Earth sheltered/bermed construction

[GlueGuy]

Final pic number 282. This was taken from another 50 or so feet back. There's a small vinyard on the west side of the building. The people in the pic are the architect, his wife, and my sweetie.

 

[GlueGuy]

Re: Earth sheltered/bermed construction: House #2

This house was built in the early 80's, and is still not quite "finished". In addition, it has been somewhat neglected, since the original owner/builder passed away several years ago. None-the-less, you get a pretty good idea of the earth sheltered concept. This home has only about 1' of earth on top, and is considered sufficient "earth sheltering" for the mild climate where it's located (just a little north of Vacaville).

This is another diagram as before. You'll note that this building is actually composed of three separate structures. Coming up the driveway, the garage is on the left, the shop and storage building is on the right, and the house is in the rear. I didn't marke this drawing for orientation, but the house is on the south side, and the outbuildings are on the north side, so the drawing is upside-down from conventional. /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

This structure was poured concrete, with brick and stone facing. The roof is similar to the first one, but the engineered trusses (all wood) are 24" tall, and is approximately a 24' clear span. Above the brick and stone, the overhang was built with redwood, and has a copper facing (looks real nice up close, and should last a lifetime).

 

[GlueGuy]

Pic number 283. This was taken out by the road looking at the north side. The driveway curves into the courtyard area, and can be seen on the right side of this picture. You really can't see the structure, but can see the owner's pickup truck near the courtyard.

 

[GlueGuy]

Pic number 284. Taken right behind the pickup seen in the distance in the previous photo. From here you can see the courtyard. The garage is hidden behind the berm on the left. The berm on the right goes over the storage area, and up underneath some clearstory windows on the shop. What looks like a pergola is actually an entryway cover.

 

[GlueGuy]

Pic number 285. This is in the courtyard looking at the corner between the storage "shed" and the shop. The owner was a contractor, and specialized in using exotic woods that he bought in bulk. He used the storage shed as a drying room for the wood. The shop is pretty big; at least 30x30.

 

[GlueGuy]

Pic number 286. This is taken near the middle of the courtyard. On the right is the corner of the shop again. Straight ahead is the house. There is a pathway going around to the right between the shop and the house. The entryway cover is on the left, and the garage is outa site on the left.

 

[GlueGuy]

Pic number 287. This was taken a little to the left of #286. The garage is still outa site (behind the berm), but you can see the steps leading up to the house.

 

[GlueGuy]

Pic number 288. This was taken standing in front of the shop. The planter in the foreground is a divider between the driveway and the walkway that runs between the shop and the house.

 

[GlueGuy]

Pic number 289. This was taken at the west end of the walkway between the shop and the house (that's my sweetie standing there /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. The white door-like thing is a shutter over the door (window?).

 

[GlueGuy]

Pic number 290. This is taken at the extreme west end of the walkway between the shop and the house, looking straight-on at the berm going up this side of the house. That's my sweetie and the architect standing over by the berm.

 

[GlueGuy]

Pic number 291. This was taken on the southwest side of the house. The walkway is outa site on the left. More shiutters on the windows (white things).

 

[GlueGuy]

Pic number 292. This was taken on the southeast side of the building (up on the hill visible in #291). You can see the thin layer of soil on the roof (less than 1' according to the architect).

 

[GlueGuy]

Pic number 293 (last one, whew!). This is taken a little further up the hill than #292. You get a good view of the roof here, plus what looks like some subsistence on the east end (remember, this house was built about 20 years ago).

 

[Harv]

Wow, GlueGuy! When you said you had some pictures, I wasn't expecting the entire album! /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif

That's the best photo coverage I've seen on this type of construction. It's an intriguing concept that I will now be following with interest. Can't wait for you to build your own. Muhammad will have to add another hard disk to the server when you do. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[GlueGuy]

<font color=blue>Muhammad will have to add another hard disk to the server when you do.</font color=blue>

Oh no! He might have to raise your dues. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif Good thing disks keep getting cheaper. (just got a new barracuda (40GB) for only $94).

 

[Anonymous Poster]

<font color=blue>...(just got a new barracuda (40GB) for only $94). ..</font color=blue>

Where did you get that Seagate so cheap...? Refurb?

That's the cheapest SCSI I've ever heard.../w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif

 

[GlueGuy]

Not a SCSI. They just started putting the barracuda name on the EIDE version. They actually call it a "Barracuda IV", but it's an Ultra DMS/100 interface. I got it at Fry's. They are now online at: <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.outpost.com>Outpost.com</A>

 

[hugo]

Hello:

I have been following this very interesting thread & have enjoyed the photos. Here is a web site with some links for other ideas about "earth homes" :

http://www.stormbear.com/bagend2/

HP

 

[GlueGuy]

Ugh. Not my cup o' tea. I'm not feeling like a mole-person, I'm just looking for (a) storm protection, (b) high efficiency, (c) something that blends into the environment, (d) something that looks good. Thanks for the link though...

 

[patrickg]

Well, Yaouk, Debate away, as soon as I can direct you to the person, persons, or agency responsible for the othe rside of the argument. I promise you it isn't me. I came apon this "information" from a contractor putting in the septic system for my mom's new house. He was talking about the use of the ground up tires being encouraged/allowed by the state DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) but outlawing privately held caches of used tires above 50 in number (I'm pretty sure about the number = 50 but it was a year ago). I commented on the seeming contradictory stand (not unusual for governing bodies).

I had been telling this gentleman how I had some ideas/plans for using used tires in columns and or in interlocking courses in conjunction with concrete for building a dam and some retaining walls. That is when he explained how the law prevented that use (> 50). This man is one of a very few folks in the state that hold a current lisc as waste disposal-landfill operator. He does not currently operate a facilitly but is lisc to do so and is current in training and understanding regulaltions.

I also mentioned rammed earth ala the "Earth Ship" approach in New Mexico and how that would be illegal in light of his information. The rammed earth inside tires as apposed to other forms etc, I think was pioneered by the Earth Ship folks. This is the butt ugly thingy to which you refer, yes? The esthetes among rammed earth practitioners cover over, plaster, stucco, or otherwise hide the tires as most straw bale builders obscure the direct view of the straw in their construction projects.

Sorry to "wimp out" on you debate wise but I have no desire to take up a view contrary to yours just because someone told me information that is contrary to your belief. Regarding your faith regarding the rectitude of all things government approved... TSK TSK TSK, the gulibility of youth... Irrespective of how rampant your eco-concern and confidence in "RIGHT BY ASSOCIATION with Government actions or decisions", I'd like to hear credible facts whether or not tires are a significant source of poutants, petro-chemicals, or ... I'm not claiming anything resembling papal infalibility. Maybe someone out there could enlighten us regarding the decomposition products of tires and their bio-effects in the ecosystem.

Patrick