1.4 RESEARCH APPROACH

1.3 RESEARCH AIM

The aim of this research is to understand the potentials of Earth Sheltered architecture as a sustainable alternative to design construction by critically analyzing the relationship between nature and building. From analyzing the relationship, this research develops an framework for earth sheltered buildings which establishes design strategies to underpin the feasibility of earth sheltered buildings. The research also establishes a vocabulary, both verbally and visually, for discussing and describing earth shelter space and the particular physical forms it can take.

1.4 RESEARCH APPROACH

The research is divided into seven chapters. Chapter Two discusses the history of earth sheltered buildings from where did they originated and how was the idea created. Timeline of earth shelter architecture is discussed and learn from the past and what is the present scenario? What modern materials and construction techniques are used for earth shelter architecture. Chapter Three underpins the project through a literature review. It provides a critical review of existing theories relevant to earth sheltered architecture. It critically analyses the types of earth sheltered architecture, basically there are three main types and each type have different benefits and construction style. Chapter Four consists of literature review in which fundamentals, energy conservation in earth sheltered buildings are discussed, geographical and climate factors for earth shelters, suitable site conditions, design and construction of earth sheltered house. Chapter Five expands on gathered case studies, diagrammatic analysis and its results. This chapter also begins to establish a vocabulary for discussing earth sheltered house. This vocabulary is used further within the research to discuss and describe the earth sheltered building. Chapter Six consists of pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of earth sheltered buildings depending on various factors it may change in some areas it may be good, in other may be not feasible, environmental benefits, safety and cost factors challenges in earth sheltered architecture and its importance in developing countries. Chapter Seven, discussion and conclusion, presents the findings from the research. It discusses how the research has met the intention of defining feasibility of earth shelter architecture. It underpins the successful design of earth sheltered buildings by comparing it to standard housing.