|
| Author |
Message |
duckylucky
Member
|
# Posted: 7 Aug 2012 01:53pm - Edited by: duckylucky
Reply
I wonder if anyone has built a small underground cabin. I was thinking about digging it into the side of a hill or constructing a sturdy hut and then covering it with a mount of dirt against the walls. I have also thought of using a surplus shipping container. Such a design would be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It would also be wind proof / resistant. Please post pictures or links if you know of any.
|
|
exsailor
Member
|
# Posted: 7 Aug 2012 02:27pm - Edited by: exsailor
Reply
A shipping container shouldn't be buried. All of its strength comes from the corner posts to support the one above it. There isn't any side strength to withstand ground pressures. Then if it was strong enough, you would have the whole metal box thing rusting from the ouside- in growing weaker all the time. Here is a link that discusses an underground cabin. http://www.countryplans.com/underground.html enjoy!
|
|
duckylucky
Member
|
# Posted: 7 Aug 2012 06:06pm - Edited by: duckylucky
Reply
I am not talking about burying it under 100 feet of dirt! Shipping containers have sides made of corrugated heavy gauge steel. I am pretty sure that can hold back a lot of weight. Additionally, they are waterproof to protect cargo while at sea, so I would expect them to due well underground.
Using a shipping container (above or below ground) would also be more secure when leaving the cabin unattended for months. I found a lot of webpages showing how they can be used to build cabins and many other above ground structures. http://urban-review.com/cargotecture-%E2%80%93-finding-new-use-for-old-shipping-conta iners/
|
|
rancid
Member
|
# Posted: 7 Aug 2012 08:18pm
Reply
heres what im doing in utah with my 2 40 ft containers on my offgrid 12 acres. i have drawn this up about 20 times , trying all kinds of ideas. it will be solar, wind, with a backup generator. chest freezer, converted to a fridge. indoor rocket stove. solar heated water on the roof with a 200 gallon cistern and a 3000 gallon cistern in the ground as well. all l.e.d lighting. corrugated metal roofing and corugated metal and wood siding on the exterior.
|
|
rancid
Member
|
# Posted: 7 Aug 2012 08:20pm - Edited by: rancid
Reply
i might ended earth berming a coupe sides still as well. they are corten steel , but can still rust and they really do need some reinforcement for the roof to carry dirt.
|
|
duckylucky
Member
|
# Posted: 7 Aug 2012 08:58pm
Reply
That's not a cabin, that's a house! hehehe!
|
|
hattie
Member
|
# Posted: 7 Aug 2012 09:15pm
Reply
Bill Lishman (Canada's own Father Goose) built an underground house. As I recall it took a lot of work to get the permits in place because no one would sign off on the design. He did manage to get it done and it is supposed to be amazing. I found a link to it: http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/bill-lishmans-underground-dome-h ome.html
|
|
|
