DEFINITION:

Earth-sheltered design employs the earth as a major component of a building's thermal control
system.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Using the earth as a component of the energy system, or "earth-tempering," can be accomplished
through three primary methods: direct, indirect, and isolated. In the direct system, the building
envelope is in contact with the earth, and conduction through the building elements (primarily walls
and floor) regulates the interior temperature. In the indirect system, the building interior is
conditioned by air brought through the earth, such as in earth tubes. The isolated system uses earth
temperatures to increase the efficiency of a heat pump by moderating temperatures at the
condensing coil. A geothermal heat pump is an example of an isolated system. This discussion will
focus on direct and indirect systems.

High humidity levels in our area may create mood problems in direct and indirect earth sheltered
systems. Good ventilation and dehumidification can reduce these problems in direct systems. High
temperatures and low ground moisture in the summer (moist soil conditions are preferable for best
conductivity) must also be addressed for optimal benefits from earth sheltering.

In the winter, passive solar features can maintain comfort levels by warming the thermal mass.
(Earth-sheltered homes are typically built with concrete, which has high-thermal mass.)

Costs for a home incorporating direct earth-sheltering can run about 10% higher than conventional
building. Some manufactured systems are closer to conventional home costs. Lower maintenance
and operating costs are typical for earth-sheltered homes.

Commercial Implementation
Status Issues
 Earth Sheltered Design

Legend
Satisfactory

Satisfactory in most conditions

Satisfactory in Limited Conditions

Unsatisfactory or Difficult

COMMERCIAL STATUS

TECHNOLOGY:

Moderately developed. It is generally acknowledged that additional research is needed as well as

SUPPLIERS:

Limited.

COST:

Costs for an earth sheltered home can run 10% higher than conventional homes. Costs are location-
specific.

IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES

FINANCING:

May require additional work with lenders. Numerous precedents exist.

PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE:
 There is limited interest in this type of building due to lack of exposure to examples in our area and
misconceptions regarding the interior environment of this type of home. The non-traditional
appearance hurts general appeal.

REGULATORY:

The layout of the rooms will have to accommodate a means of egress from sleeping areas.

GUIDELINES

 1.0 Indirect Systems (Earth Tubes)

 1.1 Description
o Cooler earth temperature is transferred to air brought into a house through a tube(s)
buried in the ground.
o Outside air is brought through the tube(s) either by fans or natural convection.
 1.2 Indoor Air Quality
o In a warm, humid region, it is possible for humidity to condense in the tube creating
a good environment for mold growth.
 1.3 Benefits/Capacity
o Calculating benefits from the use of earth tubes is difficult due to fluctuating soil
temperatures and conductivity.
o Some analyses have shown that earth tubes can compete with a heat pump when
earth temperatures of 58 F are available.
o However, groundwater temperatures at the 50-150 foot depth in central Texas are
typically 72-75 F, indicating this strategy is most useful in augmenting other systems, such as earth-
coupled (geothermal) heat pumps.
o 1.4 Earth Tube Guidelines:
o Small diameter tubes are more effective than large diameter tubes per unit surface
area.
o Multiple small tubes optimize performance. Parallel 12 inch tubes typically offer the
highest energy and cost efficiencies. (Two 300-foot 12" tubes in parallel or a single 500- foot 18"
tube perform similarly.)
o Long tubes are not needed. The air temperature in the tube reaches the ground
temperature quickly.
o Tubes should be placed as deep as possible.
o Using a closed loop by circulating the house air through the earth tube results in the
best efficiency and reduces problems with humidity condensing inside the tubes.
o The tube material is not a factor in the system's cooling effectiveness. Plastic or
metal materials will perform equally.
o Moist soil conditions enhance the system's performance.
o Circulating water through underground pipes eliminates the threat of contamination
from molds. The water can be used to cool thermal mass in the house or as the cooling source for
an air handler system.
o An earth tube system is typically not competitive with mechanical air conditioning
on solely an economic basis.

