An earth shelter, also called an earth house, earth-bermed house, earth-sheltered house,[1] earth-covered house, or underground house, is a structure (usually a house) with earth (soil) against the walls and/or on the roof, or that is entirely buried underground.
Earth acts as thermal mass, making it easier to maintain a steady indoor air temperature and therefore reduces energy costs for heating or cooling.
Earth sheltering became relatively popular after the mid-1970s, especially among environmentalists. However, the practice has been around for nearly as long as humans have been constructing their own shelters.
- ^ "Efficient Earth-Sheltered Homes". Energy Saver. Retrieved 3 November 2024.