Building Underground: The Design and Construction Handbook for Earth-Sheltered Houses

Emmaus, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.: Rodale Press, 1983. First printing with full number-line beginning w/1. Heavy pictorial semi-glossy boards, moderate shelf wear, bump. Pages near fine, small stamp at endpaper: "Feb. 24, 1983". Small similar stamp to lower exterior text block: "John A. Kumor". Illustrated throughout with photos, illustrations, and basic plans, etc. to construct your own earth home. Bind fine, square; hinges intact. Scarce, near very good first edition. Includes rare ephemeral leaflet summarizing with illustrations the purpose and potential of this volume. Excerpt: "Compilation of the experiences of others as tempered and translated through my own store of knowledge and experience. Throughout, my goal is to provide you with information rather than instruction. It would have been a lot easier to take specific site and climate conditions and provide specific instructions for design and construction. While that approach is not without merit, it cannot provide the reader with the information needed to make a decision. My aim has been to provide many reasonable alternatives in design and construction practice so that you, with the help of professionals, can choose the unique combination of features that fits your site and satisfies your needs." This valuable guide presenting design and construction of earth-sheltered houses is useful both those who want to build their own and those who want to hire engineers and builders. With detailed text and illustrations, this volume covers: site selection and soil evaluation; basic design options and floor plans; passive solar designs; construction methods and materials; insulation and waterproofing; electrical systems; plumbing, lighting and heating; and, humidity control, ventilation and natural cooling. The author, Herb Wade, takes the reader on a tour of earth-sheltered homes built all over North America - homes that are spacious, attractive and comfortable in every way. Underground houses are heated and cooled for a fraction of the cost of maintaining comfort in aboveground houses. Their physical security, low maintenance, low operating costs, sturdy construction, and noise and dust control further enhance their attractiveness. Building Underground tells why, and how, thousands of owners are enjoying the benefits. 289 pages. Insured post.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good. Illus. by Baxter, Ken (Illustration). 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall.