GB2520967A

GB2520967A - Earth covered dwelling

Info

Publication number: GB2520967A
Application number: GB1321422.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Geoffrey John Smith; Suzanne Jayne Smith
Original assignee: TOWNSEND TOURING PARK Ltd
Current assignee: TOWNSEND TOURING PARK Ltd
Priority date: 2013-12-04
Filing date: 2013-12-04
Publication date: 2015-06-10
Also published as: GB201321422D0

Abstract

A method of constructing an earth covered dwelling comprises the steps of providing a support structure 12 and covering it with earth, wherein the support structure comprises an ISO shipping container. The container is modified prior to installation to enhance its load bearing capabilities. The container may be inverted prior to installation and may be modified with load bearing struts. A void between an internal wall skin and the container wall may be filled with insulating material. Partitions may be used to divide the interior of the container into rooms. The exterior of the container may be provided with a layer of insulation and may be coated in a protective material to prevent corrosion and enhance waterproofing. Earth retaining wings 42 may be attached to an end of the support structure. External accommodation may be provided in the form of a porch. The container may be installed in an excavated hole.

Description

EARTH COVERED DWELLING

This invention relates to a dwelling, and in particular to an earth covered or subterranean or underground dwelling. The invention also relates to a method of construction of such a dwelling, and to a module for use in the construction thereof.

Earth covered or underground dwellings are becoming increasingly popular, having a number of advantages compared to dwellings built above the ground. By way of example, subterranean dwellings are less visible that dwellings located above the surface, and so have less of an environmental impact. Additionally, the ambient temperature within a subterranean dwelling is relatively consistent, which may enable efficiencies to be made in relation to heating thereof.

The construction of earth covered or subterranean dwellings typically requires the excavation of a hole within which the dwelling is constructed, and the subsequent covering of the dwelling with earth or topsoil. Alternatively, in some circumstances, the dwelling may be constructed by digging a tunnel or the like into a hillside, a cliff or a similar feature, the tunnel being of dimensions to form rooms in the dwelling. Whilst these techniques allow the construction of a subterranean dwelling, the processes involved are relatively time consuming, and so the construction process may take an extended period of time. In part, this rises as the structure of the dwelling needs to be sufficiently robust to be able the bear the load of the earth covering surrounding and on top of the dwelling.

This requirement applies both to the roof of the structure which has to carry the overlying earth, and to the side walls of the structure which need to be sufficiently strong to withstanding applied side loadings in order to prevent the structure from caving in when covered. In addition to the need for the structure to be capable of bearing significant loads, the structure also has to be able to prevent the ingress of moisture so that the interior thereof does not become damp, and to be thermally insulated so as to be of good efficiency and of relatively low running cost.

Whilst some earth covered dwellings are constructed by first excavating a hole in which the dwelling is constructed, and subsequently covering the dwelling in earth, arrangements are possible in which a dwelling is constructed above the ground surface and subsequently covered in earth.

It would be desirable to provide a construction process for use in the construction of an earth covered or subterranean dwelling which is relatively simple and so allows the construction of such a dwelling in a relatively short period of time. Conveniently, the method permits large scale construction of such dwellings.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing a subterranean dwelling, the method comprising the steps of providing a support structure, and covering the support structure with earth, wherein the support structure comprises an ISO shipping container, the ISO shipping container having been modified prior to the installation thereof to enhance its load bearing capabilities.

The use of an intermodal or ISO shipping container to form the support structure is advantageous in that no additional step of manufacturing a support structure is required. The construction process can thus be simplified and speeded up. The nature of a shipping container is such that relatively little modification thereof is required to ensure that it is capable of withstanding the loads to be applied thereto, in use, for example the loads arising from the positioning of earth on top of and around the shipping container.

S The modification of the shipping container prior to installation thereof preferably comprises inverting the shipping container prior to installation so that once installed it is arranged in an up-side-down configuration. Such an arrangement is advantageous in that the structure forming the floor' of a shipping container is of enhanced strength compared to the structure forming the root thereof, in normal use, and so the support structure is better able to support the weight of earth positioned on top of the container, in use, if the container is inverted.

The modification of the shipping container conveniently further comprises securing mounting cleats to the wall of the shipping container and securing load bearing struts thereto to enhance the strength of the wall. The struts may further carry an internal wall skin thereto. A void formed between the internal wall skin and an outer wall of the shipping container conveniently accommodates a thermal insulating material such as a suitable foamed material.

