the underground house there are not only those buildings that are located in a foreign zone, but also the environmental side, which is perfectly combined with the overall design. The house is almost completely underground, there are portholes round shape... This home almost completely disappears underground and has an incredible connection with nature.

Underground housing in the Cyclades

To build an underground house that will integrate as much as possible with the environment, then use the materials that are in the area. For this reason, many underground homes are built into the hill and local materials such as wood or stones can be used. It is based on similar principles to many houses, but its location is different from what you have seen before. The underground house is located in a very beautiful area, ideally fits into the local landscape, fields and earthen ramparts. The designers opted for a standard typology and used only those materials that have a low environmental impact, but at the same time are quite effective as insulation materials. The whole structure of the house is on the same level and with a total area of \u200b\u200b240 m 2.

They are made of earth to help regulate the temperature, and the roof is green to provide insulation and blend in with the landscape. These are several options for ecological type houses.

Have you been dreaming about your home for a long time? Or maybe there is enough space on your plot for a small extension, in which you would be happy to do your favorite hobby or just relax alone from the daily hustle and bustle? It is not at all necessary to take out loans or save every ruble from your salary; there are many people who have built their dream home without significant funds. As you know, the main thing is desire!

1. House of the hobbit

Simon Dale from the UK has always dreamed of having his own home. But with modern prices on real estate could not afford it. He did not take out a mortgage, but built a summer residence for his wife and two children with his own hands on a small plot of land in Wales.

Prior to that, Simon had no experience in construction. Relatives and friends helped him, the whole process took 4 months. It was decided to build a house on a hillside. For this, a foundation pit was dug on the spot; the soil and stone extracted from it were used for the foundation and retaining walls.

We used both wood waste and wood from the nearest forest. The roof, floor and walls were covered with thatch, which provided thermal insulation, after which the walls were covered with lime plaster, allowing the house to "breathe".

Insulation was also placed on the roof, sod and grass on top. The original roof structure with a hatch at the top provided natural daylight.

The house is heated by a fireplace, the chimney passes through the stone, which retains heat for a long time.

The frame was made of oak; used during construction the simplest tools. As Simon himself says, they found some materials (for example, windows, plumbing, sockets, wires) in landfills. The house uses solar energy , instead of a refrigerator - a cellar.

Such a house is not only simple, cheap and environmentally friendly - it is a reflection of individuality, the ability to live in harmony with nature, freedom from the clichés of the modern construction industry.

Simon claims that he did not build the dwelling specifically to look like a "hobbit house." The family uses it as a summer residence, and Simon has since received many orders for similar buildings. Here, for example, is another house he built:

2. Ecohouse from the ground

Yes, you heard right! From the most ordinary land, which, as you know, is free. Or, more precisely - from bags of earth.

According to experts, it is better to use clay-containing soil - it will harden after molding, which will give the structure additional strength. The foundation for such a house is not needed, it can be built right on the ground, it is only necessary to level the platform.

The geometry of the building can be arbitrary - from a small house with a dome in a fairy-tale style to a full-fledged large building of any, even the most bizarre shape.

Bags of earth are stacked on top of each other; for molding, it is convenient to use a plate that is placed under the bag: the soil in the bag is rammed, and then the plate is removed. For additional bundling, wire, mesh or boards are laid through the rows of bags.

Dome structures eliminate the need to make overlaps. Ordinary film can be used as insulation.

An interesting element is the bags themselves. They are very cheap; they can be found in landfills or in stores, where they are left after packaging. If the construction site is planned to be large, it is convenient to use rolls of sackcloth - this will allow you to build a house solid ring.

The material of the bags is strong enough, it allows the formation of more stable blocks: lime mortar is poured into the bags, after which they are placed in molds, obtaining ready-made building elements. You can also mold blocks of clay and straw.

The walls laid out from bags are plastered, whitewashed and painted.

3. Bottles for home

When erecting walls, bottles are also used - it can be both plastic and glass containers. The thermal resistance of a wall made of one layer of glass bottles is brick wall 0.55 m thick! Moreover, she 2.5-3.5 lighter and thinner.

