Maybe you live in an area where the temperature drops below freezing during the winter. You can purchase overpriced vegetables from your local grocery store, or build your own underground greenhouse and not have to concern yourself with the weather.
Have you ever wondered how to build a underground greenhouse, how to build your own underground home, how to build house underground? You’re not alone. There are many people wondering how to create the perfect environment to provide their plants with all the conditions they need. I show you exactly what to do.
How to build your own underground home
If you want to build a house underground, then the first thing you’ll need to do is choose a site. You can do this by looking for an area with plenty of sunlight and good drainage. Don’t forget that the soil must be strong enough to support the weight of your home, so you may need to consider reinforcing it with concrete.
Once you’ve chosen your site, get planning permission from your local council. This will ensure that your property meets all legal requirements and that there are no problems with planning permission when you come to sell it later on.
Next, you need to work out how much time and money you have available for building your home. If it’s just one person working on the project alone then it will take longer than if there are several people working together on it – but don’t worry; it’s still possible!
Underground greenhouses are a unique type of home that can be built in any area. They provide the best protection from the elements and can be constructed for relatively little cost. The primary purpose of an underground greenhouse is to allow you to grow plants year-round, even if your climate does not get enough sunlight.
Benefits of an Underground Greenhouse
An underground greenhouse provides many benefits over a traditional above-ground greenhouse. The most obvious benefit is that it protects plants from the elements, keeping them warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This increases plant growth and yields as well as extending their growing season by several months.
Another major advantage is that an underground greenhouse doesn’t need extra equipment like fans or vents to regulate temperature or humidity level. Because there is no sunlight entering the structure, it’s easy to maintain ideal levels inside without spending extra money on electricity or equipment maintenance.
The third main benefit of an underground greenhouse is that they’re much cheaper than building an above-ground glass structure. You can build your own for less than $500 if you have access to free land or if you have friends who will help out with digging and hauling dirt!
Underground greenhouses are a great way to grow plants in the winter months. They allow you to get a head start on your spring crops, and can be built in any location. The best part is that they’re relatively easy to build and maintain.
The first step in building an underground greenhouse is deciding where it will go. You don’t want it too close to your house, because the heat from your home may affect the temperature of the greenhouse. Also, you shouldn’t put it in an area with too much shade or sunlight, as that will affect how well your plants grow.
Once you’ve found the right spot for your greenhouse, mark off its dimensions with stakes and string. Then take a shovel and dig down into the ground until you reach solid rock (or dirt if there’s no rock). Make sure that there’s enough room for all of your plants before continuing with this step.
Next, dig out two trenches on each side of where you just dug down about four feet deep and about three feet wide (the depth depends on how big your greenhouse is). Make sure that these trenches run parallel to each other so that when they intersect at one end, they’ll form a triangle shape with equal sides.
Underground Greenhouses:
Here are some of the benefits of underground greenhouses.
1.They are energy efficient, because they are insulated from the elements by the soil.
2.They can be built in any climate and in any region where the ground is not frozen year-round.
3.They are protected from tornadoes and hurricanes, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.
4.They can be built for as little as $300 depending on your materials and location (add a few thousand if you want to go fancy).
5.In many areas, building codes do not allow above ground structures (except for sheds) so an underground greenhouse may be your only option!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Basics of Building an Underground Home | Site SelectionFactors to Consider: Design ConsiderationsKey Elements: Construction MethodsOptions Include: |
DIY Tips for Building Your Underground Home | PlanningSteps: ExcavationBest Practices: Finishing TouchesInclude: |
Pros of Living in an Underground Home | Energy EfficiencyBenefits: Natural Disaster ProtectionAdvantages: Noise ReductionFeatures: |
Cons of Living in an Underground Home | Limited Natural LightChallenges: Moisture IssuesConcerns Include: Resale ValueConsiderations: |
Why build a house underground?
Building an underground home can be beneficial for several reasons. First, it helps save on energy costs since there is less surface area exposed to the elements (heat and cold). In addition, having a basement or crawl space provides extra storage space that is often difficult to find in other types of residential properties. Finally, many people like having their main living floor above ground level so that they can enjoy natural light and fresh air coming through their windows. An underground home can provide that without sacrificing any of the features mentioned above.
If you are looking for an affordable way to build a home, then you should consider building an underground house. An underground home is a great option for those who want to live in a secluded and private environment. The main benefits of living in an underground house are that you can save money and have privacy. However, there are some downsides such as limited sunlight and ventilation.
Before deciding to build an underground home, make sure that it is allowed by your local authorities. You may need permission from the department of planning or building control before starting construction work on your property. You can also check with your local council to see if there are any restrictions on what type of structure can be built on your property. If you want to build an underground house as part of your garden or backyard, then you should make sure that there will be no problems with drainage or flooding when it rains heavily during winter months.
