Post by shinester on Feb 18, 2014 0:17:54 GMT 10
Underground earthbag shelter.
If I had land, I'd probably start something like this after a ton more research. I do work plenty of hours (50+) but I would have more than enough time to hire a backhoe for a day, perhaps get a slab/footer poured and then put in 20-30hrs a week and have the bags done in a few weeks. It has some flaws which you find when you read the thread and I'd definitely have an L shaped corner for fire protection, though I'm 100% sure I could manage to build this even with my limited building experience. My really rough guess on pricing would be about $5000, and the bags being the cheapest part at about $250 for 700 bags.
Linky for the build
Earthbag FAQ - Answered some questions
If I had land, I'd probably start something like this after a ton more research. I do work plenty of hours (50+) but I would have more than enough time to hire a backhoe for a day, perhaps get a slab/footer poured and then put in 20-30hrs a week and have the bags done in a few weeks. It has some flaws which you find when you read the thread and I'd definitely have an L shaped corner for fire protection, though I'm 100% sure I could manage to build this even with my limited building experience. My really rough guess on pricing would be about $5000, and the bags being the cheapest part at about $250 for 700 bags.
Linky for the build
From the Author
As to things I would have done differently.....
First you have to understand my thought process on the whole project. I initially wanted something below ground for storing 55 gallon drums of water, then something with enough room to utilize as a root cellar, and finally it evolved into something with enough room to be a storm shelter for my family. I never had the intention when building it of using it as a bomb/nuclear fallout shelter or of using it in a defensive manner.
It would still be a great root cellar, with the exception that I built it over 200' from the house. As a root cellar, that is a little far to have to wander and get what I want, so I would definately build closer to the house next time.
As a storm shelter I think the placement is fine as there are no trees or significant debris to block the entry/exit points.
My roof design was a great shortcoming, and should I attempt to correct this one, or build another, that will be a primary consideration when designing it. I rushed myself because I got it in my mind to build this thing, knowing full well that I was to begin school within a couple of months. I now know that I need to make sure I have the time, and the funds, to complete the project. I have a bad habit of getting something in my mind, and then getting tunnel vision in an attempt to complete it.
As of yet I am not sure what I plan to do with it. I put alot of work into it and utimately don't want that work to go to waste. I am currently designing something that I can build closer to the house, so I don't know if I will finish this project in its original incarnation. If I don't though, I have thought that with a pond liner, it would make one hell of a catfish hole!
As to things I would have done differently.....
First you have to understand my thought process on the whole project. I initially wanted something below ground for storing 55 gallon drums of water, then something with enough room to utilize as a root cellar, and finally it evolved into something with enough room to be a storm shelter for my family. I never had the intention when building it of using it as a bomb/nuclear fallout shelter or of using it in a defensive manner.
It would still be a great root cellar, with the exception that I built it over 200' from the house. As a root cellar, that is a little far to have to wander and get what I want, so I would definately build closer to the house next time.
As a storm shelter I think the placement is fine as there are no trees or significant debris to block the entry/exit points.
My roof design was a great shortcoming, and should I attempt to correct this one, or build another, that will be a primary consideration when designing it. I rushed myself because I got it in my mind to build this thing, knowing full well that I was to begin school within a couple of months. I now know that I need to make sure I have the time, and the funds, to complete the project. I have a bad habit of getting something in my mind, and then getting tunnel vision in an attempt to complete it.
As of yet I am not sure what I plan to do with it. I put alot of work into it and utimately don't want that work to go to waste. I am currently designing something that I can build closer to the house, so I don't know if I will finish this project in its original incarnation. If I don't though, I have thought that with a pond liner, it would make one hell of a catfish hole!
