Earth Sheltered House
The blank" >target="_blank" >concept of the quiet, energy-efficient, earth-sheltered house, in which the glossary/roof/" class="glossaryLink" data-cmtooltip="aa8b0aafd8e93f6a71c2c36ab2ca102f" target="_blank" >roof and at least three sides of the structure are covered with soil, was developed in the early 1960s as an outgrowth of atomic fallout shelters, and its popularity grew in the next decades with increased awareness of environmental concerns. The primary building-material/" class="glossaryLink" data-cmtooltip="f7760408bbd516ef133a7ec5a97bdddc" target="_blank" >building material is typically concrete, which acts as a thermal mass. The insulating soil helps warm the structure in cool weather and draws heat out in warm months. Solar panels collect and store natural energy, while south-facing windows capture low-angle winter sunlight. ()