In an era where going “green” is of expanding interest and necessity, society is embracing more methods of preserving the earth. One of these ways is through green building, a method of construction that uses energy-conserving techniques. These structures can consist of components, such as solar panels, for the conservation of electricity and heat, or they may be earth homes, also known as underground or earth-sheltered homes.
Earth homes are typically built with steel and concrete, and covered with earth on the top, back, and sides. This type of construction is an enormous electricity saver, and in fact, many require no heat or air conditioning, since the earth maintains a nearly unwavering temperature in the home year round. An added benefit is that earth homes are virtually disaster proof in tornadoes, hurricanes, and even structural fires.
A popular
misconception is that earth homes are dark inside, due to the reduced number of
windows; however, structures that face the southern direction tend to allow
more sunlight in, making the interior nearly as bright as a traditionally built
home’s interior, especially if the windows are larger in size.
Another
fear is that these homes are leaky or damp inside, but this, also, is not the
case. The structures are heavily
waterproofed, many times with bituthene, a rubberized type of waterproofing,
which expands with water, fully protecting the structure’s interior from
dampness.
Though some
earth homes are built with flat roofs, many are dome shaped and can even be two
story homes. They are environmentally
friendly, insect free, virtually maintenance free, and they have up to 90% less
pollutants and allergens inside than a traditional home. Many are constructed in such a traditional
manner that they are difficult to distinguish as an earth home, and the cost of
construction is usually about the same as a traditional home.
Though
building permits are easily obtained, financing can sometimes be tricky, as
appraisers in some areas are still unfamiliar with earth homes. Additionally, some insurance companies remain
cautious; however, those who do provide coverage on the structures say that the
energy-efficiency and safety aspects of earth homes are a money saver when it
comes to insurance.
Companies
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I sat so merry in my abode
Loving hands around me
I dreamt of such glorious days
One day i would see
I remember the day I left
My room
I closed the door behind me
One quick look again
Then walked away
The room which would always remind me
The glorious days I had dreamt
I did merrily spent
How little did I then know
Life turns on a dime
My room is now not as it was
When I closed the door
Behind me
My room now is a prison
But not how one would invision
It is one of sorrow and grief
Sadness burns into the bare walls
I catch my breath
And weep
Why did thou'st doth betray?
The room which once embraced me
I ask with riddled heart
Jagged and torn
Which wicked riddles have I thus sought?
I sit still
I am now my room
No dreams as once before
I age before my open door
In my room long ago
I sat merrily in my loving abode
Loving hands did hold me
All gone
My room and myself
Now one
Two thrust to be together
Forever
Alone