The first step in building an underground house is to prepare the area where it will be constructed by digging out soil from underneath the ground until you reach the desired depth for your new home. The next step is to build the walls using reinforced concrete panels which are placed one on top of each other until they reach enough height for creating rooms and windows within.
Underground homes are a common sight in some parts of the world, and for good reason: They’re cheap to build and can be made virtually impervious to floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters.
The basic concept is simple: Dig a hole, line it with concrete and then cover it with dirt. However, there’s a lot more to it than that. Here are some tips for building your own underground house.
Underground homes are becoming more popular as people seek ways to reduce their carbon footprint. The average house generates about 3,000 pounds of CO2 per year. This is equivalent to driving an average car for about 7 years!
🛠️ What This Is About
Building a home beneath the earth’s surface (earth-sheltered) can cut costs, improve energy efficiency, and provide protection—if done right.
📋 Materials & Tools Needed
- Excavation tools: Shovels, excavator, soil retention shoring.
- Structural materials: Reinforced poured concrete or slabs—not concrete blocks—for strength and waterproofing.
- Waterproofing: Polymer-based membranes or proper waterproof layers; avoid basic bitumen .
- Insulation: Rigid board or sprayed foam; earth alone isn’t a full R-value barrier .
- Drainage: Footing drains, gravel backfill, proper grading.
- Finishes: Interior framing, electrical, HVAC, ventilation, windows/eyewalls facing light source.
⚙️ Step-by-Step Instructions
- Choose Location & Design
- Avoid high groundwater—can cause structural buoyancy issues.
- Decide type: full dugout, hillside (bermed), or cut-and-cover using precast concrete.
- Excavate & Shore Walls
- Dig to desired depth.
- Shore or support existing soil to prevent collapse during build.
- Build Foundation & Structure
- Pour reinforced concrete floor slab and walls; reinforce per engineer’s specs.
- Ensure slab and walls resist lateral earth pressure and buoyancy.
- Waterproof & Drain
- Apply continuous polymer waterproof membrane externally.
- Install perimeter drain system with gravel and weeping tile for moisture control.
- Insulate & Backfill
- Insulate walls and roof before backfill.
- Backfill with free-draining soil, compacting carefully.
- Install Light, Ventilation & Interior
- Build “eyewall” niches or light shafts for daylight.
- Install HVAC, ventilation system, moisture control and framing.
- Finish Interior
- Frame rooms, install drywall, flooring, and fixtures.
- Use dehumidifier or heat recovery ventilator to control humidity .
✅ Key Benefits
- Year-round stable indoor temperature, reducing heating/cooling use .
- Soundproof, weather-resistant, and discreet.
- Lower exterior maintenance—no painting or roof repairs.
⚠️ Major Considerations
- High construction cost—20%+ over conventional home.
- Complex waterproofing & drainage needed to prevent moisture issues.
- Limited natural light—needs creative solutions for brightness .
- Ventilation and radon concerns require careful design.
- Code, permits, and insurance can be tricky for earth-sheltered dwellings.
💡 Expert Tips
- Use solid, reinforced concrete slabs and walls, not blockwork.
- Choose polymer waterproof membranes, not basic felt, for full soil contact.
- Incorporate eyewalls or light wells to bring daylight into living spaces.
- Include mechanical ventilation to avoid dampness and maintain air quality .
- Always engage a structural engineer or architect experienced in underground structures.
📌 Quick Build Checklist
- Pick suitable site & design type
- Excavate & shore correctly
- Pour reinforced slab and walls
- Apply waterproofing & install drains
- Add insulation, backfill carefully
- Construct eyeballs/light shafts
- Install HVAC and ventilation
- Finish interior framing & surfaces
- Test for moisture, radon, and air quality
Building underground is a big undertaking, but it can deliver long-term savings, comfort, and durability when done with proper structural and moisture protection.
What makes underground homes so green?
Underground homes are typically built into hillsides or above ground on stilts. This allows them to be naturally cooled by the earth during hot days and warmed by the sun during cold nights. By building your home into a hillside, you can take advantage of natural air conditioning and heating.
Underground homes also don’t require as much energy to heat or cool because the temperature stays relatively constant throughout year. The temperature inside an underground home can be up to 20°F cooler than an above-ground home in the summer and up to 20°F warmer in winter. This makes it easier on your wallet since you don’t have to spend as much money on heating or cooling bills!
Another benefit of building underground is that it’s quieter than conventional construction — no loud noises from traffic or airplanes overhead! You’ll also find that there’s less noise pollution from neighbors living above and below you as opposed to living in an apartment building or condo community where everyone shares walls and ceilings
Underground homes have been around for centuries, but they’re still a relatively new idea in the United States. They’ve become popular in recent years due to the high cost of living and real estate market. If you’re interested in building an underground home, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started.
Underground homes can be built using several different types of materials. The most common materials are:
Cinder blocks/concrete blocks
Wood framing
Steel framing