Waiting Out the Apocalypse Underground

WilliamLishmanProject
This ferrocement underground home is constructed of multiple adjoining domes, constructed on a hilltop. First a substantial quantity of earth is removed from the hilltop. The domes are shaped out of rebar, then covered with shotcrete. Then the earth is returned to the hill -- over the now-waterproofed domes, concealing most of the structure.

Building the dome infrastructure of rebar requires some ironworking skills, but allows for considerable creativity.

The image above demonstrates the multi-dome nature of the home, just before covering with earth, and planting with ground-cover.

The interior of the domes receive a great deal of light from the overhead sky-lights, which are designed into the domes.

It is possible to build underground houses which are virtually invisible from most viewpoints above ground. Most humans enjoy plenty of light, and outdoor views. As we learn better ways of providing artificial "full spectrum" diffuse lighting, it becomes more possible to live deeper underground without the windows.

This Swiss design provides plenty of outdoor light and mountain views, but could be made virtually invisible from most ground approaches.

Underground houses are better suited for survival of massive nuclear, biological, or chemical catastrophes -- if advanced preparations are made. Proper air and water filtering and recycling are critical. If residents must stay underground for longer than a few months, the ability to grow food underground becomes more important.

Heating and cooling loads are minimal when living underground, but fuel and power needs for cooking and hot water must be planned for.

BBC coverage of some underground English homes

Monolithic domes -- the premier rapid ferrocement construction method -- can be adapted for underground living.