Attitudes and Satisfaction of Residents of Single- and Multi-Family Earth-Sheltered Housing

Abstract

User response to existing earth-sheltered housing is critical to the design of increasingly acceptable earth-sheltered dwellings. This study addresses the issue of earth-sheltered/underground housing “acceptability” by assessing the attitudes and housing satisfaction of current residents of single- and multifamily earth-sheltered residences. Energy efficiency is found to be an important motive for choosing an earth-sheltered dwelling. However, other features of this housing alternative are found to be important as well. These features differ between the town house and single-family detached (SFD) home groups. Overall, the SFD group expresses more positive attitudes toward earth-sheltered living, suggesting that, even among owners of “unconventional” housing, the single-family detached house is the preferred structure type.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Janet G. Bartz

Janet G. Bartz is a planner with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Christine C. Cook

Christine C. Cook is Assistant Professor, Department of Design, Housing and Apparel, University of Minnesota St. Paul, Minnesota.