The support structure is conveniently provided with internal partitions to divide the interior of the support structure into a plurality of room spaces. One of the room spaces is conveniently fitted out to serve as a bathroom, wet room or the like. Another of the room spaces is conveniently fitted out to serve as a kitchen or food preparation area.

The exterior of the support structure is conveniently provided with an insulating material layer.

The insulating material layer and/or the exterior of the support structure may further be provided with a coating of a protective material serving to protect the support structure from corrosion and enhancing the waterproofing of the support structure.

The support structure is preferably fitted out prior to installation, the fitting out conveniently being undertaken offsite. It will be appreciated that by fitting out the support structure prior to installation thereof, the process of constructing the dwelling can be further accelerated and simplified.

If desired) two or more such support structures may be positioned adjacent one another) providing a dwelling of larger dimensions. In such an arrangement, openings may be formed in the side walls of the support structures to form doorways or entrances to allow passage between rooms or areas defined within one of the support structures and rooms or areas defined within another of the support structures.

Preferably, the doors are removed from the shipping container and replaced with a decorative front. The decorative front may include a door to allow access to the interior of the support structure. It may also include a window.

Conveniently, earth retaining wings are attached to an end of the support structure. A cupboard) storage area or the like may be provided behind at least one of the earth retaining wings.

An earth covered porch may be constructed externally of the support structure, providing some external accommodation.

S The method may include an initial step of excavating a hole within which the support structure is subsequently installed. The support structure may be accommodated completely within the hole, or may project therefrom. Alternatively) the support structure may be installed upon a ground surface and subsequently covered with earth.

The invention further extends to an earth covered or subterranean dwelling comprising a support structure, the support structure being covered with earth, the support structure comprising a shipping container, the shipping container having been modified to enhance the strength thereof.

As outlined hereinbefore the support structure may be inverted, and the walls thereof may be provided with load bearing struts. It may be fitted out to define rooms or areas serving as, for example, a bathroom or wet room or the like and a kitchen or food preparation area. The support structure is preferably modified to be of insulated form and may be provided with additional waterproofing.

Additionally, the invention relates to a support structure comprising a shipping container modified to enhance the load bearing capability for use in the method and/or dwelling described hereinbefore. The support structure may be fitted out as described hereinbefore.

The invention will be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: S Figure 1 is a view illustrating a dwelling constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of the dwelling of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a further diagrammatic view illustrating the dwelling; and Figure 4 is a sectional view illustrating part of the dwelling.

ISO shipping containers have been in widespread use in the transportation of products and materials for a number of years. ISO 1496/1 sets out the requirements of a shipping container, the specification being designed in such a manner as to ensure that a container constructed in accordance with the specification will be able to bear the loadings and conditions to which a shipping container is normally exposed, in use. Whilst shipping containers are designed to be stacked upon one another, the weight of an upper container is transmitted to the corners of a lower container, not to the roof of a lower container. Accordingly, the roof of an unmodified ISO shipping container need not be load bearing, in normal use. The roof of a container is typically capable of bearing a load of 1.44 kN/m2. The floor of an unmodified ISO shipping container, however, bears the load of the contents of the container, and so is significantly stronger than the roof thereof) the specification for an ISO container requiring that the floor is capable of bearing of a load of 33.8 kN/m2. ISO shipping containers are available in several different sizes, and the invention as described herein may make use of containers of any of these sizes.

As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention) an underground dwelling is constructed by excavating an appropriately sized and positioned hole in a ground surface at the location in which the dwelling is required. The bottom of the hole is conveniently filled with hard-core 10, concrete or another suitable material to provide a stable base for the dwelling. Concrete pads 11 are formed on the hard-core 10 to support the dwelling.

