Underground House~ want your opinion

JeepGirl · 03-14-2007, 03:35 PM

have any of you ever seen or live in an underground house? If so, what are the pros and cons about the underground house?

I do know for sure that its safe from tornadoes which is GREAT news for those that live in the Tornado Valley! But what's there to know about the house?

I'm just curious what ya'll think of it?

Tousi · 03-14-2007, 03:53 PM

I saw one here in California once....it's an earth-bermed home and there are some considerations to make when designing such a home but I'm in a hurry right now so let me leave you with this: Don't forget to mow the roof Saturday morning! Lol!

Angel · 03-14-2007, 04:30 PM

I wish I could help you sweetie but I dunno any pro or con for underground house, especially knowing that underground houses are safe from tornadoes ..

Roadrunner · 03-14-2007, 04:55 PM

I've seen a few of these types of homes. However, back in the '80's, I had lived in an apt. which actually looks like a house (with 2 upper ones). The apartment I was in, all the rooms were halfway into the ground, therefore, our windows were as if on ground level. The point is, a home such as the one you're describing can be much cooler in the summertime than one that isn't as well as being warmer in the wintertime. Other than being perhaps safer from such disastrous elements like tornadoes, high winds...it also can be fortified as a good bomb shelter.

~RR

03-14-2007, 04:58 PM

hmm, can anyone post pictures of underground house?

cuz i want to see what it looks like..

Liebling:-))) · 03-14-2007, 05:25 PM

underground house ? Do you mean basement?

If it´s not basement, then can you show me the picture of underground house?

BearBeauty · 03-14-2007, 05:32 PM

OK. I got some pics of undergound homes at

Hurricane proof, disaster proof, Earth sheltered homes that are environmentally friendly.

Selection of Earth Sheltered Homes by Underground Home builder, Davis Caves Illnois

Hope everyone enjoys these pics...

Give you a good idea of the looks of the house? If not.. you can google with underground homes and find more.

Underground homes are like Caves in a way, except they are more elaborate as you can see if you look...

Davis Caves Earth-Sheltered Home

03-14-2007, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BearBeauty

OK. I got some pics of undergound homes at

Hurricane proof, disaster proof, Earth sheltered homes that are environmentally friendly.

Selection of Earth Sheltered Homes by Underground Home builder, Davis Caves Illnois

Hope everyone enjoys these pics...

Give you a good idea of the looks of the house? If not.. you can google with underground homes and find more.

oh interesting... just look like regular house to me

Liebling:-))) · 03-14-2007, 05:35 PM

I´m afraid so, your 2 links didn´t show what form of underground house, but just house so I visited google... I found...

Is this what you talking about?

underground house - Google Bilder

03-14-2007, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liebling:-)))

I´m afraid so, your 2 links didn´t show what form of underground house, but just house so I visited google... I found...

Is this what you talking about?

underground house - Google Bilder

wow, these houses are awesome!

BearBeauty · 03-14-2007, 05:41 PM

I adjusted my post to show one floor plan that only has the living room visible, and everything else is hidden away. Personally, I'd like to have a house like that myself.

TweetyBird · 03-14-2007, 06:05 PM

yea true abt safe from Torando... but i didnt see anything underground house here but u can build it up and make own house..

03-14-2007, 06:07 PM

hmm, i'm curious.. where u can see these houses? only in forests or?

sillycat · 03-14-2007, 07:05 PM

In parts of europe, the people used to put dirt on roof and let animals eat grass on the roof. In Ireland, people used peat bog--type of dirt as part of the roof. So the idea is not entirely new. But the modern underground house is much bigger and looks more cozier. Another advantage is that you can grow garden on the roof.

GalaxyAngel · 03-14-2007, 07:36 PM

An Underground House, Alaska Science Forum

Yes, very safest underground and prevent happening the torando or other kinds... Pretty quite Amazing!
I've seen around the underground house real life and also seen on t.v. too
Lovely!
I wish I could have one but wow, Expensive to buy it!

