More and more over the years we witness the development of underground constructions, either for residential use or for entire hotel complexes. It is a primordial solution that responds to the imperatives of the time: the need for bioclimatic planning! Cave dwellings are the most traditional way of living that has been appreciated for both of their resistance to climatic changes and their perfect integration with the surrounding natural environment. But what is the history of cave residences? Why would someone nowadays choose to build a cave building or a cave hotel and finally, what are the benefits and costs with this alternative and unique form of housing? Read on!
When and where did the first undergcut structures appeared?
The first undercut buildings are important parts of the first human habitation as well as culture. So the first examples of undercut dwellings can be traced back to the Paleolithic Age, from about 2.6 million years ago to about 10,000 BC. These structures usually refer to caves or dwellings that are either completely caved in or have parts that are caved in. They appear in various regions of the world, including the Nile valleys of Egypt, the plains of Sarkara in India, Cappadocia in Turkey, Matera in Italy and in Greece, on the island of Santorini and Meteora.
As the word itself states, cave dwelling is found mainly in areas where the ground is soft or with igneous rocks that allow to create a small or larger space as a shelter. Their main characteristic is that these residences were built with the surrounding materials and benefited from the natural properties of the soil for both thermal insulation and cooling. They are essentially the first forms of house that man created to meet his basic needs for shelter and protection.
Why should you choose to build an undercut building?
There are many reasons why someone would choose to build an undercut house, especially in Greece, as the topography is suitable for undercut constructions, ideal for both private use and tourist exploitation. Their main advantages include their perfect integration with the environment around them, natural thermal insulation and cooling and their environmental friendliness. But let’s see these in detail:
The pros and cons of undercut constructions
The main characteristic of these constructions is that they can be integrated organically into the landscape, reducing both their visual and environmental footprint. In addition, the minimal intervention in the plot is also one of their main advantages. Next, their bioclimatic design! The bioclimatic design of a building contributes to saving energy for the heating, cooling and lighting of the construction. It practically utilizes solar energy and other renewable energy sources, uses the local climate or otherwise microclimate, as well as the building materials of the surrounding environment and natural resources. In addition, they offer protection against noise, dust, radiation, fire, and extreme weather conditions. And of course, due to the slope of the plot, there is the magnificent unobstructed view as a natural continuation of the building that is also a direct connection with nature!
Finally, the flexible regulations in Greece, such as the doubling of permitted construction, given that the visual and environmental footprint of construction is minimized, are among the key advantages that make undercut construction attractive in our country.
What about the cost?
The cost of building an undercut construction can vary depending on the area, the size and the materials used. However, usually building an undercut house can be a bit more expensive than building a conventional house, due to the complex process and special requirements. It requires special knowledge and experience in designing and constructing, especially if techniques such as waterproofing and soil stabilization are required.
Again, however, in the long run, the future savings in energy and operating costs can offset a probable higher initial cost. An undercut structure has minimal exposure to the environment and with the appropriate choice of construction materials and insulations, zero maintenance is required!
Book a free consultation
The advantages of undercut constructions, as we mentioned, include their perfect integration with the surrounding environment, natural thermal insulation and cooling, and their environmental friendliness. If you are interested in the proper design of an undercut building, we are waiting for you at Chnaris Architecture in Construction to understand your needs and design it together!
