Download or read book The Complete Guide to Building Affordable Earth Sheltered Homes written by Robert McConkey and published by Atlantic Publishing Company. This book was released on 2011 with total page 290 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The home, an essential part of the American dream, has been beset by troubles since the beginning of the Great Recession in 2007. Whether from an unstable housing economy, ever-rising energy costs, or the environmental ruin of urban sprawl, the origin and variety of these assaults can be bewildering. Surprisingly, some of the answers to many of these modern-day troubles lie in some of humanity's most ancient building techniques. Earth-sheltered building has existed since the heyday of Skara Brae in Scotland 5,000 years ago, and is used today by people around the world, from the Yaodong of north-west China to the subterranean residents of Coober Pedy, Australia, and even to converted missile silos in America. If you have ever looked at your power bill in stunned disbelief, if you are interested in green building techniques, or if you want your home to stand out (or hide out), then this book is for you. Contrary to popular misconceptions of being cramped, dark, or dank domiciles, earth-sheltered homes come in a number of different styles, incorporating brilliant techniques designed to bring light and air into the home. With The Complete Guide to Building Affordable Earth-Sheltered Homes, you will learn about the many different types of earth-sheltered homes and their various advantages, including a life span that can be two to three times longer than that of conventional housing, inexpensive building materials, and reduced maintenance costs. Additionally, the energy costs of an earth-sheltered home can be as much as 80 percent lower than a conventional homes power costs. The book will also examine the different environmental factors that you need to consider when selecting which style to build and how to begin, and carry out, your building process. Some of the factors discussed include the different types of soil and how to adjust to them, the level of precipitation and how to manage run off, and how to maximise use of natural light sources. Construction experts and earth-sheltered home builders have been interviewed and their expertise is included in this guide to help you learn how you can create your own underground home. Details of construction methods are found throughout the book, including tips and advice for planning, excavation, flooring, walls, framing, waterproofing, roofing, drainage, and insulation. You will also learn how to pour your own footings and floor, how to dry stack concrete block walls, how to use post and beam framing, and how to waterproof the membranes. With the information provided in this book, you can start planning and building your own earth-sheltered home in no time so that you, too, can benefit from the natural protection of the earth. If earth-sheltered building is good enough for Bill Gates $136 million mansion, then it just might be good enough for you too.
Download or read book Earth Sheltered Homes written by Donna Ahrens and published by . This book was released on 1981 with total page 134 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Detailed construction information, plans, and energy data for twenty-three successful earth sheltered homes throughout the United States and Europe. Gross area, materials for construction, types of earth cover, method of insulation, and waterproofing techniques are all included in data sheets and charts that baccompany a full description of each house. In addition, comprehensive plans and over 150 photographs of both interior and exterior views"--Back cover.
Download or read book Earth Sheltered Housing Design written by University of Minnesota. Underground Space Center and published by Van Nostrand Reinhold Company. This book was released on 1979 with total page 324 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Offers homeowners and architects a comfortable and economical approach to underground housing based on modern construcion techniques, providing plans, details, and photographs of existing examples of earth sheltered houses.
Download or read book The Earth sheltered Solar Greenhouse Book written by Mike Oehler and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Earth-Sheltered Solar Greenhouse Book is the first to promote the benefits of both passive solar energy and earth sheltering in greenhouse design. This combination results in greenhouses which need no additional heating. The captured sun's energy and that which is stored in the earth is enough for successful year round harvest. It takes you step by step through the construction of an inexpensive greenhouse which may be built with either newly purchased or salvaged building materials for pennies on the dollar. It explains the author's unique Post/Shoring/Polyethylene construction methods and design techniques. The Earth-Sheltered Solar Greenhouse Book has 230 pages with nearly 200 illustrations, photos, diagrams, lists, charts and drawings. It contains all the information you need to free you from the pesticide, herbicide, fungicide, waxed, and E-coli laden, genetically modified and irradiated supermarket produce.
