Alex Pepper

I’ve been thinking a lot about underground houses, as I’m sure a lot of permeis do.

Does anyone have thoughts about building a post and beam structure and attaching SIP (structural insulated panels) panels as exterior sheathing.

I know it wouldn’t be an all natural build, and adds a bit more costs to a project.

My thoughts is that it would be a reasonable use of modern materials, since insulation is a pitfall for underground builds it would cover that along with adding a considerable about of structural reinforcement.

I know they make them with PT exterior sheathing for being used for basement foundations, which would make me believe they could withstand lateral pressures.

I had this thought of how cool it would be if someone developed a summer camp program for kids. And make it like a PDC or use the SKIP program as the curriculum.

I was a Boy Scout my entire youth and made it to become an Eagle Scout. And there was so many cool things I leaned and did threw that program that has stuck with me. But if all that time was spent actually learning to create landscapes or manage animals, etc. that would have been so cool.

I might not be able to accomplish something like this in my life time. But if someone(s) did, I would totally support it how ever I could.

I love it! Never heard of them before but I am an instant fan!
When my family asks me what I want, I’m sending them that song.

I have never been a “thing” giver because I can’t stand shopping. I always give money.

I have an old fridge I was thinking about doing that with also but I’m not decided on that yet.

I built the back side (where the lid is hinged) like 6” taller then the front. With that angle and the plastic roofing the snow and ice just slides right off.

The biggest challenge is jumping down in there and climbing out. Maybe a little step stool would help.

I saw this idea from a Mother Earth news article. The original article ran in an edition from the 70’s. It’s not a root cellar, they called it a cold box. It’s just a 3’x5’ box, 3’ in the ground.

I built mine out of 1/2” plywood, wrapped the box in sub grade water proofing liner. Put plastic on the ground under it (thinking it would help prevent moisture) and covered it with pea stones.

I live in SE MI, zone 6. Last winter I have potatoes, onions, cabbage, squash, garlic and a few other things. Most of everything lasted us till mid-late January.

This year I added the foam panel insulation I had left over from my house siding project. Adding an extra r-4 value, I’m hoping it will give me a couple more weeks!

So far, I think it’s a really great, inexpensive idea if you have limited space and are looking to hold some hardy crops a little longer.

A customer of mine had these Cup Plant – Silphium perfoliatum. When I saw the extreme amount of bee activity on her plants I had to get some for my garden. She generously gave me several root masses.
When I saw the plants in full bloom, there were swarms of honey bees, bumble bees, yellow jackets, and a handful of butterfly’s just on one plant!
I’m in SE Michigan, but I read this plant does well in most of the Midwest.