One square meter of such a wall will require about 200 bottles and about 150 liters of mortar (depending on the joint width).

Such a structure will not only be cheap, warm and durable, but also environmentally friendly - collecting bottles in the area will help clean up the area and help the environment.

The house is also easy to build, but patience will be needed: each bottle will need to be filled with sand or earth.

After the bottles are laid in a cement-sand mortar, the walls are reinforced with a netting (you can simply wrap the necks with a rope), and then plaster. The finished structure outwardly practically does not differ from a house built from familiar materials:

The bottles can also be used to create a houseboat. And the very first building in the world made of such material was erected in 1902 and looked like this:

Well, what to do if all of the above for some reason does not suit you, and you are limited in funds? ..

Well, it's time to remember the classics. Let me introduce ...

4. Her Majesty the Dugout

This type of housing has been known since the Neolithic era, it is one of the oldest and is widespread throughout the world. If you are planning a large construction site, the dugout will serve you not only as the first temporary structure on the site, but also as a cellar or additional utility room in the future.

However, one cannot belittle her merits in the role main housing or additional residential building! The main advantages of the dugout are the optimal temperature inside; ease of construction (it can be built very quickly and even alone) and cheapness. And also - invisibility: as soon as grass sprouts on the roof, your house will no longer stand out against the background of the surrounding landscape.

Someone will find such a project not very attractive - the stereotype of the dugout as a relic of history remains in the minds. In extreme cases, it is perceived as a cellar for storing blanks. But modern dugouts look no less dignified than the usual houses. Cozy, lined with boards inside and outside, with small round windows - they pleasing to the eye and gaining popularity throughout Europe... It is as if time itself is intertwined in them - the past and the present, nature and man ...

Their newfound popularity sometimes does not make it clear what it is: a dugout or a modern cottage deepened into the ground?

If you find the idea appealing, check out the post as well. Focus on interior and exterior details, with the help of which you will change the perception of friends about the dugout as a dull cellar. Fancy windows, a decorative fence at the entrance - and now you are Snow White in your quiet forest shelter ...

It is also worth remembering about bunded house (it is also called fox hole). Such a house can be slightly recessed, be completely above ground, or combine above ground and bunded parts.

Such a structure is suitable for any terrain and any relief, adjusting to it, repeating its outline. Such houses perfectly interact with the environment, and the earth seems to cover them with a blanket, protecting from cold and wind.

Unlike a dugout, a bunded house should rather be called an earthen hill (it can even be attached to a hill, which will serve as a natural fence). Actually, and the "hobbit house" is logical to consider a variation on this theme.

A bunded house does not take up much space, and the land nearby and on it can be used for planting strawberries, raspberries and flowers, turning your home into a real blooming flower bed.

Perhaps, with a dugout or "fox hole" you will not be afraid of an increase in average annual temperatures - in such a house you can forget about the heat and the need to install an air conditioner... It will maintain a positive temperature, which will reduce heating costs in winter time... The walls of such a house are always breathing; from year to year it becomes stronger and stronger due to the fact that the earth is compacted, and its upper layer is held together by the roots and rhizomes of grasses. If you do the ventilation correctly, you can also forget about dampness.

Actually, ideas how to build cheaply and quickly small house, - hundreds! You just need time and desire to figure it out, choose the appropriate method. And then call friends and acquaintances - and start construction. After all, if you think about it, people used to build their houses without construction companies, loans and catalogs.

The terrain itself suggestswhat is better to build on the site: contaminated area - go ahead for the bottles; hilly relief - "hobbit house" or "fox hole"; a lot of clay soil - a house made of earth ... And in the forest, Like-minded people can be easily found on the Web; helping each other build, you will gain experience and make new interesting friends. And do not forget: you can always transform a planned or even a house under construction with the help of original ideas. It is not at all necessary to spend millions on construction - sometimes just a few details from the projects you like (for example, the unusual shape of windows and doors) can inspire creativity, bring something new that will change appearance structures.

Today we will introduce all our readers to those who differ in their original layout and underground construction.

Although this is very rare, some people tend to live underground. This is a fun alternative to a simple cottage.

