Green Home

[Sam Mansell]

I am wanting to build a home that is buried on three sides and open to face the south. I want something that is as cheap as possible to heat and cool even though the intinal construction costs are high.
I am hoping that any of you can share your ideas or stories of what does and does not work.
I know there are probley better fitted sites to post on, however, I have learned so much by reading and asking on this site. I will look forward to reading any and all ideas. Thank you.

 

[RayP(MI)]

In a word,INSULATE!

 

[John S-B]

You want insulated concrete forms (ICF). It will stand up to the pressure of the soil and resist water leakage, not to mention it's the most energy efficient. I have it for my basement, it's awsome.
The way it workes is there are insulated form blocks that stack like Lego blocks. You add rebar as you go and then pour concrete in the forms for a poured wall with insulation inside and out. My walls are R40, you can go thicker and get R50. It's about 10-15% more than a traditional poured wall, but better insulated and easier to finish inside and out. It definately will pay for itself in just a few years. Here's the web address.
Untitled URL Link

 

[Anonymous-0]

passive solar orientation,super insulated ,compact design,high performance windows,geothermal in floor heating and cooling,energy star appliances and compact florescent lighting help a lot.Our 1920 sq.ft. house in rural Cottage Grove,wi costs about $120 a year to heat and cool.Our electric bills average $45/month[that includes heating and cooling].We run on off peak electric for the geo system.We also have an attached 14 car garage.