Earth building materials – building natural insulation
The design of cave houses utilizes full advantage of natural insulation provided by the surrounding rock in ensuring comfortability regardless of the seasons of the year. Compared to a house, the primary difference is that conventional houses make extensive use of heating and cooling systems, whereas a cave house is self-insulated due to the earth, which reduces artificial control of temperature. In extreme climatic zones with considerable temperature variation, energy consumption costs may also be remarkably high.
For this cave house, a minimal amount of energy consumption was desired by the builder. The house’s thermal efficiency was enhanced through collaboration with specialists. Extra insulation in places where it might be thinner because of the rock creates a comfortable room inside. This house is kept cool during summer and warm inside during winter, providing an amiable, constant environment with minimal use of energy.
One of the defining characteristics of sustainable architecture is the use of earth as an insulator, and many modern builders are also coming on board with this concept. This cave house minimizes usage of traditional heating and cooling systems with the use of earth’s natural properties in regulating temperatures for maximum comfort.