Edit: and also there's have another... PBS Performance Building Systems earth sheltered homes by underground house builder solar energy energy efficient Earth Systems

GalaxyAngel · 03-14-2007, 07:41 PM

HTM high thermal mass exterior wall details - structural stucco SBC over EPS blueboard foam

Underground Cob House photo story

03-14-2007, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sillycat

In parts of europe, the people used to put dirt on roof and let animals eat grass on the roof. In Ireland, people used peat bog--type of dirt as part of the roof. So the idea is not entirely new. But the modern underground house is much bigger and looks more cozier. Another advantage is that you can grow garden on the roof.

haha that cute

if there one in the forest, i'm might want to get that underground house because i dont want my house that built on the ground(the place where the trees chopped down for the house)

and another reasons.. i can see animals near my home almost everday

mecooncat · 03-14-2007, 09:51 PM

It keeps the house cool during the summer and warm during winter. I've seen it before. But the problem is that they don't have enough windows to let the sunshine light thru. And also make sure it's not on or near the slopes where it can mudslides.

moonflower · 03-14-2007, 10:09 PM

underground house is interested
but agree that safe from tornadoes cuz tornadoes destory houses completely in seconds after hit the houses unless how powerful tornadoes can be

JeepGirl · 03-15-2007, 07:56 AM

The reason why I was asking is because we (husband and I) just got an underground house and will be moving in that house in 2 weeks!!!! Also wanted to see what were the pros and cons about underground houses. I guess I just wanted to know because I've never lived in one.

Tweetybirdie, There are several underground houses I've seen around here. Some are hidden. there's one on Capshaw in Madison.

We are so excited! i just hope that we're making the right decision on this.

I'll take pictures tomorrow when we go to meet the owner. and post some so ya'll can get an idea what it looks like! thanks!

Liebling:-))) · 03-15-2007, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sillycat

In parts of europe, the people used to put dirt on roof and let animals eat grass on the roof. In Ireland, people used peat bog--type of dirt as part of the roof. So the idea is not entirely new. But the modern underground house is much bigger and looks more cozier. Another advantage is that you can grow garden on the roof.

Yes I have seen grass covered-roof more and more here in Germany since few years ago. They said that grass covered-roof is warmer than tiles covered-roof.

Liebling:-))) · 03-15-2007, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mecooncat

It keeps the house cool during the summer and warm during winter. I've seen it before. But the problem is that they don't have enough windows to let the sunshine light thru. And also make sure it's not on or near the slopes where it can mudslides.

Yes I can see disadvantage after saw GalaxyAngel's links is not windows enough to fresh air and not bright every rooms enough because every rooms need nature fresh air... They have to use utilities a lot (Electricity) to keep the rooms light. (turn the lights on all the day). Perhaps use more heater during winter time... ???? (Better check with house agency about this).

I never see underground house before... Interesting... Yes I'm agree that it's good advantage for tornadoes safety.

UpstNYDesigner · 03-15-2007, 10:32 AM

I know a few pros and cons of a underground house. While it is great as a shelter from bad elements such as tornados, strong gale winds, preventing heat loss, and low maintanace on repairs. Your heating (if built in snow belt region) or cooling (in sun belt) or both will be greatly reduced and the bills.

While I agree with Liebling that you will need more light brought in. Those underground and sheltered houses are not well lighted inside. UNLESS you have more money to set up your own power source such as solar or wind.

You will be well received with credits from the government for going green. Underground shelters, homes, etc are considered "Green" or evironmental-friendly. Hey, you will be loved by the liberals! Haha.

The down side, like I said about the lights. Underground shelters you will feel like being in the basement. You must have well ventation to prevent molds, dews, damps, and even rainwater that runs through the soil that sheltered the house. Extra pumping, extra expensive water-resistant paints, more materials to prevent water steeping in the walls. Dehumifiers on all the time, etc. If you have any problems with breathing like allergies or anything like that, maybe a sheltered or underground house is not for you. I know I can not have an underground home since I have bad allergies. I used to live in an apartment in the basement for too long (just before I married my wife)! Also my bedroom in basement when I was living at home with my mom back in the mid-80s.

To be well sheltered from bad weather elements (especially tornados), very little exposure of your home will be needed. Not like semi-sheltered types you seen in some websites.

I strongly recommend you do much further research via online, go to a home show (a trade show) in your hometown. This weekend in Syracuse, NY, we are having the CNY Home Show. They have companies that sells home plans at the show. Check for a show in your hometown or near your hometown. Strongly recommended you attend the show so you can ask them questions regarding an underground home for you.

Another thing to consider. Some towns have strict zoning laws that may ban unusual style of homes. But also geographically. An underground home is best built on a hill, not a flat land. Depends really.

