Earth Sheltered House Floor Plans

Essential Aspects of Earth Sheltered House Floor Plans

Earth sheltered houses are a type of house partially or completely covered by soil. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency, structural stability, and environmental friendliness. However, designing an earth sheltered house presents unique challenges, and the floor plan is one of the most important considerations.

When designing the floor plan for an earth sheltered house, there are a number of factors to keep in mind:

Slope and Orientation: The slope and orientation of the site will significantly impact the design of the floor plan. A house built on a steep slope may require a different layout than one built on a flat lot, and the orientation should take advantage of passive solar heating and natural light.
Natural Lighting: Natural lighting is difficult to achieve in an earth sheltered house, so it is important to maximize the use of windows. Skylights and courtyards can also be used to bring light into the house.
Ventilation: Ventilation is essential for any house, but it is particularly important for earth sheltered houses. A well-designed ventilation system will help to prevent moisture buildup and ensure a healthy indoor environment.
Access and Egress: Earth sheltered houses often have different entrances and exits than conventional houses. This is because the main entrance may be located on the lower level, while the emergency exit may be located on the upper level. It is important to design the floor plan so that all occupants can safely evacuate the house in the event of an emergency.
Structural Integrity: The floor plan should also take into account the structural integrity of the house. The roof and walls of an earth sheltered house must be able to withstand the weight of the soil covering them.

In addition to these factors, there are a number of other considerations when designing the floor plan for an earth sheltered house. These include the size and shape of the house; the number and type of rooms; the layout of the kitchen, bathroom, and other amenities; and the use of natural materials.

By carefully considering all of these factors, you can design an earth sheltered house floor plan that meets your needs and provides a comfortable and enjoyable living space.

Additional Tips for Designing Earth Sheltered House Floor Plans

Here are a few additional tips for designing earth sheltered house floor plans:

Use natural materials as much as possible, such as wood, stone, and earth.
Consider using a passive solar heating system to reduce your energy consumption.
Install a rainwater harvesting system to collect and store rainwater for irrigation and other uses.
Choose energy-efficient appliances and fixtures to further reduce your energy consumption.

By considering these tips, you can design an earth sheltered house that is not only energy efficient and environmentally friendly, but also beautiful and comfortable.