Download or read book Building Underground written by Herb Wade and published by Rodale Books. This book was released on 1983 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The design and construction handbook for earth-sheltered houses.
Download or read book The Earth sheltered House written by Malcolm Wells and published by Green Books. This book was released on 2009 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Earth-sheltered housing offers superior comfort with minimal energy input, and it is adaptable to diverse terrains as well as a variety of architectural aesthetics.
Download or read book Homes in the Earth written by Larry S. Chalmers and published by . This book was released on 1979 with total page 112 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Passive Annual Heat Storage written by John Hait and published by . This book was released on 2013-11-17 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Still the World's Most Advanced Text on Earth Sheltering and Passive Solar Design! Passive Annual Heat Storage (PAHS) is a method of collecting heat in the summertime, by cooling the home naturally, storing it in the earth naturally, then returning the heat to the home in the winter. It includes extensive use of natural heat flow methods and the arrangement of building materials to direct heat from wherever you get it to wherever you want it, all without using machinery to make it work. With the rising cost of energy, all home builders should become familiar with basic PAHS principles. The goal of Passive Annual Heat Storage is to provide a method of placing building materials and organizing construction so the comfortable environments produced are continuously pleasant. The resulting subterranean home interiors are balanced with the natural environment and are able to extract all of their energy needs from their surroundings without using any commercial energy sources. Thus, there is no longer any need for using mechanical devices or causing any disruption in global ecosystems. Build a home that naturally stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer!
Download or read book Earth Sheltered Housing written by Max Terman and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 219 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One of our most important objectives as hu have provided basic principles from scientific mans is to discover and pass on ways of living journals and books and summarized the expe with our environment. Every form of life, in riences of people actually living in earth shel cluding human, depends on nature's ability to ters. produce clean air, pure water and fertile soil In the growth and development of any field and to recycle wastes. It is our duty to live in a of knowledge, there comes a time when theory manner that enhances and preserves these nat requires testing, when concepts need to be re ural processes. Earth sheltering-the use of fined in the light of experience. Such is the case earth cover to moderate and improve living with earth sheltering. A good foundation of conditions in buildings-is an old but recently principles has been laid, mostly through the ex rediscovered technique. It holds much promise cellent efforts of such organizations as the Un for allowing us to use less energy and preserve derground Space Center of the University of more space for natural and human needs. It also Minnesota, the School of Architecture at Okla gives the individual and society alike a real way homa State University, and the many design to achieve self-reliance and independence from professionals active in earth sheltering. These limited sources of fossil fuels.
Download or read book Earth Sheltered Houses written by Rob Roy and published by New Society Publishers. This book was released on 2006-04-03 with total page 271 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The only how-to manual on the subject directed to mainstream owner-builders An earth-sheltered, earth-roofed home has the least impact upon the land of all housing styles, leaving almost zero footprint on the planet. Earth-Sheltered Houses is a practical guide for those who want to build their own underground home at moderate cost. It describes the benefits of sheltering a home with earth, including the added comfort and energy efficiency from the moderating influence of the earth on the home's temperature-keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer-low maintenance, and the protection against fire, sound, earthquake and storm afforded by the earth. Extra benefits from adding an earth or other living roof option include greater longevity of the roof substrate, fine aesthetics, and environmental harmony. The book covers all of the various construction techniques involved including details on planning, excavation, footings, floor, walls, framing, roofing, waterproofing, insulation and drainage. Specific methods appropriate for the inexperienced owner-builder are a particular focus and include: pouring one's own footings and/or floor the use of dry-stacked (surface-bonded) concrete block walls post-and-beam framing plank-and-beam roofing, and drainage methods and self-adhesive waterproofing membranes. The time-tested, easy-to-learn construction techniques described in Earth-Sheltered Houses will enable readers to embark upon their own building projects with confidence, backed up by a comprehensive resources section that lists all the latest products such as waterproofing membranes, types of rigid insulation and drainage products that will protect the building against water damage and heat loss.
