The Earth Home

The Neilson Spearhead Center (NSC) houses a unique caretakers residence  - an earth home. Built in 1979, the earth home is built into the side of a hill facing south and has housed caretakers since. It consists of two bedrooms, one bathroom, a large storage closet, a living room with attached dining room and kitchen, and a small entry way. It also includes a wood furnace and has electric heat potential. The earth home is located in the heart of the NSC property, on the east side of Spearhead Lake.

1979

The construction of the earth home took place in 1979. The following photos were taken by John Mathisen and submitted by Adela ”Laddie” Elwell in 1979 and 1980.

1979 - Site survey for the earth home.

The earth home construction crew of 1979.

Pouring the concrete walls of the earth home - 1979.

Construction of cement walls of the earth home - 1979

Unloading concrete panels for the roof of the earh home - 1979

Laying the concrete panels of the earth home roof - 1979

Sweeping off the roof the earth home - 1979

Laying the waterproof plastic over the earth home roof. This plastic membrane hasn't been replaced since 1979 and has since deteriorated in places, causing the roof to leak today in some places

Those lucky enough to be selected as caretakers of the NSC have discovered adventure both inside and outside the earth home. The NSC board of directors have seen an overall positive effect of having caretakers on site, as they have been able to monitor the comings and goings of visitors as well as take note of yearly phenology occurences.

The earth home turns 30 years old this year and still houses caretakers on the Neilson Spearhead Center property.

 

2009

The NSC board of directors have developed a master plan which includes the development of a new caretaker residence. Although the cement foundation of the earth home is still holding steady, the house needed a new roof. In September of 2009, the earth home got just that. Thanks to Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society president John Eggers, the Neilson Foundation accepted Egger’s proposal for a grant to fund a new roof. Today, the earth home sits leak-free in the ground, and with new sky lights shedding lots of wonderful ambient light inside. Next on the list to repair is the deck in front of the earth home.

The following are pictures taken by caretaker Anne Williams:

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Why build an earth-sheltered home?

http://www.earthshelteredhome.com/25-reasons.htm