Whether this decision is shaped by lifestyle, personal capabilities or the desire to recreate the image of the film, it must always be exceptional.

You will be surprised to see structures in this article that are very similar to the traditional ones in our eyes.

This structure was designed by Make Architects for London soccer star Gary Neville.

This structure remarkably manages to combine beauty with functionality, a new way and a unique way of life.

The residence covers about 750 sqm, but not in the way you expect it to be.

It is a one-story modern art building that was erected under the earth cover.

One of the main challenges in the design of the residence was to shape the space that will bring the need for electricity to a minimum, as well as the idea of \u200b\u200benvironmentally friendly construction.

The mansion was built using local building materials, conventional and standardized construction methods.

At the same time, the ground source heat pump functions for heating purposes, at the same time as solar panels and the generator generate a renewable electricity resource.

The building is located on a hilly slope, and this makes it possible for him to easily enter the existing natural and geographical space.

The interior design was designed in a modern and laconic style with a predominance of snow-white and brown tints.

Notice how the building looks from the outside.

The engineering layout personifies a flower with petal-shaped rooms, with everything set up around the kitchen's epicenter.

The comparison is accurate, as the residences are equipped with dazzling flower arrangementsthat are illuminated at night.

It looks sophisticated and amazing. You too can see how nature and unnatural art came together in this layout to bring harmony to the masterpiece.

2. An underground cottage with an oval silhouette and an alpine landscape

This fantastic dream home is also located on a hilly plot, but the decoration is different.

The construction is the result of a fruitful collaboration between the Dutch specialists SeARCH and Christian Muller Architects.

Housed in the hamlet of Vals, the mansion is difficult to find as it is a building block. However, this is not the main reason why it looks invisible.

The building was equipped on a hill and was open to the eye only from one side. The rounded element in the exterior is decorated with stones, and a small staircase leads to it.

The interior design strikes the eye with its expressiveness and aesthetic appeal.

The surface décor has been done with concrete slabs with a textured raw finish, which adds a special feel to the atmosphere.

Pay attention to the interesting design with a predominance of contrasting colors.

The facade of the house is decorated with textured stones, which are in perfect harmony with transparent glazing.

In the next three images, you can see the unusual interior layout and furnishings of the space.

The cottage has a mostly stone structure as it was built on the side of a hill.

For the convenience of the owners, it has two landings. One of them, in the form of front doors, opens up areas for entertainment and games, and the second goes from the nearest barn and is directed towards the underground passage.

The rounded opening contains many panoramic window units. Plus, it's a unique way to bring sunshine into your home decor while also providing a chic view towards nature.

Although it is an underground house, it is very bright and wonderfully lit. In addition, it provides family members and guests with an overview of the amazing mountain scenery and maintains a high level of security and privacy for its residents.

This is a fascinating option for a stone structure and, although invisible to the prying eye, it can still be an amazing and startling discovery for anyone who sees it.

3. Woodlyn Park - the world's first hobbit motel

When you think of underground structures, it is impossible not to imagine a village of fairy hobbits.

This definition of life is currently a source of inspiration for many people.

Movie aficionados have tried to copy these quirky little hillside homes, with some even managing to embody incredible and wonderful structures.

One of them is the world's first hobbit hotel located in Woodlyn Park on the North Island of New Zealand.

This facility was built using polystyrene blocks to create a cool atmosphere in the summer and a warm climate in the winter.

This original, rational method of isolation was brought to life with the uniqueness of the masterpiece in mind.

The rooms in the cottage are quite spacious. They are superbly equipped and equipped with high quality fittings.

Each block has its own kitchen and shower room, and they can accommodate up to six people for living.

The motel has a cafe and restaurant, and guests can enjoy many adventures during their travels.

4. ECO village in the Preseli mountain range in west Wales

There are many different directions and all kinds of layouts of structures, but this village is the most interesting project.

It was equipped with huts built with straw and mud in the picturesque mountains with greenery.

The buildings look very interesting and aesthetically pleasing, which attracts a large number of people here to enjoy the country life and grow their own crops.

This unique community was created in 1993 and remained a secret for several years.

