Earth-sheltered "hobbit" Houses?

[John-b-gone]

I found this: https://magazine.good.is/articles/off-the-grid-is-cool-but-costly

 

[Coss]

I found this: https://magazine.good.is/articles/off-the-grid-is-cool-but-costly

If I was young and single I could see it; 120 sq. ft. would make me crazy at this point in life.
I can see one person living in it; 2 would really test both of you; that"s too small for those that like having their own space.
But the concept has possibilities.

 

[Muzhik]

I could see it as a camper. It's got at least as much space as a teardrop trailer. If your local govt. doesn't have a problem with you parking it for extended periods in your backyard, then you could use it as an office.

 

[W. WIllie]

No orders shipped until 2017, maybe it can be converted to an ELIO garage?

 

[pistonboy]

No orders shipped until 2017, maybe it can be converted to an ELIO garage?

Probably its best usage.

 

[Sethodine]

So, the particular earth-sheltered system that I originally linked to--Green Magic Homes--has updated their website with new renders, pictures of real projects, and a brand-new FAQ. The FAQ answers a lot of the questions posed here, which is pretty fantastic.

First, for colder climates they recommend coating the shell with up to 2 feet of foam insulation before covering it in soil. I figured this might be a legitimate option, but knowing that others have done this and that they actually recommend this makes me feel better about considering it.

Secondly, they mention it is entirely possible to cover the fiberglass shell with steel-reinforced concrete if you want. Their engineers will even work out the design for you according to your houseplan and site setup. This would make building custom apocalypse bunkers so much easier

The new FAQ also includes easier to understand technical data, such as maximum recommended soil and vegitation loads. In related news, my wife and I are now keeping our eyes open for the right property in our area to build one of these houses. Maybe we'll have it up by the time I get my Elio

 

[BrianRosenthal]

I can see one person living in it; 2 would really test both of you;.

I noticed in the final scene of the video, the happy couple are sitting outside. Kinda far apart.

 

[Ben Purdy]

Any update on this? I've also been considering getting a green magic home and would like to know how this turned out. As far as possible issues, the main ones ive though of are possible additions to the house will be quite difficult, with windows the size of the ones listed on their website i would assume insolation may not be as good as what one would presume and finally the obvious downside to losing space making cabinets/refrigerators/ext work in a curved wall environment.

 

[booboo]

Search "Monolithic Dome" if you really want a modern hobbit house.

 

[Coss]

Any update on this? I've also been considering getting a green magic home and would like to know how this turned out. As far as possible issues, the main ones ive though of are possible additions to the house will be quite difficult, with windows the size of the ones listed on their website i would assume insolation may not be as good as what one would presume and finally the obvious downside to losing space making cabinets/refrigerators/ext work in a curved wall environment.

This thread was created by Sethodine; you might want to PM him if he doesn't respond.