Underground Houses

Though rare, underground "earth-sheltered" houses seem perfect for the Arizona climate.   Burrowing into the soil here isn't easy, with the caliche layer forming a cement barrier.  But as shown in this home, a combination of digging down, then mounding up earth around the home provides great insulation from the extreme temperatures as well as sound.  Sustainability should be considered in the desert, where the temperatures can rise to 122 degrees; yet in a cave, the temperature can maintain 68 degrees year round.  When researching underground homes, problems mentioned are getting building permits, extra building costs and resale issues.  Advantages, other than monthly cost savings and reduced upkeep on exteriors,  are the landscaping possibilities.  This house on Cholla near 104th Street has not only taken advantage of sustainability in the home, but also the cost savings of the "minimalist" landscaping.