The village was discovered five years later when tourists saw sunlight coming from a photovoltaic panel placed on the main building.

These huts were very well camouflaged, surrounded by trees and bushes, but no building permits were issued to the owners.

After this period, 22 villagers came to the area. Bulldozers demolished their old houses, but finally their way of life got better thanks to planned permits.

As a result, they received cottages with toilets, agricultural hangars and work shops.

5. Houses from Hobbitoultural, based on scenes from the movie "The Lord of the Rings"

As we mentioned earlier, it is impossible to think of any house built on a hilly slope without comparing it to the buildings that many have seen in the iconic trilogy.

Those hobbit structures became legendary symbols and inspired many ideas. But if you want to see real designs, not replicas, you can stop by the Matamata area in New Zealand.

This is a unique place where movie scripts were filmed. After their completion, the magnificent architectural structures were preserved and used as tourist attractions.

Everyone agreed that this decision would not hurt anyone. Of course, you cannot expect the huts to have similar decor and designer furniture , since the main filming was carried out in a film studio.

These buildings are not decorated and look more interesting when you see them from a distance.

But if you use your imagination, you can be transported to the legendary village of Hobbitoultural. Photos taken from flickr.

6. Eco-hotel Bella Vista Hotel in Italy

In modern times, there is a surge of ideas and concepts when it comes to the formation of ecological building compositions.

Many people have chosen these modern technologies to implement their own design.

In addition, there are now many ECO hotels that have appeared or have been changed. The most extraordinary hotel in the world, Bella Vista, is a great example of this format.

In the next photo, you can see its design in winter.

This is the latest project of the KlimaHotel © brand and can be found in the Italian city of Bolzano. It was designed by the architect Matteo Thun and is focused on sustainability and ecology.

The masterpiece included the formation of eleven separate dormitories, erected on hilly terrain.

All of these structures are equipped with modern furnishings, sustainable heating, air conditioning and sustainable construction methods.

Local resources in the construction process were used from the surrounding areas, and in the decoration interesting decor ideas were focused on creating a relationship with the environment, trying to combine dissimilar elements to create a harmonious appearance. This phenomenal project has attracted many fans.

7. House, equipped in a cave grotto in Missouri

A large number of mansions are being built on higher elevations, following the concept outlined in The Lord of the Rings series.

But there are other possibilities to explore this multifaceted direction. For example, organizing living space in a cave would be a very effective and straightforward solution.

This is most likely the basis of all ultra-modern buildings, so now you can turn a similar concept into something amazing.

This wonderful project can be found in the metropolis Festus, and it was built on an area of \u200b\u200b1400 sq.m. the craftsmen Curt and Deborah Sleeper, who brought to life the wonderful decoration with ultramodern incredible textures and mesmerizing interior items.

Not only is the placement of the building composition extraordinary and phenomenal, there are other elements that make it a wonderful role model.

The structure has efficient technologies in the form of geothermal heating and intelligent design that removes the importance of air purification.

The cave has several boudoirs with an unfinished wall. Such a structure will become a suitable place for receiving guests or a kind of museum.

8. Figurative dugouts from Peter Vetsch

Situated in the northern city of Dietikon, these extraordinary underground structures incorporate the latest and exceptional environmentally friendly solutions into progressive architecture.

This area is called Earth House Estate Lattenstrasse and was designed by specialist Peter Vetsch.

The composition of the performance consists of nine cottages with various number of bedrooms - from three to seven.

The mansions are larger than they appear visually, as they are almost covered with earth crust and grass. They seem to come out of nowhere.

And at the same time, they are completely different from the rest of the buildings that we presented to your attention earlier. The houses are united around a miniature artificial pond.

The cottages use the soil as an insulating blanket that provides a protective cover against heat and cold, but also against snow and wind gusts.

The interesting outlines of these compositions allow them to fit into the environment in an uncomplicated way and become an accent element of landscape design. However, they do not have to be underground.

9. Malator mansion on the shores of Wales

Most of these types of buildings, built on hilly terrain, have side openings that mimic the entrance and allow them to be contemplated.

