Earth-Bermed Homes Have Been Around for Thousands of Years — Here’s Why I Lived in One

I wasn’t actively looking for an earth-bermed home when I stumbled upon the property that would become our home, but my husband and I were searching for something that would allow us to live more sustainably and homestead with greater awareness of and integration with the natural world around me.

The listing caught our attention immediately. The cabin seemed to emerge organically from the hillside, with its back and sides seamlessly blending into the earth. There was something deeply appealing about the idea of living in a home that felt like an extension of the landscape. I imagined myself waking up every morning surrounded by the wild and ancient Appalachian mountains, which have always spoken to me.

It was a partially earth-bermed cabin, nestled into the Appalachian Mountains on the Cumberland Plateau north of Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was built into the hillside so that the back of the house was covered to the roofline, and the earth gently sloped down the sides toward the open front of the house and was surrounded by deep hollers, caves, bubbling springs, mountain laurel and rhododendron thickets, and sharp switchback dirt roads. My earth-bermed home wasn’t just a place to live — it was an experiment in sustainable living. 

Moving into the cabin was a transformative experience, coming from the hustle and bustle of metro Atlanta. The first thing I noticed was the quiet. The earth surrounding the back and sides of the house muffled the sounds of the outside world, creating a peaceful and serene environment. It was a kind of quiet I had never experienced before, and it quickly became one of my favorite aspects of the home.

The interior of the cabin was cozy and inviting, with natural light filtering in through windows placed thoughtfully along the front and sides of the home. The layout was simple but functional, with an open living area that allowed me to enjoy the views of the surrounding woods. Despite being partially buried, the cabin never felt dark or claustrophobic. Instead, it felt grounded — connected to the earth in a way that brought a sense of calm and stability.

Because the back of the home was completely covered in earth, the original owners had opted to make a pantry that ran almost the full length of the back wall. It was always cool, mimicking a root cellar, and was the perfect place to store root vegetables from our garden and jars of fruit we preserved in our galley kitchen.

One of the most remarkable things about living in this cabin was how it maintained a comfortable temperature throughout the year. During the hot summer months, the earth surrounding the house acted as a natural coolant, keeping the interior pleasantly cool even on the hottest days. The cabin had only a window unit air conditioner near the kitchen that we didn’t turn on until the middle of August — which, if you’ve ever experienced a Southern summer, you know is unbelievable. In previous homes, the AC always came on in April and stayed on until October.

In the winter, the earth helped to retain heat, reducing the need for excessive heating. We heated the entire home with a wood burning stove in the living room, and despite the coldest outdoor temperatures I had ever experienced and almost constant snow at our high elevation, we were comfortable all winter long. The cabin’s design demonstrated the power of passive environmental control — something I came to appreciate more and more as I lived there.

To explain the benefits and science behind my cabin’s design, I spoke with Dr. Steffen Lehmann, professor of architecture and urbanism at the University of Nevada.

“The primary benefits of living in an earth-bermed house include excellent energy efficiency due to the earth’s natural temperature regulation and soundproofing qualities,” Lehmann explains. “The facade of the house requires no exterior maintenance, and its design allows it to blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. These homes are also more resistant to wind and extreme weather conditions, and they facilitate the addition of a green roof.”

These homes take advantage of the thermal mass provided by the surrounding earth, which acts as an insulator and helps regulate indoor temperatures. By embedding the back and sides of the house into the hill, my cabin was able to harness the earth’s natural insulating properties. 

“The most significant advantage of an earth-bermed house is its energy efficiency, attributed to its thermal mass and superior insulation, which help maintain a stable indoor temperature by absorbing summer heat,” Lehmann said. “This makes earth-bermed homes especially suitable for extreme climates, such as hot and arid deserts.”

My cabin’s design also incorporated passive solar principles, with the front of the cabin oriented to capture the sun’s warmth during the winter months. The windows were strategically placed to maximize natural light and minimize heat loss, further enhancing the home’s energy efficiency. This approach to design not only reduced my reliance on artificial heating and cooling but also allowed me to live more sustainably and in harmony with my environment.

