My Earth Sheltered Home: A Concept | Construction and DIY projects | Forums

I am not an architect.

I love beautiful buildings.

I love classic, timeless style.

I also love Earth Sheltered construction.

I hate Earth Sheltered Homes that are not beautiful; that look like bunkers, bomb shelters, strip malls, motels, basements. Ugh.

I have been more than slightly ES-obsessed for almost 30 years. For me, they evoke feelings of warmth, coziness, security, seclusion. I love to read about them, walk through them, study them, feel them. I sketch them constantly, make models of them, plan them meticulously. They are my Mash Potato Mountain.

For your consideration: my concept for a small, simple ES home, intended for a slightly hilly and partially wooded 10 acre site in the Indianapolis area with excellent southerly views.

Construction: dry stack, surface bonded block walls, glulam beam ceiling, ICF South wall.

Insulation: PAHS polystyrene/polyurethane insulating umbrella

Waterproofing: Montmorillonite clay, daylighted Swedish drain

Passive elements: South-facing glazing, flagstone flooring, high thermal mass construction, seasonal shading (e.g., wisteria, honeysuckle), earth tube air exchange.

Style: Brick and Stone Neo Georgian Rustic? You tell me.

Your opinions? GO!