FRIDAY PHOTO - NATIONAL UNDERGROUND AMERICA DAY

 Today is National Underground America Day!

Here's a brief explanation taken from the National Day Calendar website:

On March 14th, National Underground America Day recognizes the approximately 6,000 people who live in some form of underground architecture across North America. The observance also celebrates the lifestyle, architecture, and benefits of underground living.

Completely covered homes or earth-sheltered homes are covered on all sides with soil while earth-bermed homes leave one side exposed. Both allow for more stable temperatures within the home and less exposure to the elements.

However, there are also some disadvantages. If you like lots of light and throwing open the windows on a summer day, this type of house might not be for you.

Founded by Malcolm Wells in 1974, National Underground America Day recognizes that thousands of Americans dwell within the Earth, not just upon it. Wells (1926 – 2009) is considered “the father of modern earth-sheltered architecture.”

 Wells was also a writer, illustrator, draftsman, lecturer, cartoonist, columnist, and solar consultant. He practiced what he preached by living in a modern earth-sheltered building of his own design, too.  He also took up the challenge of underground architecture as he believed the Earth’s surface was “made for living plants, not industrial plants.”

One of the activities suggested to celebrate National Underground Day is to tour an Earth Home. Here's a video for you.

All my best

~Angela