The Earth-Sheltered House: An Architect's Sketchbook

It seems that most of the reviewers have not read Malcolm's books other than this one. Mac never contends these to be guidwlines or tech-point renderings. But he is a master at formulating underground architecture. The reason that many homes didn't get built is that budget for this form of building DOES cost more,and more more efficient and earth friendly, whereas otherwise non-sustainable homes are not. This is a sketchbook, not a building manual, he does in fact sell architectural plans outside of this. These are to illuminate and vibrate the stagnant soul. It appears that some souls are more stagnant than others. Mac's books do read journal-wise and are more storylike. That's merely the way he writes. He is a warm, engaging and socially responsible human being that has found a better way to build. So, people, off the high horses.

This is a great book, if you take it for what it is - a collection of sketches and ideas working to tackle the problems of underground house design. Unlike Rob Roy or Mike Oheler, who have their set methods for how to build your underground house, and who aren't much interested in other methods, Wells is interested in exporing the full spectrum of possibilities for underground structures. Many of his ideas are for larger (commercial or institutional) buildings, but houses are included as well. The real strength of this book is in learning, along with Wells, why some of his ideas (sketches) wouldn't or didn't work. If you want a step-by-step how-to on building a home, this is not the book for you. If you're seriously considering building your own underground home (particularly if you are the builder) this book is a very important resource.

From an architects point of view, I found this book to be very intersting in that it proposes design concepts rarely considered in a world where everyone wants a stainless steel refrigerator and granite countertops. It certainly isn't meant as a "how to" book for the weekend warrior who wants to save a few bucks on his electricity bill. I found it to be a resource for opening minds, not just opening the ground.

Having read the earlier reviews, I had an idea about what to expect from this unusual book. The number of incomplete projects presented was disappointing; the ideas look cool. Some of the buildings are not residences but planned commercial buildings. The book might be interesting as an idea book for an architect. A propsective home-buyer/builder might want to consider other books on the subject as starting points.

Using his humor and whit, Malcom Wells describes the process of designing many earth sheltered, light filled residential and commercial buildings. At first, since the book is hand written, it may seem like a bit of a barrier, however, once you start to read it, you find that it is just part of the authors personal style. In addition to his sketches and narrative of his designs and concepts, he tells of what worked and didn't work in his experience. He also draws very telling and sometimes humorously critical cartoons on his opinions of his chosen profession,our relationships with our planet, and himself. Wells is a pioneer in the concept of Sustained Architecture. This book is very informative on what to and not to do when considering an earth sheltered home. A great gift to the environment for the new millenium.