This is my first time on the board. Our 20 yr-old earth contact home was self-built without professional guidance. Would an architect be the professional we need to solve light,ventilation,light,layout and light problems? If so, how do we go about finding one knowledgeable about this kind of home? We have alot to learn! Thanks

Yes, an architect is what you need. I'm not familiar with the term "earth contact house" - is it rammed earth? The various alternative constructions do require someone with experience in that specific technique. That's probably not me, but I have a lot of contacts in the "outside the box" category. I'm happy to help you find someone.

Wendy

603-686-5199
ArtForm.Biz

Dear Wendy,
Thank you for your reply to my "earth contact" question. The back wall and both side walls of the main floor are concrete. The walls contact dirt. The front of the house is "normal' in that it is ground level. I know nothing about architecture and construction, but I am sure this house has very different stress problems during settling. I would appreciate any names you could provide so these unusual concerns are addressed. Thank you so much for your time.

Sorry for taking so long to reply again. Life got away from me! The "earth contact" house you describe is what we call a "bermed" house, and it functions very much like a walk-out basement, only without the house above it. They are very energy efficient when it comes to heating and cooling, but also come with all the light and ventilation problems a basement would. The light and layout problems are a Pain in the... Hearing you mention ventilation, I would worry most about air quality. You don't need an Architect with specialized knowledge of alternative construction techniques. You do need one who's as well versed in the "nuts and bolts" of homes as they are in design. You might look for one that does schools as well as homes. Schools always pay close attention to light and ventilation, and an Architect who does that work will know what they're doing in those areas.

Wendy

We have a house that is similar to the one described in the original post here, with similar problems (light and ventilation, too cold in the winter, too hot in the summer, too basement-like). Ours is passive solar with what we have been told is a "thermal envelope" in three walls. We would like to transform this house from a passive solar that doesn't work (we call it passive aggressive solar), to passive solar without the thermal envelope and with a bit of a makeover. Do we need an architect that specializes in passive solar design to help us work our way out of this solar box and all its related problems?

Hi, if it helps any, what you describe is what we called in Architectural school an earth sheltered house. I started researching them for my 5th year project, however, I did not complete the training. There are several architects that worked exclusivly with that form ...I visited a home in Traverse City, Michigan. There are actually several of them here in North Alabama, as well. Malcolm Wells' name comes to mind...I don't know how old he is, but he published many books on the subject.

Anyway, good luck on your project.
I don't know if this will help you, but when I was doing my research, there was a great HVAC instructor who did solar and earth sheltered homes...his name was Joseph Olivieri. He was in the Detroit, MI area.

DJM

I grew up in an earth contact home so I know exactly what you are talking about. Ours was bermed on two sides with the other two exposed. This form of house can be very energy efficient if done correctly, but if you divide it similarly to a typical house, some rooms would be without windows and ventilation. Both are required by code to call the space a sleeping area so unless you want to have a nice media room I suggest building UP. The foundation for your home should easily be able to accommodate new floor joists and walls for a second floor. You would need to remove the entire roof however if you have prefab roof trusses and start new adding 2x10 floor joists minimum for your second floor. You can keep the energy savings by going with 2x6 walls for increased insulation as well as desiging your house for passive heating and cooling through windows, fans, and appropriate overhangs and thermal mass. Good luck- I would definitely check out your local AIA office for architects who may specialize in energy efficient housing.