DESIGNING YOUR HOME

Yak_Chat · May 07, 2007 4:26 pm

Yep they could get very feral if not properly designed or maintained.
The house I saw had a grill in the floor that they closed over in winter, and in summer they opened it up and let the air flow through. They had used a 300mm diameter pipe that he dug into the ground and it was 20 metrs long and I think he sealed the end and the air that came out was being expelled by air going in from within the house, which is one way to keep it less feral.

I think it depends on the overal climate of the area, SA being very dry summers possibly reduces thes risk of damp dank air or mould etc living in them.
I intend to use a version of them and move cool air from under the floorboards (3 foot clearance) to dirt below and move this into the house for those hot days, and also make the fridge and panty work more efficiently via this free cooler air.
Currently it's dry as toast and super clean under there, but I'll tell you more at the end of winter on what happens in the dim dark underground of my house

Cheers
Moley Steve

Casa2 · May 07, 2007 10:51 pm

Yak Chat,

Your the only one I know that knows someone with an earth tube. How well do you know the earth tube owners? I'd be interested in how they came up with the figure of 20 metres of 300 mm tube. Also if they took any precautions about mould growing in the tube.

I'm surprised that just one 20 m length of 300 mm tube would be effective. I'm thinking of about 80 m of 100 mm tube, which I guess is only 33% more surface area.

Would be interested in any details you have regarding the installation, particularly if the air is forced through with a fan and how long can you draw cool air from it before it looses its store.

All,

To avoid mould build up there needs to be a run on the tube that then feeds into a pit that is accessible. This prevents mould growing in the tube. Also, I'll be going beyong the wiremess to prevent bugs getting in and have an air filter.

Cheers,
Casa

Yak_Chat · May 21, 2007 7:27 pm

Casa,

opps - Must have overlooked your earlier request.

I saw the house was at the sustainable house open day 2007.

Highly recommend it - I saw 4 houses that day and every one of them was different.

http://www.solarhouseday.com/info.shtml

I'll see if I can dig up the architects details.

Cheers Steve

Casa2 · May 21, 2007 8:00 pm

Yak chat,

Thanks for looking for some information. I hope you're successful.

Cheers,
Casa

Yak_Chat · May 22, 2007 10:45 am

Hi Casa2,
House was called HRMO house and the architect was Warwick O'Brien.

House is built into the side of a rocky hill and they ran the tubes under the house and along the edge of the rock cliff and then vented them somewhere so the outdoor air could enter, cool then come up through the floor via in floor vents when the wanted it to.
If you need more info PM me.
Cheers
Steve