Download or read book Off Grid and Underground written by Steve Rees and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2014-03-05 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is a unique look into one of the most unusual building techniques - underground installation of shipping containers - finished out into a very modern, energy efficient home that has proven to be a delight to live in. Detailed how-to instructions from start to finish give the reader a real handle on how they could build this home for themselves successfully and enjoy the wonderful benefits of living underground and off the grid. A real must for those who are considering cutting the city ties and venturing out into the country to establish a successful homestead. Well worth a read!
Download or read book Hacking the Earthship written by Rachel Preston Prinz and published by Archinia Press. This book was released on 2015-03-25 with total page 597 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hacking the Earthship: In Search of an Earth-Shelter that Works for EveryBody is a comprehensive collection of academic and in-the-field research findings on Earthships, combined with practical how-to advice for designing and financing your own truly sustainable earth-sheltered home. Rachel Preston Prinz and contributing authors discuss the history, research, design issues, and evolution of Earthships, drawing on the knowledge of thousands of builders, craftsmen, and designers who have mastered the art of earth sheltering. Then, they walk readers step by step through design, offering a wealth of resources that can inspire, inform, and educate. Within, readers will find the tools needed to understand their place's culture, architecture, and climate... and the ideal building methods for their climate, personality, values, and budget. THE NEW GENERATION OF EARTHSHIP ENTHUSIASTS: • Does not want to cart questionable building materials long distances and call it “green”. • Wants to build locally and naturally… and they want to build it themselves. • Wants their buildings to be cool in summer, warm in winter, the humidity to be predictable and regular; and they want to minimize pests and allergens. • Wants to be able to get a permit and insurance, and resell their homes if they want to; or pass them on if they can. • They want a smaller home that is “just right”… for their budget, time, ability, energy use, and maintenance. • They want to make their home easy to manage, maintain, and get around in, even if they are in a walker or wheelchair. • They want their home to feel like it is made from and relating to the earth: in views, in light, in fresh air, in the ability to grow food, and in a beautiful landscape that supports the home. Finding the balance between all these desires is a delicate and lengthy process of discernment, study, and goal-setting. That is what this book aims to help you do. Chapter 1 THE EARTHSHIP REALITY PROJECT discusses the issues and resolutions of the design. Chapter 2 THE SCIENCE: ACADEMIC RESEARCH AND TIRE OFF-GASSING reviews academic and scientific research on Earthships. Chapter 3 A WAY FORWARD discusses financing and insurance, minimizing waste, managing the build, visioning, and Code requirements. Chapter 4 THE BUILDING’S CONTEXT AND SITE addresses the site and landscape. Chapter 5 DESIGNING FOR THERMAL COMFORT addresses natural, mechanical, and design options for improving thermal performance. Topics covered include passive solar design; thermal mass versus insulation; earth-coupling versus earth-sheltering; thermal and moisture protection; and natural ventilation. Chapter 6 THE STRUCTURAL SYSTEM addresses the ways we can form the building’s structure. Chapter 7 THE ENCLOSURE SYSTEM outlines the construction of the building’s envelope or skin. We discuss traditional earthship building blocks like tire, glass, and can walls, as well as alternative systems like adobe, cob, rammed earth, earthbags, wood block concrete forms, timber frame, log, cordwood, and strawbale buildings. We also cover various roofing options as well as doors and windows. Chapter 8 ROOMS, SPACES, COLORS, & TEXTURES discusses how we can create a home we love. Chapter 9 MECHANICAL SYSTEMS outlines basic mechanical, electrical, and plumbing considerations, especially on-grid systems since those are what make an Earthship most affordable. Chapter 10 IMBUING SPACE WITH SPIRIT addresses psychological and spiritual aspects of design. Chapter 11 CONCLUSION: A NEW SET OF EARTH-SHELTER BUILDING CRITERIA Chapter 12 OVERWHELMED? NEED HELP? discusses some helpful tips if you hire an architect or residential designer . The APPENDICES offer resources and worksheets. Portions of the proceeds will go to our non-profit architectural education programs ARCHITECTURE FOR EVERYBODY and BUILT FOR LIFE.