But, this is not entirely true for the next masterpiece. The Malator Residence is located on the shores of Wales and is extremely difficult to find when you do not know the exact location, because it completely hides in the ground.

It was built in its own man-made mound and is located at the top of a hill.

This location offers the opportunity to take advantage of the breathtaking scenic views of the surroundings, site layout and the Wales coastline.

The building is not just a strange structure housed in a foreign zone. It has an environmental focus that matches the design perfectly.

The structure is entirely under ground cover with passive energy management.

On the sides of the façade, there are round windows with transparent glazing. This forms an extremely strong connection with nature and the environment.

10. Aloni House in the Cyclades Islands

Another way to combine the apartment with the landscape is to use the resources found in the construction area and make the façade disappear into the scenery.

That is why a large number of hills were erected using local raw materials and resources, such as rocks or timber.

Aloni house has a decoration based on the same aspects. However, the location is slightly different from what we saw in the article before.

Located in a beautiful area of \u200b\u200bthe Cyclades Islands, the property responds perfectly to the landscape.

The designers of the Deca Architecture workshop decided to abandon the standard typology of this home decor.

They used building materials that have minimal impact on nature and are also rational in the form of thermal insulation coatings.

The residence has a one-level structure and has an area of \u200b\u200b250 sq.m.

The wall surfaces are made using unallocated soil, which regulate the temperature with a green roof, which also provides thermal insulation and helps the structure to disappear into the surrounding scenery.

Interior photography provided by the Internet portal: Homedit.

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If you are looking for a home with energy efficient features that will provide a comfortable, calm, weather resistant home, a buried underground home may be for you. How to make an underground house?

There are two main types of recessed design - underground and bulk houses.

Underground

When the whole house is built completely or partially below ground level with appropriate modern structure... The design of the dwelling center and courtyard can accommodate an underground home and still provide an open feel while using modern ones.

Such a house is being built entirely underground on a flat site, and the main living quarters surround a central open courtyard. Windows and glass doors that sit on open walls overlooking the center section provide light, warmth, exterior and staircase access from ground level.

The design is visible from ground level and creates a private open space and provides good protection from winter winds. This design is ideal for construction sites in harsh areas.

Passive sunlight is likely to be received through windows as in a conventional residential building, and the amount is thought out by the design.

Bulk

Bulk house can be built partly below ground level covering more wall buildings. The construction involves covering the sides and sometimes a roof with earth to protect and insulate the bulk house.

The open front of the house, usually facing south, allows the sun to illuminate and heat the interior. The floor plan is designed so that common areas and bedrooms share light and warmth with a southern exposure.

It may be least expensive and in a simple way build an earth-sheltered structure. Strategically located skylights can provide adequate ventilation and daylight in the northern parts of an earthen house.

The main disadvantages of underground homes are the initial construction costs, which can be up to 20% higher than conventional ones, and the increased level of professionalism required to prevent moisture problems during design and construction.

What to consider when building an underground house

About the most specific factors for the design of an earth-protected house.

Before deciding to design and build a secure, energy efficient underground home, you will need to consider the climate, topography, soil and water table.

Climate

Research shows that sheltered homes are more cost effective in climates that have significant temperature fluctuations and low humidity, such as rocky areas and black earth plains.

The temperature of the earth changes more slowly than the air temperature in our areas, and can absorb extreme heat in hot weather or insulate an underground house to keep warm in cold weather.

Relief and microclimate

The topography and microclimate of a site determines how easily a building can be surrounded by land. A modest slope requires more excavation than a steep one, and a flat site is the most demanding, requiring extensive earthworks... The south-facing slope in the region with mild to long winters is ideal for a sheltered building.

South-facing windows can let in sunlight for direct heating, while the rest of the house returns to the slope. In regions with mild winters and hot summers, a north slope may be ideal. Careful planning by the designer will reveal the full benefit of the conditions in a given location.

The soil

Another critical point is the type of soil on the site. Grainy soils such as sand and gravel are best suited for building these houses. These soils are compact, well cultivated with construction materials and permeable enough to allow water to drain quickly. The poorest soils are knocked down like clay, which can expand when wet and have poor permeability.

