House underground
It's been thousands of years since humans emerged from caves and dugouts and began building their homes above ground level. However, in recent years, underground homes have become quite popular around the world. Why?
The pioneer of modern underground house technology was American Malcolm Wells, who in the late 60s decided to protect his home from the noisy highway in this way. Subsequently, his architectural vision of modern housing began to be popularized by supporters of the eco-movement in the USA and around the world.
The construction of underground buildings allows to save a large area above them, and in addition, such a solution contributes to environmental protection. In developed countries, no one is surprised by the construction of underground houses. In Ukraine, however, this technology is still treated with great mistrust and skepticism.
Underground house - advantages and disadvantages
Houses located completely or partially underground are very environmentally friendly, and this is their main advantage. However, many find it difficult to overcome the prejudice that says that underground housing is not comfortable. Let's figure out together what it's like to live in an underground house.
A modern underground house can be autonomous on 100%. Electricity can be obtained thanks to solar collectors and wind generators, and drinking water can be filtered from ground and rainwater. In addition, underground houses are very warm, and even when the outside temperature reaches 0 degrees Celsius, the inside of the house will be about 14 degrees Celsius. In order to provide access to daylight, a window is left on the wall or roof of the house. There is an opinion that an underground house must be damp. This is not true - it's all about proper waterproofing.
Underground houses do not spoil the landscape, as they harmoniously merge with it. This solution helps to preserve green spaces and landscape.
Warmth, light and comfort
In some climate zones, underground houses do not require heating at all. This is due to the use of the earth's heat. At the same time, underground houses are cool in the summer. An underground house can also be very light due to the clever use of windows.
It is important to remember that an underground house requires a well-thought-out and implemented ventilation system. Stale air can indeed accumulate in such a house, but with the right approach to air ventilation, the problem ceases to be relevant.