Earth Sheltered Home with Prefabricated Fiberglass

By Terri Calvert
Published on May 1, 1979
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Even for someone with average construction skills, the panels of America Solartron Corporation's prefabricated plywood house are easy to assemble. Note the drainage system set outside the perimeter of the foundation.
Even for someone with average construction skills, the panels of America Solartron Corporation's prefabricated plywood house are easy to assemble. Note the drainage system set outside the perimeter of the foundation.
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The living room has a natural light source.
The living room has a natural light source.
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The master bedroom.
The master bedroom.
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A waterproof plastic
A waterproof plastic "wrapping" and a layer of river rock surround surround the entire structure, which is eventually covered with 2-3 feet of earth. This house was built on level ground, then bermed.
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Plan of Solartron's 1,231-square-foot (exterior dimension) model.
Plan of Solartron's 1,231-square-foot (exterior dimension) model.
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The solarium.
The solarium.

Earth-sheltered and underground homes are certainly nothing
new to MOTHER EARTH NEWS’ readership. After all, this magazine has
been touting the advantages of such dwellings (low fuel
costs, minimal maintenance, and superior durability to name a few) for some time now.

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