Agenda - Council - 07/27/1982 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I i I ! i I I I i I ! I I i ! I I Recent studies point to infiltration, a term that comonly refers to air leakage from small building cracks and joints, as being a major factor in heat loss from buildings. Earth cover virtually eliminates infiltration problems on the unexposed surfaces of earth-sheltered buildings. The insulating effect of soil is relatively low compared with modern insulating materials, but it can act as insulation when used in sufficient quantities. Because soil is densely packed material, it has a tendency to absorb and release large quantities of heat slowly. This tendency, called thermal mass, allows earth-sheltered buildings to use less energy to maintain a constant building temperature. In addition to its energy advantages and protection from storms, earth- sheltered buildings are relatively free of the noise, dust and vibration often associated with above-surface buildings. The Disadvantages of Earth-Sheltered Buildin~ The principal disadvantages of earth-sheltered buildings are: construction and design problems, cost of repair, site limitations and institutional barriers. Earth-sheltered buildings are typically constructed of concrete, although some have used heavy timbers for wall and roof sections. Because earth-sheltered buildings are covered with a substantial amount of soil, sPecial consideration in design and construction must be given to loads, w~terproofin§ and drainage. Although such buildings usually have low maintenance and repair costs due to the absence of weathering on external surfaces, any external repairs that may be needed in the underground portion of the structure are likely to require extensive excavation and may be quite costly. Institutional barriers include building codes, financing, zoning and other land use .. regulations and aesthetics. Although the state building code, with its requirements for windows and direct outside access for bedrooms, has put some constraints on building design, it has not affected the feasibility of earth- sheltered buildings. All earth-sheltered buildings constructed in the Twin Cities Region must meet the state building code requirements just like any other building. Financing of earth-sheltered buildings may be more difficult than for conventional above- ground structures until finan- cial institutions gain experience in dealing with these innovative building types. Securing property The 1-94 side of Seward West earth-sheltered townhouse~. insurance may also be somewhat more difficult until'insurance underwriters have sufficient experience in dealing with earth-sheltered buildings. 3