What’s an earth berm?
An earth berm is literally a pile of soil, in this case piled up against the side of a house. This ancient principle, similar to building a house into a hill, has many advantages in relation to sustainability: • reduces heat loss by increasing thermal mass • shelters the structure from the wind (another major cause of heat loss, especially when it’s blowing from the N or E) • increases biodiversity, as an extension of the grass roof • reduces visual impact by acting as camoflage for the walls In the development at Bucks Lane, the Lowhouse is orientated away from the main road, Stones Green Road and the earth berms surround the house from any angle it might be seen by the general public.