Next) a support structure 12 in the form of an ISO shipping container is positioned within the hole) the support structure 12 being supported upon the pads 11. The container forming the support structure 12 is modified prior to installation within the hole to enhance the strength of the walls 14 and roof 16 of the support structure l2so as to ensure that the support structure 12 is able to bear the loads applied thereto when in use as the support structure 12 for an underground dwelling. As outlined hereinbefore, when in use as an underground dwelling the support structure 12 must be capable of bearing the weight of the earth positioned on top of and around the support structure 12. It is envisaged that the load to which the roof 16 of the support structure 12 will be exposed) in use, due to the positioning of earth thereon, will be in the region of 14.34 kN/m2. This load is considerably greater than is capable of being carried by the roof of an unmodified ISO container as mentioned hereinbefore. The step of modifying the container preferably includes a step of inverting the container. As mentioned above, the floor of a shipping container is considerably stronger than the roof thereof. By modifying the shipping container by inversion thereof, so that the floor of the shipping container serves as the roof 16 of the support structure 12 of the dwelling) it will be appreciated that a support structure roof 16 capable of bearing a load of 33.8 kN/rn2 (the load bearing capacity of the floor of a shipping container), well in excess of the 14.34 kN/m2 anticipated roof loading, can be attained.

In addition to modifying the container by inversion thereof) the step of modifying the container conveniently includes securing cleats 18 to the inner surface of the walls 14 thereof, for example by welding the cleats 18 in position, and attaching support struts 20 to the cleats 18, the support struts 20 serving to enhance the strength and rigidity of the walls 14 of the container. As shown in Figure 4, the struts 20 are conveniently bolted to the cleats 18.

In the arrangement illustrated, each support strut 20 extends vertically over substantially the full height of the support structure 12, and is secured to the wall 14 of the support structure 12 by three cleats 18. However, it will be appreciated that this need not always be the case. Horizontal struts may extend between adjacent ones of the vertical struts 20, if desired. Conveniently, the cleats 18 hold the struts 20 at a position spaced away from the walls 14 of the support structure 12, this spacing allowing a foamed insulating material 22 to be applied to the interior surface of the container walls 14, providing thermal insulation to the dwelling.

The struts 20 serve not only to enhance the strength and rigidity of the walls 14, but also carry an inner wall skin 24, for example of matchboard, plasterboard or the like form.

A structure similar to the wall structure maybe applied to the interior of the roof 16 of the support structure 12 to further enhance strength and rigidity and to provide an interior ceiling.

Externally, the walls 14 are conveniently provided with an insulating material sheet 28. A waterproofing coating or membrane may also be provided to enhance the waterproofing of the support structure 12.

To enhance the waterproofing of the support structure 12, the roof 16 of the support structure 12 formed by the floor of the container is conveniently provided with cladding 26, on its exterior, and provided with a waterproof coating, for example in the form of a painted coating of a suitable material or in the form of a suitable membrane. The cladding 26 may be designed so as to form a slope and so assist in the drainage of water from the roof 16 of the support structure 12, reducing the pooling of water thereon.

The roof of the container which forms the floor of the support structure 12 is typically of sheet steel form. A false floor is conveniently constructed within the support structure 12 by the provision of joists supported above the steel floor of the support structure 12, for example by being secured to the struts 20. A suitable covering is carried by the joists to form the floor surface. The void beneath the floor may be filled with or have applied thereto an insulating material, for example a foamed insulating material.

As the false floor is supported by the struts 20, it will be appreciated that the hard-core 10, concrete or other material provided in the bottom of the hole need not be flat or uniform, or extend across the entire width of the support structure, as the support structure can be carried upon, for example, pads 11 located at the corners thereof.

The support structure 12 formed from a shipping container modified as described hereinbefore to enhance the strength and waterproofing properties thereof, and also to provide interior floor and wall surfaces is) as described hereinbefore, positioned upon the pads 11. The parts of the hole around the support structure 12 may then be back filled and an earth covering applied over the support structure 12 to form the underground, earth covered dwelling. If desired, a pea shingle or similar material layer 30 may be provided immediately adjacent the support structure 12 to assist in drainage of water from around the support structure 12. The earth covering may then, if desired, be turfed or seeded or otherwise treated, if desired.

Prior to covering with earth, if desired ties may be connected between cleats secured to the exterior of the walls of the support structure 12 and anchors provided in the ground to enhance the ability of the support structure 12 to withstand side loadings, in use.

The doors at one end of the container forming the support structure 12 are removed and a decorative wall 46 is mounted at that end of the support structure 12, closing the support structure 12. The decorative wall 4 conveniently includes a door 48 to allow access to the dwelling, and a window 50 to provide some natural light to the dwelling. Conveniently, the decorative wall 46 is of timber construction, for example with a timber cladding.