Earth-bermed and earth-sheltered homes have a long history, dating back thousands of years to early human dwellings that sought protection from the elements that can be seen from the pit houses of North America to the yaodongs of China. However, the modern movement toward earth-sheltered housing, including partially earth-bermed homes like mine, gained momentum during the energy crisis of the 1970s. 

“These structures have maintained a consistent indoor temperature of around 70°F in desert environments and have survived for over a thousand years due to the earth’s protective cover,” Lehmann says.

In medieval Europe, particularly in regions with harsh climates like Iceland and Scotland, turf houses were common. These structures were built with thick walls of sod, providing excellent insulation against cold and wind. The roofs were often covered with grass, helping these homes blend seamlessly into the landscape.

The modern revival of earth-bermed homes began in the 1970s, driven by the energy crisis and a growing environmental consciousness. Architects like Malcolm Wells championed the idea of “gentle architecture,” advocating for buildings that worked in harmony with the environment. earth-bermed homes, with their natural insulation and energy efficiency, became a key part of this movement.

When it comes to earth-sheltered homes, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. These innovative housing designs can be adapted to different climates, terrains, and personal preferences. Below are the most common types of earth-bermed and earth-sheltered homes, each offering unique benefits and challenges.

1. Fully Earth-Sheltered Homes

These homes are entirely or almost entirely covered by earth, including the roof. Built into hillsides or underground, they take full advantage of the earth’s insulating properties, maintaining stable indoor temperatures and reducing energy needs. The design often makes these homes nearly invisible from the outside, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape.

2. Partially Earth-Bermed Homes

In partially earth-bermed homes, like the one I lived in, the back and sides are buried into a hill, while the front remains exposed. This design combines the benefits of earth insulation with the advantages of conventional construction, such as more natural light and easier access. The earth surrounding the home helps regulate indoor temperatures, making it an energy-efficient option.

3. Atrium or Courtyard Homes

Atrium or courtyard homes are built with an open central courtyard that provides natural light and ventilation. The surrounding earth offers insulation, while the courtyard serves as a private outdoor space within the home. This design balances energy efficiency with the livability of more traditional homes.

4. Elevational Earth-Sheltered Homes 

These homes are typically built into a slope, with one side fully exposed and the other sides covered by earth. The exposed side allows for large windows and doors, maximizing natural light and views while benefiting from the insulating properties of the surrounding earth.

While the benefits are remarkable, there are drawbacks to consider, Lehmann says. “Living in an earth-bermed house comes also with unique challenges. The initial construction costs can be up to 20% higher than those of conventional homes,” he explains. “Additionally, managing moisture is critical, as leaks and dampness can lead to mold growth and are typically difficult and costly to repair. Proper construction techniques are essential, including the installation of water-resistant membranes to prevent such issues. Furthermore, the design must account for potential flooding and ensure proper air ventilation and circulation to allow moisture to evaporate effectively.”

Each type of earth-sheltered home offers distinct advantages, making them a versatile and sustainable choice for a variety of climates and lifestyles. Whether you’re drawn to the energy efficiency and whimsical aesthetic of a fully earth-sheltered home, the natural light of a partially earth-bermed design, or the unique appeal of an atrium home, there’s an earth-sheltered option that can meet your needs. By understanding the different types, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your environmental goals and aesthetic preferences.

Eventually, life circumstances required us to move on from our beloved cabin. However, the lessons I learned during my time there have stayed with me and continue to influence how I live today.

One of the most important lessons was the value of energy efficiency and sustainable design, especially during our climate crisis and the inevitability of increased temperatures and skyrocketing utility costs. 

I also brought with me down from the mountain a deep appreciation for the quiet and serenity that my earth-bermed cabin provided and the privacy of living in what felt like a wild, uninhabited place. My family has made the conscious choice to live in an incredibly rural area where we can retreat and recharge. Instead of mountains, now we’re surrounded by fields and pines, swamps and wetlands, and our road is rarely traveled by anyone but us.