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Deanna,
There are a great number of variants of this concept.
The Zuni Indians in western New Mexico built both subterranean and partially
subterranean homes. I have photos of some mid 1800's homes where the
structure is similar to yours only the roof is flat and the ladder is clearly
visible with only about 3' of the structure out of the ground. By 1870 the
same structure was raised to 5 feet with a ladder to the roof and a ladder
into the structure. By 1910, the structure was similar to any conventional
adobe structure complete with a door. Interesting what happens over
time.
A friend of mine is designing and planning to building a truly
hybrid home. Here are some of his plan features
Excavate a hill side some what like that of an earthship
U
Shotcrete and seal the hillside
Use adobe block to fill in all along the hillside and wall
. Ram earth as the wall is built. This wall will be load
bearing
Extend the exposed front portion of the home beyond the edge
of the cut-out in the hill
Use recycled steel posts in the front between sloped windows
(south and east)
In-fill the extended portion of the structure with
strawbales
Use recycled steel roof trusses for the living
roof
Cover roof with dirt
Interior features
Concrete countertops (he's done several for custom
homes)
Kiva fireplaces
Radiant heat
No interior walls---just partitions for the living
spaces. Privy privacy is open for consideration
He has most of the materials ready and has excavated the hill
in Placitas, NM, He ahs built at least 3 rammed earth homes that I know of
and look fantastic. He has also used SB for interior bancos and
walls. It will be interesting to see it when it's finished.
SANCO Enterprises, LLC Paul Salas, General Manager P.O. Box
45741 Rio Rancho, NM 87174 (505) 238-1485 chansey@earthlink.net | 
