Epilogue

Underground homes did not disappear after the 60s, they simply evolved into "earth sheltered housing." The oil crisis of the 1970s and the subsequent jump in energy prices gave new impetus to some time-tested energy saving ideas.

No one builds true underground homes anymore; they are called "bunkers." Instead, a concrete shell is built and then earth is bermed around three sides and over the roof, leaving one wall of windows (usually to the south) exposed. Thus the advantage of using the earth as insulation is retained while avoiding the expense of excavating underground. A solar heating advantage is gained as well as is the psychological advantage of a true view to the outside world.

The University of Minnesota's Underground Space Center has published several excellent books on the subject:

Ahrens, D., T. Ellison and R. Sterling. 1981. Earth Sheltered Homes - Plans and Designs.
Underground Space Center, University of Minnesota. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. ISBN 0-442-28676-7

Carmody, J. and R. Sterling. 1985. Earth Sheltered Housing Design, 2nd Edition. Underground Space Center, University of Minnesota. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. ISBN 0-442-28746-1

Carmody, J. and R. Sterling. 1993. Underground Space Design - A Guide for Subsurface Utilization and Design for People in Underground Spaces. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. ISBN 0-442-01383-3


In addition, there are several builders that specialize in earth sheltered construction:

Davis Caves Construction, Inc.
P.O. Box 69
Armington, IL 61721
http://www.daviscaves.com/index.shtml

Earth Sheltered Technology, Inc.
PO Box 5142
Mankato, MN 56001
http://www.earthshelteredtech.com/Default.htm

Performance Building Systems, Inc.
PO Box 1679
Durango, CO 81302
http://www.earthshelter.com/

Home Sweet Earth Home
Rick Ohanian, Earth Home Master
P.O. Box 091161
Columbus, OH 43209-1161
http://www.undergroundhomes.com/home.html

Finally, here's a couple who did it themselves:
http://www.ourcoolhouse.com/