These early images of the berm cabin show the exterior of the cabin. We wanted to create a home that has a small impact on the environment and is hidden from the road. (Granted, the road only has about 5 cars a day on it)

The home is build into the top edge of a hill, so the back side of the cabin can take advantage of the view into the small valley below.

There is a great view across the road in front of the cabin, but this residence will not be able to take advantage of the because the desire for the snugg look is greater. I may build a bunk house a few feet to the north in a few years. That unit will face north.

Some items are missing from these image. The chimney for the fireplace will peak out of the front slope near the top above the carport.

Also, on the far end of the rear slope, I plan to mount a solar water heater that will measure 8' x 8'. This will provide the home with a larger amount of heat capacitance. This heat will be used to:

1. Heat the home via in-floor pipes.
2. Melt snow and ice off the slopes of the sunken carport ramps and carport floor.
3. Provide heat for a reverse flow anti-freezing system for the water well, potable water storage and supply lines. (Concept is shown at Frozen Pipe problems)
4. Pre heat home hot water tank.

A prime concern is where will the ater from the melted ice go once it has melted. If you look closely at the drawing, you can see a gap between the ramps and floor of the carport. Also, there is a gap between the carport floor and the home itself. This gap (about 10 inches) will be filled with gravel from the property and have a perforated drainage pipe at the bottom of the gravel that will carry the water under the berm on the sides of the house and down the hill. This is the same system that is incorporated around the roof and throughout the berm around the house. Good drainage is required to maintain the long dry life of the home.

Also, take note of the clear-story windows located just under the peak of the roof in the back of the cabin. The over hang over these windows is enough to block the summer sun from them, however, after the 3 hot months, the sun will begin to shine in, warming the home on sunny days. I would love to double or even triple glaze the windows if I can find an affordable sorce for glass.

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Photos of the Progress (11-29-2004)
Yurt? What is a Yurt? (09-27-2004)
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Building Process - Part 1 (06-29-2005)
Building Process - Part 2 (06-29-2005)
Building Process - Part 3 (09-28-2004)
How Much is that Cabin? (03-12-2007)

Last Updated on
March 12, 2007