1166 N Long Road, Pierson township, Michigan

About 1166 N Long Road

Please see the details below regarding the "Safe House," a unique, energy-efficient, and sustainable earth-sheltered home and design studio built in 1984. Property Overview: - Lot Size: 3.2 private acres - Living Space: 1,458 sq ft main floor with three bedrooms - Garage: 648 sq ft one-stall attached garage - Interior Features: All-electric fireplace set in a real rock fireplace Design & Sustainability Features: - Earth-Sheltered Construction: Poured concrete walls vary in height based on direction, sheltering the building from cold winter winds. - Green Roof: Accessible roof featuring a biodiverse mixture of plant species. - Seasonal Efficiency: The design allows for full shade in the summer to minimize air conditioning needs, while increasing natural light penetration during the shorter winter days.How Earth Berming Works: The performance of this structure relies on thermal mass and geothermal regulation. The surrounding soil acts as a thermal battery, absorbing and slowly releasing heat (thermal lag) to dampen the effects of extreme outdoor temperatures. At several feet below the surface, the earth's temperature remains relatively constant year-round (typically between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit). By burying the walls beneath this thermal boundary, the house interfaces with a stable temperature zone. This reduces the temperature differential between the inside and outside, making the structure warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer than a conventional home, thereby requiring less energy to maintain a comfortable indoor climate.

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