Professional soil tests can determine the bearing capacity of the soil on the site. Soil radon levels are another factor to consider when building an underground home, because high radon concentrations can be dangerous. However, there are methods to reduce the accumulation of radon in both conventional and earth-sheltered dwellings.

Radon is a chemically inert natural radioactive gas, odorless, colorless and tasteless. Radon is formed by the natural decay of uranium from rocks and soil.

Ground water level

The groundwater level at the construction site is also important. Natural drainage away from the building is the best way to avoid water pressure against underground walls. An installed wastewater collection system is required, which must be designed when laying the structure of the future building.

Building materials and considerations for underground homes

The building materials for each earthen structure will vary depending on the characteristics of the site and the type of structure. The materials must, however, provide a good surface to be water resistant and insulating in order to withstand the pressure and moisture of the surrounding earth.

Concrete is the most common building solution because it is strong, durable and fire resistant. Concrete blocks reinforced with steel rods placed in the main masonry can also be used and generally cost less than in-situ concrete.

Wood can only be used for light structural work. Steel can be used to reinforce screeds, columns and concrete reinforcements, but must be protected against corrosion if exposed to groundwater. Metal is also expensive, so it must be used efficiently in order to save money as a structural material.

Other design considerations

Waterproofing

Waterproofing can be a problem for such structures. Keep in mind these ways to reduce the risk of water damage to your structure:

  • choose a site carefully,
  • plan drainage both on and under the surface of the underground house for watertightness.

Waterproofing systems should apply:

  • Rubberized Asphalt - Combines a small amount of synthetic rubber with asphalt and is coated with a layer of polyethylene to form sheets. It can be applied directly to walls and roofs and has a long service life.
  • Plastic and vulcanized sheets are among the most common types of underground waterproofing. Plastic sheets include high density polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and chlorosulfonated polyethylene. Suitable vulcanized membranes or synthetic rubber include isobutylene isoprene, ethylene diene monomer copolymer, polychloroprene (neoprene), and polyisobutylene. For all these materials, seams must be properly sealed to protect against leaks.
  • Liquid polyurethane is often used in areas where it is inconvenient to apply the membrane and is sometimes used as a coating over insulation in underground structures. Please note that weather conditions must be dry and relatively warm during application.
  • Bentonite is a natural clay assembled in panels that are nailed to walls or applied as a liquid spray. When bentonite comes in contact with moisture, it expands and seals the moisture.

Humidity

Humidity levels can increase in houses sheltered from the ground during summer periodwhich can cause condensation on interior walls... Installing insulation outside the walls will prevent the walls from cooling and improve the cooling effect of the walls. Careful planning by the designer of the underground home is important for troubleshooting future problems.

Insulation

Although the insulation in an underground building should not be as thick as in an ordinary house, it is necessary to make an earthen house comfortable. Insulation is usually applied to the exterior of the house after application waterproofing material, to preserve the interior of the building. If boards are used, the protective layer of the board must keep the insulation from contacting the wet surface.

Designing and building a new energy efficient home or renovating an existing one requires careful planning and attention to detail. A holistic approach to systems helps homeowners, architects, and builders develop successful strategies to optimize home energy efficiency.

This approach views the house as an energy system with interdependent parts, each of which affects the performance of the entire system. It also strongly influences the location and local climate for primary consideration.

In order to take full advantage of the systems approach, computer simulations of the whole house are required that compare multiple combinations of variables to design the most cost effective and most energy efficient solution.

Important variables when designing an underground house:

  • Site conditions
  • Local climate
  • Appliances and household appliances
  • Insulation and air convection
  • Lighting and daylight
  • Heating and cooling
  • Heating water
  • Windows, doors and skylights.

Some of the benefits of using an integrated systems approach include:

  • Reduced utility and operating costs
  • Increased comfort
  • Reduced noise
  • Healthier and safer indoor environment
  • Improved building durability.

You can approach systems from any home construction... Once your energy needs have decreased, you need to consider adding systems that generate electricity and heating water.