Download or read book Earthbag Building written by Kaki Hunter and published by New Society Publishers. This book was released on 2004-11-19 with total page 281 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The only comprehensive, illustrated, step-by-step guide to building with earthbags. Over seventy percent of Americans cannot afford to own a code-enforced, contractor-built home. This has led to widespread interest in using natural materials-straw, cob, and earth-for building homes and other buildings that are inexpensive, and that rely largely on labor rather than expensive and often environmentally-damaging outsourced materials. Earthbag Building is the first comprehensive guide to all the tools, tricks, and techniques for building with bags filled with earth-or earthbags. Having been introduced to sandbag construction by the renowned Nader Khalili in 1993, the authors developed this "Flexible Form Rammed Earth Technique" over the last decade. A reliable method for constructing homes, outbuildings, garden walls and much more, this enduring, tree-free architecture can also be used to create arched and domed structures of great beauty-in any region, and at home, in developing countries, or in emergency relief work. This profusely illustrated guide first discusses the many merits of earthbag construction, and then leads the reader through the key elements of an earthbag building: Special design considerations Foundations, walls, and floors Electrical, plumbing, and shelving Lintels, windows and door installations Roofs, arches and domes Exterior and interior plasters. With dedicated sections on costs, making your own specialized tools, and building code considerations, as well as a complete resources guide, Earthbag Building is the long-awaited, definitive guide to this uniquely pleasing construction style. Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series
Download or read book The 1964 1965 New York World s Fair written by Bill Cotter and published by Arcadia Publishing. This book was released on 2004 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 1964-1965 New York World's Fair was the largest international exhibition ever built in the United States. More than one hundred fifty pavilions and exhibits spread over six hundred forty-six acres helped the fair live up to its reputation as "the Billion-Dollar Fair." With the cold war in full swing, the fair offered visitors a refreshingly positive view of the future, mirroring the official theme: Peace through Understanding. Guests could travel back in time through a display of full-sized dinosaurs, or look into a future where underwater hotels and flying cars were commonplace. They could enjoy Walt Disney's popular shows, or study actual spacecraft flown in orbit. More than fifty-one million guests visited the fair before it closed forever in 1965. The 1964-1965 New York World's Fair captures the history of this event through vintage photographs, published here for the first time.
Download or read book Small Homes written by Lloyd Kahn and published by Shelter Publications. This book was released on 2017 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "From the publishers of a popular series of building books comes Small Homes, which is highly relevant for these times. Getting smaller, rather than larger. Some 75 builders share their knowledge of building and design, with artistic, practical, and/or economical homes in the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, France, Germany, Spain, New Zealand and Lithuania. This is the seventh in a series of highly-graphic books on homemade building, all of which are interrelated. The series, "The Shelter Library Of Building Books," include Shelter, Shelter II (1978), Home Work (2004), Builders of the Pacific Coast (2008), Tiny Homes (2012), and Tiny Homes on the Move (2014). Each of these books has over 1,000 photos, and each 2-page spread is carefully laid out with respect to balance of graphics and clarity of information. A running theme with them is that people have been inspired by one book to build their own home, and this will be included in a subsequent book. For example, many of the homes in Home Work were inspired by Shelter. And so on. The underlying theme with Shelter's books, which has continued for over 40 years, is that it's possible for you to create your own home with your own hands, using natural materials. Some of these homes are in the country, some in small towns, and some in large cities"--
Download or read book Earth Sheltered Residential Design Manual written by Raymond Sterling and published by Van Nostrand Reinhold Company. This book was released on 1982 with total page 251 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Provides information on soil types, structural systems, waterproofing, heating, cooling, and landscaping.
Download or read book Earth Sheltered Housing written by University of Minnesota and published by Van Nostrand Reinhold Company. This book was released on 1981 with total page 148 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Offers an approach to construction techniques, providing plans, details, and photographs of earth sheltered houses.