Of course!!! MOW your lawn on the roof!!! Haha!! Very funny! Well, that is true. But please!!!! Do NOT plant trees on the roof because trees have good sense of knowing where water is. That is why water pipes have to be checked since roots love to get into the pipes! Tree roots will try to break through the ceiling!

Not even bushes or scrubs should be on roofs because of the roots will try to break through the ceiling. Just grass. Grass makes good insulation!

I hope this helps!

Reba · 03-15-2007, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RebelGirl

The reason why I was asking is because we (husband and I) just got an underground house and will be moving in that house in 2 weeks!!!!

Cool! I can't wait to see the pictures!

Reba · 03-15-2007, 11:00 AM

I've seen the underground house tours on HGTV. They didn't seem too dark. Many of the houses have a wall of angled windows on the "open" side or skylights.

I've also noticed when I visit many homes that people in regular "above ground" houses often have heavy drapes and blinds closed over their windows. They purposely keep their houses dark inside. (I don't like it that way but that's their preference.) They don't even use their windows, so sometimes the lack of light isn't an issue for some people.

I guess the moisture situation depends on the building materials used, the local geology, and local humidity. Some areas have high water tables, some have sandy soil, some are granite, some are clay, etc.

In the South Carolina Lowcountry, we can't even have basements because the water table is too high. There are no underground houses here. But in other places, underground houses make good sense.

I recently saw on TV a house that was made from an old underground missile silo. It was truly "underground", several stories down. But they made it very livable and cozy.

Remodeling : Deep in the Ground of Texas : Home & Garden Television

Atlas Missile Tours

I think it depends on the person. Some people feel cozy and secure when they are enclosed. It's not for me. I like to look out, and have lots of bright sunshine in my house (even if it does fade fabrics, ha, ha).

So, some of the pros and cons depend on personal preferences.

Reba · 03-15-2007, 11:02 AM

Oops, I forgot.

Monitor the radon levels.

Reba · 03-15-2007, 11:11 AM

You can even include an underground garden.

Gardening : Weather : Underground Garden : Home & Garden Television

Reba · 03-15-2007, 11:14 AM

Quote:

When Ed and Dianna Peden first saw the former Atlas E missile site in 1980, it was flooded in 8-1/2 feet of water and had been abandoned since the 1960s. Peden couldn't keep his mind off the facility. The 40 acres of land, the history of the site and the large interior space all appealed to him. In 1994, the Peden's bought the land and the 15,000-square-foot site and moved right in. Originally built to withstand a nuclear attack makes this facility a perfect home for a home located in tornado-prone Kansas.

The underground complex includes two buildings connected by a 100-foot steel-lined corrugated tunnel, used by military personnel to gain entrance to the missile bay area (figure A). The first building was the original launch services building where the rockets were housed (figure B). The second building, the former command and control building, is where the Peden's established their home (figure C). The Peden's have maintained most of the missile site's original design features.

The Peden's designed a beautiful entryway into their underground home (figure D). Inside the entryway, a spiral staircase winds its way down two stories below ground level to an open den area (figure E). The exposed wooden beams add warmth and texture to the den living space. Adjacent to the den is the spacious kitchen facility designed to entertain large get-togethers (figure F).

Pictures:
Remodeling : Kansas Missile Site : Home & Garden Television

GalaxyAngel · 03-15-2007, 12:37 PM

SEROUIS REBELGIRL.. r u moving in underground house?

I'll be damned.. I wanna visit your place and let me have your accomation!
(chuckles)

I'm envy you!

03-14-2007, 03:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
JeepGirl Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: In the South Posts: 6,360	Underground House~ want your opinion have any of you ever seen or live in an underground house? If so, what are the pros and cons about the underground house? I do know for sure that its safe from tornadoes which is GREAT news for those that live in the Tornado Valley! But what's there to know about the house? I'm just curious what ya'll think of it? __________________ ""When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us""

03-14-2007, 04:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
Angel ♥"Concrete Angel"♥ Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 19,088	I wish I could help you sweetie but I dunno any pro or con for underground house, especially knowing that underground houses are safe from tornadoes .. __________________ "When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is brought in our life, OR in the life of another." ~ Helen Keller

03-14-2007, 05:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
Liebling:-))) My 3 darling princesses Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 27,053	underground house ? Do you mean basement? If it´s not basement, then can you show me the picture of underground house? __________________

03-14-2007, 05:35 PM	#9 (permalink)
Liebling:-))) My 3 darling princesses Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 27,053	I´m afraid so, your 2 links didn´t show what form of underground house, but just house so I visited google... I found... Is this what you talking about? underground house - Google Bilder __________________

03-14-2007, 07:05 PM	#14 (permalink)
sillycat Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kitty travel carrier Posts: 910	In parts of europe, the people used to put dirt on roof and let animals eat grass on the roof. In Ireland, people used peat bog--type of dirt as part of the roof. So the idea is not entirely new. But the modern underground house is much bigger and looks more cozier. Another advantage is that you can grow garden on the roof. __________________ Where's my kitty litter??

