Earth Sheltered Greenhouse
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Introduction
Tou can build a greenhouse by digging a hole in the ground and covering it with glass. This takes advantage of the heat stored in the earth during the cold season (warmth in winter, cooling in summer). Therefore very suitable for climates with cold winters. Called "Walipini" (pit greenhouse) in South America. This is an adaptation of the idea of passive annual heat storage (PAHS) to the greenhouse.
The Benson Agriculture and Food Institute at Brigham Young University examined the concept in detail and has put together a manual with specific designs. Their design costs $250-$300 in materials and is designed to provide vegetables year-round for seven people.
Mike Oehler, of UndergroundHousing.com, described a similar concept in his 2007 book: The Earth-Sheltered Solar Greenhouse Book available here
External Links
Walipini Greenhouse at Brigham Young University [1]
UndergroundHousing.com [2]
Wikipedia entry on Seasonal Thermal Store [3]