Building Underground: The Design and Construction Handbook for Earth-Sheltered Houses

"This valuable guide to the design and construction of earth-sheltered houses is useful both for do-it-yourselfers and for people who want to hire engineers and builders. With detailed text and illustrations, it covers: site selection and soil evaluation; basic design options and floor plans; passive solar designs; construction methods and materials; insulation and waterproofing; electrical systems; plumbing, lighting and heating; and, humidity control, ventilation and natural cooling. Building Underground covers the most current information on underground housing. It takes you on a tour of earth-sheltered homes built all over North America - homes that are spacious, attractive and comfortable in every way. Underground houses are heated and cooled for a fraction of the cost of maintaining comfort in aboveground houses. Their physical security, low maintenance, low operating costs, sturdy construction, and noise and dust control further enhance their attractiveness. Building Underground tells why, and how, thousands of owners are enjoying the benefits of earth sheltering. With Building Underground, you too can profit from the years of accumulated experience contained in this book."