Underground living structures and Habitats

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Underground living structures and habitats include earth-sheltered homes, which use the earth for insulation, and dugouts or constructed caves. These structures offer benefits like stable temperatures and protection from the elements, seen in both modern designs and historical examples like China's Yaodong cave dwellings and Australia's Coober Pedy. Construction methods vary from cut-and-cover to atrium designs with central courtyards for light, though they can be costly and dangerous.  

Types of Underground Structures

• Earth-Sheltered Homes:

These structures are partially or entirely built below the surface of the ground, using the earth's natural insulation to regulate temperature. 

These are created by digging or tunneling into the earth, a technique historically used in places like China and Matera, Italy. 

A variation of earth-sheltered design, these homes are built around a sunken central courtyard that provides natural light, ventilation, and a connection to the outdoors. 

In this design, a house is built and then the earth is mounded against its walls and roof, leaving a portion exposed for windows and access. 

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Construction Methods 

• Cut and Cover:

• Involves excavating, sinking posts into the ground, placing shoring (boards) between the posts, and then covering the structure with a waterproof polyethylene sheet.

Examples and History 

• Yaodong (China):

• This underground town was built to provide relief from the harsh desert heat, with many homes dug into the earth.

Advantages

• Stable Temperatures:

  The earth acts as a natural insulator, providing consistent and comfortable temperatures year-round and reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems. 

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Challenges

• Cost and Danger:

  Tunnelling and excavation can be expensive and potentially dangerous procedures. 

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• Underground living - Wikipedia

  Caves (constructed)/dugouts are a common structure for underground living. Although the tunnelling techniques required to make the...

  

  Wikipedia

The Organic & Natural Paint Co

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Constructed Caves/Dugouts:

Atrium/Courtyard Homes:

Earth Berm Homes:

Precast concrete pipes or containers are assembled to form the living space, and then they are buried in the ground.

PSP (Post, Shoring, Polyethylene):

A traditional type of cave house found in China, demonstrating a long history of underground living.

Sassi di Matera (Italy):

An ancient cave dwelling city in southern Italy, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing deep historical roots for subterranean architecture.

Coober Pedy (Australia):

Protection:

Underground homes are well-protected from harsh weather conditions and can offer increased safety. 

Durability:

When constructed with materials like concrete and steel, these homes can last for centuries. 

Lighting:

Providing adequate natural light can be challenging, requiring innovative design solutions like atriums or well-placed windows. 

Efficient Earth-Sheltered Homes | Department of Energy

When an entire earth-sheltered house is built below grade or completely underground, it's called an underground structure. An atri...

Department of Energy

Digging Deep: The Innovative World of Underground ...

Jan 6, 2024 — There are several methods of building for subterranean living: * Constructed Caves – made by tunnelling into the earth...