So I decided to build an underground coop: UPDATE pg 33

[purr]

what are you going to use as supports the roof sounds like its going to be quite heavy.
can't wait to see it finished!!

 

[digitS']

Quote:
Yes, it is likely to be quite heavy. I've just been looking at some options for a flat roof and the material weights.

Conventional flat top asphalt & gravel roofs weigh about 5.5 lbs/square foot.
Loam soil planting mix weighs about 130 lbs/cubic foot.
Peat and vermiculite planting mix weighs about 35 lbs/cubic foot.

Perhaps, a full 12 inches of soil on the roof would not be necessary so those numbers could be halved.

My biggest concern would be construction expense . . .

Steve

edited: sorry that's perlite not vermiculite in a 50/50 ratio with peat.

 

[Home on the Stead]

You're building it similar to an old-style root cellar. That being the case, you'll probably want 12-24" of soil on top for insulation (and cooling in the summer).

Don't know what your span is, and it sounds like you've been looking at loads, but a 2x10 or 2x12 with a taper at 12" on center should hold a load like that. But don't take my word on it, definitely do a load calc. To make it cheaper you could build more of a peak with standard roof construction and leave the soil off.

Great Idea by the way - got me thinking where I might do that on our property.

 

[dlhunicorn]

if i were enclosing a bus (such as shown in the photo) I would enclose it in styrofoam ...
Here is some nice helpful info from a great site:
http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/QandA/earthshelter/how.htm

 

[conroy]

I'd love to see more pics!!! I think it's brilliant.

 

[miron28]

keep posting pictures i think this going to be great!

 

[BayCityBabe]

Keep posting pics. I will try to post a photo of my friends' burm home. The southern face is the only part not buried, even their garage is in the burm. They have a wonderful perennial garden on the roof. Oh, and no problem with water. The entire home is elevated above a nearby nature preserve.

 

[Guitartists]

Thank goodness for neighbors with large machinery!

Do keep us updated!

 

[eggchel]

Wow, what a great idea. I cant wait to see the finished coop. Nice of your neighbor to take pity on you and come over with his backhoe. Send him by my place, I need a pond.

Chel

 

[Oblio13]

Quote:
I haven't figured out the details yet, it's kind of taking shape as it goes along. The hole is now 10'x14', and I figure with the soil and potential snowload, it'll need to be built to hold 100 pounds per square foot. I'll ask the lumberyard to figure out what I need for a ten-foot span. If necessary, I'll put in a center support.

It's become a neighborhood project - I bribed them with a boat ride to the pizza parlor: