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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1984-05-16, Page 21et. 6 Continued frond Page 1 a rr000am. The ceiling is constructed of Targe Concrete slabs, a plastic insulation on top and then a few feet of earth. It is possible.• to now mow the lawn on the roof. Core -Slabs from Burlington, Ont., steel - reinforced slabs made according to the weight of earth they will bear on top, were hoisted into place by a crane at the Tunkl home. Each square foot of those slabs weighs 77 lbs. • There is only one floor level in these homes which functions as basement, main floor and attic, so that a storage room, where the utilities are found, is included in the design. Some or all of the bedrooms, as well as the bathroom, are located at the rear of the home and daylight here gives way to artificial lighting. The Farlow home has a skylight in a hall leading to these rooms to bring natural light inside. Carl Wideman estimates about a dollar a day for electric heating costs in his home which also has an airtight wood stove. "It hasn't been as good as we expected," says Mrs. Wideman of the energy savings. Although there is little variation in tem- perature underground, she says cloudy skies make it difficult for the passive solar to work. And, sh'e notes, there is a great deal of cloud cover in this area. The Widemans also have a de -humidifier operating in a rear bedroom, especially in summer. - However, she says, humidity is not a problem. The earth homeowners generally agree that the cost of building such .homes is higher than for conventional homes, but depending on the number and type of energy conservation measures incorporated into the construction, their homesVill represent a saving in the long run. There might be more earth homes,built, says Mrs. Wideman, if the cost were lower. Adds Mrs. Farlow, "Everyone can't do it. You have to have the site." Evidence of the growing interest in such homes could be found at the 1983 Home Show in Toronto, where visitors waited in long lineups to see architect Robert Reimers'. Dream Home, a 4000 sq. ft. inground mansion with an atrium design. It wasn't mere curiosity for some w,ho toured that home for more and more earth - sheltered• buildings, smaller than the "Dream Home—Old—of different—design, have since ,been constructed in Canada: In the U.S.., there are estimated to be thousands of the homes. They may not be everyone's idea of the dream house, but it appears that those who have tried them,.like them. "We like it," says Mrs. Wideman. "If we See Lyle Johnson This automobile - has the prestigious appearance you'll be proud to keep company with. It includes room, e, trunk space, comfort, quiet and beauty that provides la enjoyment. This unit is equipped with all the major ptions you'd expect from a luxury car including illgrfiinated entry system and AM/FM/cassette electronic stereo with Dolby noise reduction. You will not find better value for the money. ;?iii Wyyuy x: , A VIEW of the side with the sunroom from outside. 04, SOLAR FEATURE—It wasn't in the original plan for their home, but a sunroom addition has turned out to be a favorite spot for Mrs. Farlow, providing additional light and heat as well as a fine view outside. 1984 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY WAGON See Tom Anderson Transportation for people or cargo in style. Enjoy the advantages of owning a Le Baron Town and Country Wagon. Smooth and quiet travelling, velour individual bucket seats, centre console, roof luggage rack, power hatch k ` release, AM/FM electronic stereo. wire wheel covers, 2.6 litre engine, electric heated rear window, dual remote mirrors, rear wiper/w.sher, tonneau cover. 1984 CHRYSLER E CLASS sold it. my husband said it would only be to build another one. "But we're not planning to sell it." Adi Tunkl points out the many future plans he has for his home, including a whirlpool in the atrium, a family room behind the garage and perhaps solar panels on the roof. And he extends an invitation to anyone who would like to view his earth home, "L—w-o_iild never go to an above -ground house now," he remarks. Mrs. Tunkl remembers one visitor to her. home who was also considering going un- derground. "But he was afraid of the dirt roof," she says. "I thinl+;'a lot of people are waiting to see how we make out." See Cliff Halpenny This automobile provides driving and handling ease and comfort by full size car buyers. Front wheel drive design permits more room in front and rear compartments. This car features new electronic instrument panel, 2.6 litre 4 cylinder engine, 50/50 split individual reclining seats, AM/FM stereo ' radio, heavy duty suspension, power trunk release, premium wheel covers and more. 4,4 • 1984 CHRYSLER LASER XE See Floyd iijiilJey- You have the opportunity .of owning the first North American built front wheel drive sports car with a turbo charged engine and great fuel economy. Standard features include 5 speed transmission, illuminated entry system, dual power remote mirrors, electronic monitor system, electronic navigator system, tilt steering, rear spoiler, intermittent wipers. Options include tinted glass, rear wiper/washer, AM/FM electronic stereo with 6 speakers. Stop in and get the full story behind the Laser XE. 1984 DODGE GLH See Vil Jerva This sporty 1984 Y. Dodge offers a sportype performance package at an affordable price. Sports modifications by the Chrysler and Carol Shelby Performance Centre. 