Post by account_disabled on Feb 18, 2024 22:00:18 GMT -6
Have you ever wondered if it is possible to live underground and take advantage of the Earth's temperature to keep a home cool in summer and warm in winter? In this article, we will tell you the story of a couple who decided to build their house using buried shipping containers and how they have achieved a sustainable and economical lifestyle.
As a child, Steve Rees played in caves and learned to cool off with the earth. As an adult, he buried two containers and created a retirement home where he and his wife Shirley live.
After a few years camping Phone Number List on their -hectare plot in Northern California, they bought two containers, hired an excavator, and got to work. They did most of the work themselves and the house cost them $, (including solar).
Although it has been cheaper compared to conventional construction costs, the savings only begin with construction. With a solar-powered well, some propane, and solar tubes for most of the light, they haven't had to pay water or electric bills since The winter temperatures in their home (even with -ºC outside ) never drop below ºC (a catalytic RV heater is sufficient for heating). Even when the temperature outside rises to ºC in summer, his house has never exceeded ºC.
When they asked the city council about permits, they were told that " they did not have permission to bury containers ." They have passed inspections since their house was completed, but not for a single-family home. " We have a licensed septic system, a licensed well, everything is in order as far as that goes, it's just that this is such a non-compliant type of construction that they really didn't know what to do with us ."
Life underground: how to take advantage of the Earth's temperature in a container house
The design of the house is based on the idea of using the constant temperature of the underground to control the indoor environment. The underground structure provides natural insulation that keeps the house cool in summer and warm in winter. In addition, the use of solar tubes allows the entry of natural light, which creates a bright and pleasant environment.
The construction of the house also took into account the prevention of humidity and corrosion. Styrofoam panels and drainage gravel were installed around and under the containers to prevent water buildup and keep the metal dry. In addition, innovative solutions were designed for the installation of walls and cabinets, avoiding unnecessary drilling that could cause rust.
The house has all modern amenities, including electricity, gas and water, although the entry of these services is through the roof rather than the floor, due to the underground nature of the construction.
The total construction cost was around $,, which works out to just under $ per square foot. The house has m . While the price may seem high, consider the savings on utility bills and the comfort provided by consistent subfloor temperatures year-round.
As a child, Steve Rees played in caves and learned to cool off with the earth. As an adult, he buried two containers and created a retirement home where he and his wife Shirley live.
After a few years camping Phone Number List on their -hectare plot in Northern California, they bought two containers, hired an excavator, and got to work. They did most of the work themselves and the house cost them $, (including solar).
Although it has been cheaper compared to conventional construction costs, the savings only begin with construction. With a solar-powered well, some propane, and solar tubes for most of the light, they haven't had to pay water or electric bills since The winter temperatures in their home (even with -ºC outside ) never drop below ºC (a catalytic RV heater is sufficient for heating). Even when the temperature outside rises to ºC in summer, his house has never exceeded ºC.
When they asked the city council about permits, they were told that " they did not have permission to bury containers ." They have passed inspections since their house was completed, but not for a single-family home. " We have a licensed septic system, a licensed well, everything is in order as far as that goes, it's just that this is such a non-compliant type of construction that they really didn't know what to do with us ."
Life underground: how to take advantage of the Earth's temperature in a container house
The design of the house is based on the idea of using the constant temperature of the underground to control the indoor environment. The underground structure provides natural insulation that keeps the house cool in summer and warm in winter. In addition, the use of solar tubes allows the entry of natural light, which creates a bright and pleasant environment.
The construction of the house also took into account the prevention of humidity and corrosion. Styrofoam panels and drainage gravel were installed around and under the containers to prevent water buildup and keep the metal dry. In addition, innovative solutions were designed for the installation of walls and cabinets, avoiding unnecessary drilling that could cause rust.
The house has all modern amenities, including electricity, gas and water, although the entry of these services is through the roof rather than the floor, due to the underground nature of the construction.
The total construction cost was around $,, which works out to just under $ per square foot. The house has m . While the price may seem high, consider the savings on utility bills and the comfort provided by consistent subfloor temperatures year-round.