The modern dugout resembles a cozy underground house, organically blending into the landscape. The interest in building a dwelling similar to a "fox hole" is justified not only by the desire to be original, but also by the economic benefits of building and operating the house. The options for burying the dugout into the soil, as well as construction methods, are varied, so the construction budget fluctuates in a wide price range.

What are the benefits of building a dugout?

The disadvantages of a dugout of the usual design are obvious: due to the lack of walls and natural lighting, the climate inside is humid. Apply for the construction of dugouts quality materials began in the late 60s of the last century, which brought the cost of such an environmentally friendly structure on a par with similar buildings located on top of the ground. If you need an inexpensive underground house, there is a possibility of problems with good ventilation and humidity control.


Once you've found the right place to build on, take advantage of the following natural benefits:

  1. Energy saving due to the poor thermal conductivity of the earth, therefore the dugout inside is provided with a stable temperature, which makes the underground house a comfortable place in a harsh climate.

Interesting. Dry earth has the same properties as brick, so temperature fluctuations on the earth's surface reach depth with a delay. For example, with a soil layer depth of 3 m, the temperature of the warmest moment of the year comes 3 months later. So, in a temperate continental climate, the soil temperature at a depth of 2 m is: in winter - 6-8 0С, in summer - 15-18 0С.

  1. Excellent sound insulation from outside sounds, which is important for homes in noisy areas, such as near motorways or airports. Neighbors will not hear too much either.
  2. Security from thieves, the effects of hurricanes or earthquakes, fire safety, especially during martial law, the dugout will serve as a bomb shelter, and the landscape as a camouflage.
  3. Preservation of the pristine landscapewhich is important for unique locations. Maximum gardening of the site is a guarantee of its ecological purity.
  4. Masteringareas that are unattractive for building or sowing (slopes, hills), which will significantly reduce the cost of purchasing land (unsightly areas cost several times less).
  5. Reducing coststo keep the underground house intact, since the dugout will be reliably waterproofed, and the roof or walls covered with a layer of soil with grass do not need special care.
  6. Reducing the construction time of a house since part of the labor-intensive facade and roofing works is not required, and accordingly, materials for them do not need to be purchased.


Features of the dugout:

  • limited visibility, depending on the specific area;
  • water penetration due to incorrect calculation of the groundwater level, their rise or ground shift;
  • small glazing area for natural lighting.

Which plot is more suitable for an underground house?

To determine how expedient the construction of a dugout will be, all the features of the site should be taken into account, namely:

  1. Terrain relief, the preferred option is a slope or a hill, which will make the building look better, and you will save on earthworks. On an inclined site, it becomes possible to make the house completely underground, and on a hilly place, the walls of the dugout should be partially heaped up with earth. Therefore, if you have looked after a beautiful, but difficult hilly allotment, then turn the disadvantages of this land into advantages.

Important. The greater the angle of inclination of the site, the faster the surface water flows down, leaving the soil dry. Therefore, places in a ravine, lowland or thalwegi are not the best places to build.


  1. Orientation... A dugout with a south-facing slope will provide the underground home with sunlight, and the north slope will provide coolness to homeowners living in sultry climates (not the best option in terms of hygiene). If the terrain is as horizontal as possible, then simple rules construction also applies to it: orientation front door and windows to sunny sides.
  2. Soil type. It is better if it is a well-permeable soil, for example, sandy, sandy loam or loam. Clay is not suitable for ditching an underground house; it retains moisture for a long time, eroding when moistened. But the clay will serve as a waterproofing seal in the layers that adjoin the main structures under the ball of earth. For the final coating, fertile soil is used, therefore, this layer must be removed and preserved before construction begins.
  3. Ground water level must be at a sufficient depth from the dugout to lower the structure as much as possible into the ground. Also check the locations of underground streams.
  4. Microclimate, namely dry, as excess moisture will cause moisture problems and increase improvement costs.

If you have not yet chosen where the dugout will be located, then build an underground house not on the top of the hill, because you cannot find a more convenient place. Everything favors this construction site: orientation, drainage from water sources, good visibility and maximum percentage of natural light. The top of the hill is torn off, and at the finishing stage of the construction of the house it is sent again.


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