The best materials to use are those which are most common in the area. I know some are opposed to the use of wood but in reality there are many trees which are second or even third growth which are harvested in a careful manner. I’d like to make a point here that wood is the least common material used in most earth homes. If necessary they are not needed at all.

So what then IS needed to build a beautiful earth sheltered home? If you had asked me this question five years ago I might have stated there are few options beyond concrete. Over the years though I have had my eyes opened to the most abundant material in the world. Earth. This material has been in use for thousands of years and will continue to be used.

Rammed Earth is perhaps the best option out there. It is in use the world over and improvements in its stability continue to grow. My personal favorite user of it is Meror K from Terra Firma on Salt Spring Island, BC. Meror has created an attitude that mirrors my own in so many ways.

They include:

1. Use natural materials in the construction of the home. Wood, earth, glass. Not only non-allergenic but also utilize low-emf wiring.

2. Design the home with care and with clarity. Avoid later mistakes by thinking of ways to avoid them in the planning process.

3. Make a home that lasts for centuries and can be passed on to your great, great grand children.

4. Create something that is beautiful. Something to be proud of.

Chemical sensitivity is becoming a major issue. Another big problem is mold and mildew. All these concerns must be dealt with before the problem starts and not after. What this says to me is earth homes must be planned, designed and built to overcome the main concerns most people might have.

1. Using windows, skylights, mirrors and great lighting to overcome the dark, dim or moodiness some Earth Homes were famous for.

2. Design the roof, sides, floor, plumbing and more to overcome leaks, moisture infiltration to combat the growth of mold and mildew. All homes can have this problem but to deal with it wisely will take further study and research.

3. Stability and strength of concrete. My belief is most earth homes, properly built, will never leak and be bright and cheery. But there may need to be more research done on stability of materials under tons of earth pressure both dry and wet.