Today
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03-14-2007, 03:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tousi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 8,249	I saw one here in California once....it's an earth-bermed home and there are some considerations to make when designing such a home but I'm in a hurry right now so let me leave you with this: Don't forget to mow the roof Saturday morning! Lol!

03-14-2007, 04:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
Roadrunner Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 7,090	I've seen a few of these types of homes. However, back in the '80's, I had lived in an apt. which actually looks like a house (with 2 upper ones). The apartment I was in, all the rooms were halfway into the ground, therefore, our windows were as if on ground level. The point is, a home such as the one you're describing can be much cooler in the summertime than one that isn't as well as being warmer in the wintertime. Other than being perhaps safer from such disastrous elements like tornadoes, high winds...it also can be fortified as a good bomb shelter. ~RR

03-14-2007, 04:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
Animal_Lover Guest Posts: n/a	hmm, can anyone post pictures of underground house? cuz i want to see what it looks like..

03-14-2007, 05:32 PM	#7 (permalink)
BearBeauty Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 818	OK. I got some pics of undergound homes at Hurricane proof, disaster proof, Earth sheltered homes that are environmentally friendly. Selection of Earth Sheltered Homes by Underground Home builder, Davis Caves Illnois Hope everyone enjoys these pics... Give you a good idea of the looks of the house? If not.. you can google with underground homes and find more. Underground homes are like Caves in a way, except they are more elaborate as you can see if you look... Davis Caves Earth-Sheltered Home

03-14-2007, 05:41 PM	#11 (permalink)
BearBeauty Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 818	I adjusted my post to show one floor plan that only has the living room visible, and everything else is hidden away. Personally, I'd like to have a house like that myself.

03-14-2007, 06:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
TweetyBird ~ Fall ~ Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 21,406	yea true abt safe from Torando... but i didnt see anything underground house here but u can build it up and make own house..

03-14-2007, 06:07 PM	#13 (permalink)
Animal_Lover Guest Posts: n/a	hmm, i'm curious.. where u can see these houses? only in forests or?

03-14-2007, 07:36 PM	#15 (permalink)
GalaxyAngel That's me! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Alberta,Canada Posts: 13,542	An Underground House, Alaska Science Forum Yes, very safest underground and prevent happening the torando or other kinds... Pretty quite Amazing! I've seen around the underground house real life and also seen on t.v. too Lovely! I wish I could have one but wow, Expensive to buy it! Edit: and also there's have another... PBS Performance Building Systems earth sheltered homes by underground house builder solar energy energy efficient Earth Systems __________________ Parent's proud our children.

03-14-2007, 07:41 PM	#16 (permalink)
GalaxyAngel That's me! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Alberta,Canada Posts: 13,542	HTM high thermal mass exterior wall details - structural stucco SBC over EPS blueboard foam Underground Cob House photo story __________________ Parent's proud our children.

03-14-2007, 09:51 PM	#18 (permalink)
mecooncat Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 543	It keeps the house cool during the summer and warm during winter. I've seen it before. But the problem is that they don't have enough windows to let the sunshine light thru. And also make sure it's not on or near the slopes where it can mudslides. __________________ Take Time To Laugh Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul. Take time to think, it is the source of power. Take time to read, it is the fountain of wisdom. Take time to love and be loved, it is a God-given privilege. Take time to work, it is the price of success.

