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Underground Space. Voi.4,No. 3, pp. 143-152 I, Pergamon Press Ltd. 1979. Printed in Great Britain. • An Essay - Frequently asked Questions on Earth-Sheltered Housing CHARLES A. LANE The Underground Space Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 The costs of heating and cooling a home today continue to climb at an ever-faster pace. Utility costs, once relatively cheap, in some cases now exceed the cost of mortgage payments. In response to homeowners' concerns, people involved in all areas of the housing industry are exploring innovative energy-conserving techniques. Over the past several years, interest in the energy-saving concept of earth-sheltered housing has grown rapidly. This essay briefly answers some of the most frequently asked questions regarding earth-sheltered housing design. It deals with topics such as: site selection; structural systems; energy-use criteria; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC); waterproofing; insulation; and factors affecting constructing costs. • How many earth-sheltered houses have been built located at the University of Texas at Arlington;Texas (or are currently under construction) in the United Tech University; University of Missouri; and States? Oklahoma State University. In early March 1978, the University of Minnesota's The idea of using the earth for shelter from the Underground Space Center published a book entitled elements is not new,of course. One can discover from Earth Sheltered Housing Design. At that time, only reading a good history book that the use of an estimated 30 to 40 earth-sheltered homes had been earth-sheltering for human habitation has ancient built in the U.S. Although it is difficult to determine beginnings. The popularity of the concept today can how many of these homes are being built at present, I be described accurately as the rebirth of an old idea. would estimate that 2000-3000 earth-sheltered However, the timing of the attention now focused on homes are now either completed or in some phase of earth-sheltering is closely linked with the expected planning, design, or construction. This number is decrease in the availability of cheap energy sources. increasing at a rapid rate. It is interesting to note that the areas where the What things should be considered in selecting a site greatest interest in earth-sheltered housing has been for an earth-sheltered home? demonstrated have been located near a center or To date, most earth-sheltered homes have been organization involved in the research and develop- built in rural or semi-rural areas on larger, open sites. ment of underground space. The University of The prevailing attitude is that a buildable site should Minnesota's Underground Space Center is one of the be a large, 5-acre plot on a south-sloping hill facing a principal research and information centers in the beautiful view protected by a forest of pine trees to nation. Also headquartered at the University of the north. Although ideal, such a site is far from Minnesota is the American Underground-Space essential. Association (AUA). AUA members are professionals A good exposure to the south, however, is and interested members of the public concerned with necessary to obtain maximum solar heating and • the wise development of underground space. Other natural light. North exposure should be kept to a national research centers that have served as catalysts minimum. No direct solar heat gain, only diffuse for growth in the earth-sheltered housing industry natural light, is available from the north. The Clearing House for Earth Covered Buildings, As with any conventional above-grade home, 143