The interior of the support structure 12 is fitted out to serve as a dwelling. The fitting out of the support structure 12 conveniently includes constructing interior partitions 32 to divide the space within the support structure 12 into a series of rooms or spaces. For example, the space within the support structure 12 may be divided into a living space 34, one or more bedrooms 36 and a bathroom or wet room 38. The living space 34 conveniently includes a kitchen or food preparation area 40. The interior partitions 32 and the plumbing and electrical cabling for the kitchen or food preparation area 40 and the bathroom or wet room 38, and other spaces within the support structure 12, is conveniently installed prior to installation of the support structure 12 within the excavated hole. Indeed, the entire interior of the support structure 12 may be fitted out prior to installation in the excavated hole, for example at a factory or other off-site location, the support structure 12 being delivered to the site ready fitted out for installation in the excavated hole.

In the illustrated embodiment, side wings 42 are provided at the sides of the support structure 12.

The side wings 42 are of steel PFC channel construction, provided with marine ply and waterproof membranes, if desired, the side wings 42 serving to retain the earth adjacent the sides of the support structure 12. If desired, they may also provide storage space 44 which can accommodate, for example, water heaters, a heat recovery and ventilation system, or the like. The side wings 42, like the support structure 12 are earth covered and so must be designed in such a manner as to be able to withstand the loads applied thereto, in use. The storage space 44 need not extend the full length of the support structure, but conveniently are provided adjacent just the entrance end of the dwelling.

Ties may be connected between the outer ends of the wings 42 and the support structure 12 to reduce deflection of the wings 42, enhancing their load bearing capacity.

An earth covered porch 52 is conveniently provided in front of the dwelling, the roof of the porch 52 being supported by one of the wings 42. The porch 52 provides a covered outside seating area.

S The front of the porch 52 is supported by a SHS Steel Box frame, clad in timber, supported on baseplates and anchored to concrete pads.

Whilst the description hereinbefore makes reference to an initial step of excavating a hole in which the support structure 12 in the form of a modified shipping container is positioned, it will be appreciated that the support structure 12 could be positioned upon a ground surface and subsequently buried or covered with earth if desired.

The arrangement of the invention is advantageous in that construction of an earth covered building is relatively simple, the construction being accomplished relatively quickly by making use of a pre-fabricated support structure which can be fitted out, at least partially, prior to installation.

Whilst the arrangement described hereinbefore is of one form of dwelling) it will be appreciated that the invention is not restricted to the specific design described and illustrated but rather covers a number of other designs and layouts. Potentially, the invention could be used in the construction of, for example, toilet or washing accommodation for camp sites, or other facilities. A number of modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A method of constructing an earth covered dwelling, the method comprising the steps of providing a support structure, and covering the support structure with earth, wherein the support structure comprises an ISO shipping container, the ISO shipping container having been modified prior to the installation thereof to enhance its load bearing capabilities.
2. A method according to Claim 1, wherein the modification of the shipping container prior to installation thereof comprises inverting the shipping container prior to installation so that once installed it is arranged in an up-side-down configuration.
3. A method according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the modification of the shipping container comprises securing mounting cleats to the wall of the shipping container and securing load bearing struts thereto to enhance the strength of the wall.S
4. A method according to Claim 3, wherein the struts further carry an internal wall skin thereto.
5. A method according to Claim 4, wherein a void formed between the internal wall skin and an outer wall of the shipping container accommodates a thermal insulating material.
6. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure is provided with internal partitions to divide the interior of the support structure into a plurality of room spaces.
7. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the exterior of the support structure is provided with an insulating material layer.
8. A method according to Claim 7, wherein the insulating material layer and/or the exterior of the support structure is provided with a coating of a protective material serving to protect the support structure from corrosion and enhancing the waterproofing of the support structure.
9. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure is fitted out prior to installation.
10. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising removing the doors from an end of the shipping container and replacing them with a decorative front.
11. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising earth retaining wings attached to an end of the support structure.
12. A method according to Claim 11, wherein a cupboard, storage area or the like is provided behind at least one of the earth retaining wings.
13. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an earth covered porch constructed externally of the support structure, providing some external accommodation.
14. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an initial step of excavating a hole within which the support structure is subsequently installed.
15. An earth covered or subterranean dwelling comprising a support structure, the support structure being covered with earth, the support structure comprising a shipping container, the shipping container having been modified to enhance the strength thereof.
16. A support structure comprising a shipping container modified to enhance the load bearing capability for use in the method and/or dwelling of any of the preceding claims.