03-14-2007, 10:09 PM	#19 (permalink)
moonflower will be very busy soon Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Washtenaw County, Michigan Posts: 4,880	underground house is interested but agree that safe from tornadoes cuz tornadoes destory houses completely in seconds after hit the houses unless how powerful tornadoes can be __________________ my little niece born 11/1/08

03-15-2007, 07:56 AM	#20 (permalink)
JeepGirl Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: In the South Posts: 6,360	The reason why I was asking is because we (husband and I) just got an underground house and will be moving in that house in 2 weeks!!!! Also wanted to see what were the pros and cons about underground houses. I guess I just wanted to know because I've never lived in one. Tweetybirdie, There are several underground houses I've seen around here. Some are hidden. there's one on Capshaw in Madison. We are so excited! i just hope that we're making the right decision on this. I'll take pictures tomorrow when we go to meet the owner. and post some so ya'll can get an idea what it looks like! thanks! __________________ ""When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us""

03-15-2007, 10:32 AM	#23 (permalink)
UpstNYDesigner Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 255	I know a few pros and cons of a underground house. While it is great as a shelter from bad elements such as tornados, strong gale winds, preventing heat loss, and low maintanace on repairs. Your heating (if built in snow belt region) or cooling (in sun belt) or both will be greatly reduced and the bills. While I agree with Liebling that you will need more light brought in. Those underground and sheltered houses are not well lighted inside. UNLESS you have more money to set up your own power source such as solar or wind. You will be well received with credits from the government for going green. Underground shelters, homes, etc are considered "Green" or evironmental-friendly. Hey, you will be loved by the liberals! Haha. The down side, like I said about the lights. Underground shelters you will feel like being in the basement. You must have well ventation to prevent molds, dews, damps, and even rainwater that runs through the soil that sheltered the house. Extra pumping, extra expensive water-resistant paints, more materials to prevent water steeping in the walls. Dehumifiers on all the time, etc. If you have any problems with breathing like allergies or anything like that, maybe a sheltered or underground house is not for you. I know I can not have an underground home since I have bad allergies. I used to live in an apartment in the basement for too long (just before I married my wife)! Also my bedroom in basement when I was living at home with my mom back in the mid-80s. To be well sheltered from bad weather elements (especially tornados), very little exposure of your home will be needed. Not like semi-sheltered types you seen in some websites. I strongly recommend you do much further research via online, go to a home show (a trade show) in your hometown. This weekend in Syracuse, NY, we are having the CNY Home Show. They have companies that sells home plans at the show. Check for a show in your hometown or near your hometown. Strongly recommended you attend the show so you can ask them questions regarding an underground home for you. Another thing to consider. Some towns have strict zoning laws that may ban unusual style of homes. But also geographically. An underground home is best built on a hill, not a flat land. Depends really. Of course!!! MOW your lawn on the roof!!! Haha!! Very funny! Well, that is true. But please!!!! Do NOT plant trees on the roof because trees have good sense of knowing where water is. That is why water pipes have to be checked since roots love to get into the pipes! Tree roots will try to break through the ceiling! Not even bushes or scrubs should be on roofs because of the roots will try to break through the ceiling. Just grass. Grass makes good insulation! I hope this helps!

03-15-2007, 11:00 AM	#25 (permalink)
Reba Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 17,287	I've seen the underground house tours on HGTV. They didn't seem too dark. Many of the houses have a wall of angled windows on the "open" side or skylights. I've also noticed when I visit many homes that people in regular "above ground" houses often have heavy drapes and blinds closed over their windows. They purposely keep their houses dark inside. (I don't like it that way but that's their preference.) They don't even use their windows, so sometimes the lack of light isn't an issue for some people. I guess the moisture situation depends on the building materials used, the local geology, and local humidity. Some areas have high water tables, some have sandy soil, some are granite, some are clay, etc. In the South Carolina Lowcountry, we can't even have basements because the water table is too high. There are no underground houses here. But in other places, underground houses make good sense. I recently saw on TV a house that was made from an old underground missile silo. It was truly "underground", several stories down. But they made it very livable and cozy. Remodeling : Deep in the Ground of Texas : Home & Garden Television Atlas Missile Tours I think it depends on the person. Some people feel cozy and secure when they are enclosed. It's not for me. I like to look out, and have lots of bright sunshine in my house (even if it does fade fabrics, ha, ha). So, some of the pros and cons depend on personal preferences.

03-15-2007, 11:02 AM	#26 (permalink)
Reba Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 17,287	Oops, I forgot. Monitor the radon levels.

03-15-2007, 11:11 AM	#27 (permalink)
Reba Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 17,287	You can even include an underground garden. Gardening : Weather : Underground Garden : Home & Garden Television

03-15-2007, 12:37 PM	#29 (permalink)
GalaxyAngel That's me! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Alberta,Canada Posts: 13,542	SEROUIS REBELGIRL.. r u moving in underground house? I'll be damned.. I wanna visit your place and let me have your accomation! (chuckles) I'm envy you! __________________ Parent's proud our children.