5 speed transmission, 2.2 litre high performance engine, rally instrument panel, tachometer, dual Bosch fog lamps, special sport suspension, AM/FM electronic stereo, dual remote .mirrors, rear wiper/washer and more. Stop in for a test drive. 1984" CHRYSLER NEW YORKER EARTH HOME --Carl and Nancy Wideman have lived in their earth home since 1980. MRS. WIDEMAN sits between the kitchen and dining area. There are no windows in the kitchen, "But I don't mind that at all," says Mrs. Wideman. Earth shelter home combines economy, comfort and security Continued from Page 1 was often away at work during the day she used the heaters instead, firing up the stove with scrap wood for additional warmth. On sunny days littleadditional heat is needed, as the winter sun sends its rays deep into the house and supplies free energy. One day in mid-November she had the stove going when the sun came out and before long "it was about 90 in here," Thelma recalled. Despite being double -paned, the large windows also account for most of the heat lost, but she prefers to leave them un- covered. She likes the openness and view they afford and also does not want to hide the knotty -pine that panels the front wall. Since the house is insulated outside the concrete it has tremendous thermal mass and is quite slow to heat up or cool down, making it easier to maintain an even temperature. Somewhat surprisingly, humidity has not been a problem. After running as high as 90 per cent during the early weeks while fresh paint, drywall and concrete were shedding excess moisture, it stabilized at a com- fortable 50 to 60 per cent during the winter. She plans to use a dehumidifier during the summer; though, to control any problems with condensation when muggy outside air hits the cool inner walls. She expects the house to be comfortably cool in the summer, since the sun will be higher in the sky and will not shine directly into the house. Even in early May the sun line was only about two feet inside the windows, while during the depths of winter it reached back to the bedroom wall. They also have saved a small stand of black walnut trees in front of the house to provide shade. ".Initially I was sceptical (of underground living). I just went along with the idea," Thelma admitted. "Once we got moved in, my feelings changed." She had feared there would be a closed -in feeling, with no windows at the back of the house, but it has not beena problem. "The design has a lot to do ,with it — security and openness. I've been in other ones that didn't appeal to me at all." She said she would recominend under- ground living, though it is not for everyone. "You have to be an energy -conscious person See Larry McRae Combines advanced technology and luxury. The velvet 50/50 individually adjustable seats and reclining seat backs make even the longest trips a relaxing experience. You will also enjoy the security of an electronib voice alert system that reports on 10 vital functions. Powered by a 2.6 litre "Silent Shaft" engine and equipped with air, power windows and door locks, cruise and more! who loves the outdoors." Economy is one big plus. In addition to the low heating costs, the house should require little in the way of maintenance. With the• only exposed wall being brick, the only exterior maintenance required should be an occasional painting of the windows. OPEN HOUSE PLANNED Not surprisingly, once word of the "under- ground house" got around the community it proved to be a local curiosity, with dozens of people driving by to take a look, stopping on the road outside or dropping in to talk and ask questions. Visitors came from everywhere. "Anyone around just pops in." They didn't mind the people who were truly interested in what they were doing, though it was easy to tire of those who came just to criticize and predict disasters. To satisfy people's interest, she has been planning an open house for this weekend, May 19 to 21, with the public invited to drop in and have a look. To find the house, drive to Wingham and follow the signs from the highway north and west to the crest of a hill overlooking the 'town. It is well worth the trip. JUST ARRIVED! 1979 DODGE 'L'IL RED EXPRESS TRUCK! " Equipped with 360 high performance engine, bucket seats, cast aluminum turbine wheels, dual chrome exhaust system, AM/FM stereo, only 47,000 miles. JUST ARRIVED! 1980 PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM Equipped with 4.9 litre turbo- charged V8 engine, air, AM/FM stereo with cassette, finished in black metallic paint. Only 55,000 miles. OVER 45 USED CARS AND TRUCKS IN STOCK .CHRYSLER nudge Trucks imosminsusommoniummi Your full rine Chrysler dealership: 754 Main St. E. Listowel. 291-4350 Open daily till 9 p.m. Saturday till 5 p.m. 4