 2.0 Direct System

 2.1 Description
o Direct systems utilize conduction through building elements as the regulator of the
indoor temperature. Generally speaking the largest climatic advantage of this system is in helping
cool the living space.
o Buildings can be earth-covered in varying degrees. If the structure is built on the
surface grade and earth is added around it, it is considered a bermed structure. Buildings can be
constructed below grade or into hillsides and be totally or partially covered by earth.
 2.2 Performance Characteristics
o It is generally considered that earth-sheltered structures in this region are of
marginal benefit to the operating energy costs of a building. It must be recognized that practically
all earth sheltered homes are designed with passive solar principles. From the standpoint of the
quality of the energy source, earth-sheltering and solar energy can be considered superior to fossil
fuels.
o Additional factors such as the desirability of noise reduction, reduced impervious
cover, storm protection, and capability to blend with the natural environment (all characteristics of
earth-sheltered homes) must also be considered in ascertaining the value of this type of
construction.
 2.3 Insulation
o In areas of cold winter temperatures, insulation is added to the full exterior of a
building that is earth-sheltered.
o In this region, insulation (R-10 to R-20) is recommended only over the roof area and
extending 8 feet out around the upper portion of the building. This prevents temperature variations
in the upper walls.
o Extruded polystyrene is the most suitable insulation material for earth contact. This
insulation has CFC's or HCFC's. New high density expanded polystyrene (uses no CFC's or
HCFC's) may be suitable.
o If the building is bermed, the upper portion of the building should be insulated to the
same standards used in above ground structures.
 2.3 Earth-covering
o An earth-covered roof should be limited to no more than three feet of soil.
o Twelve to twenty-four inches (adequate for plant growth ) is typically used. This is
too shallow to effectively insulate the building and is the reason that roof insulation is required.
 2.4 Indoor Air Quality
o High humidity in our region will require that well-designed levels of ventilation
and/or dehumidification be incorporated in these types of structures.
o The lack of air infiltration in an earth-sheltered structure intensifies the need to
eliminate pollutants within the house. Mechanically-controlled air infiltration via energy recovery
ventilators can mitigate such concerns and should be strongly considered, particularly those models
with humidity regulation capabilities.
 2.5 Lighting
o As in passive solar structures, an east/west axis should be emphasized in the earth-
sheltered home. The glass area then lies predominantly on the south wall (see section on Passive
Solar Design).
o Light wells are often added to bring light to the interior of the house and interior
surfaces are designed to reflect light deep into the house. The light wells should be designed to
admit indirect summer light by having a roof and open sides.
 2.6 Waterproofing
o Waterproofing of an earth-sheltered building is of primary importance. Most earth-
sheltered homes are made from concrete to provide the necessary strength to support heavy earth
loads.
o Proper drainage techniques along the building perimeter and roof portions are
required. The exterior surfaces then require durable, high quality waterproofing to eliminate leak
potential. This is best accomplished by starting with a crack resistant concrete structure. Post-
 tensioned structures, due to the presence of constant compression, will best accommodate
successful waterproofing.
o 2.6.1 Waterproofing Options:
 Built-up asphalt and pitch membranes. Long term stability and durability
below grade is questionable.
 Cementitious materials. Can be used on a non-cracked surface successfully
and can be applied on the interior if needed to stop a leak.
 Polyurethane-based liquid applied waterproofing systems. Application
requirements and characteristics make these difficult to use successfully.
 Modified bituminous (rubberized asphalt). Very careful application needed to
insure bonding of the sheets to the surface. Backfilling must be carefully done soon after
application.
 Vulcanized and plastic sheets. Include butyl, EPDM, neoprene, Hypalon,
CPE, PVC. Seams should be minimized with these materials. Hypalon absorbs water and is not
suitable. PVC's longevity is questionable. Very careful professional installation is required. These
materials are the most costly of the waterproofing options.
 Bentonite Clay Products. Available in various forms. Spray on, trowel on,
and cardboard panels are common types used in underground buildings. Interior leak repairs can be
done with bentonite. Backfilling must be done with care, and application skill ranges from low
(trowel), to moderate (cardboard panels), to high (spray).

2.7 Overall Considerations

o The construction techniques required for earth-sheltered homes are quite exacting
and should be extensively studied before building.
o Site-specific techniques that account for soil characteristics, topography, rainfall
characteristics, ground water levels and pressure, loading, and slope stability should be used.