Earth-sheltering effect on dwelling in cold climate: Simulation-based and theoretical approaches

Abstract

A number of equal but variously submerged samples of a detached residential building are assessed with the intention to trace an impact of earth-sheltering on the building energy conservation ability under cold climatic conditions. Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) is used to carry out this. Additionally, an assessment of the building thermal comfort and profitability is performed when considering two contrasted samples of it-non-deepened and deepened as much as possible. The study results support the basic understanding of earth-sheltering expediency as a type of sustainable construction and show that maximal use of earth as an additional insulating layer provides 44.4% less heat requirements (compared with the non-deepened sample). Moreover, earth-sheltering measures are able to reduce a form factor impact on energy loss by 50%. Their cost, as the study reveals, can be compensated by means of investing the saved energy expenditures for less than 20 years. Lastly, earthen insulation assists to rise an operative temperature inside the building by 0.3oC.