Why Choose An Earth Sheltered Home
from Davis Caves Construction
Make a Positive Contribution
The need to protect and preserve the environment is becoming
increasingly important. More and more environmentally-conscious
people are building earth-sheltered homes from Davis Caves Construction...for
many reasons. Energy Conservation
Natural heating and cooling form the earth create a valuable 60-85%
savings on fossil fuel.
Limited Visual Impact
Blending with nature, earth-sheltered homes and buildings preserve
the character of the land and become part of the natural landscape...promoting,
rather than disturbing, wildlife.
Preservation of Greenspace
Building an earth-sheltered home allows the roof to remain as
a park, plaza area, or someone's front yard, thus resulting in
no loss of greenspace. In a broader sense, agricultural land as
well as wilderness may be preserved.
Efficient Land Use
Sloping terrain that may otherwise be destroyed or unsuitable
for conventional construction is easily utilized for an earth-sheltered
home.
Environmental Benefits
Earth-sheltered homes and buildings, particularly in urban areas,
not only enhance or improve the environment aesthetically, but
can actually revitalize the natural landscape due to the increase
of plant and animal habitat. According to a University of Minnesota
study, water and air quality are also improved and the soil is
enriched by allowing the natural ecological processes to occur
within the boundries of a built environment.
Wood Conservation
Another advantage of an earth-sheltered structure is that its
construction requirements save wood use. The entire structure
of a Davis Caves home is made of concrete and other man-made materials.
The concrete can be finished off to match any type of interior
decor found in conventional homes.
Make a positive contribution...choose an earth-sheltered
home from Davis Caves Construction!
Reside in Safety
Safety for one's self and family is a major concern of most
people. Taking household safety precautions, selecting a neighborhood
carefully, and residing in an earth-sheltered home from Davis
Caves Construction can provide the safest living space for you
and your family. Protection from Natural Disasters
The reinforced structure of a Davis Caves home, along with the
earth's natural protection, provides maximum protection from high
winds, hail storms, tornados, and other natural disasters.
Earthquake Resistance
Because the amplitude of the vibration decreases with depth into
the ground when distant from the epicenter of the quake, and because
the home would not be shaken soley through its foundation, earthquake
resistance is enhanced.
Fire Protection
The super-structure of Davis Caves Earth-Sheltered Home is constructed
mainly of reinforced concrete, while the inside walls are built
with 2 x 4 metal studs (instead of wood) and fire-resistant drywall.
This combination keeps the house extremely fire-resistant. Consequently,
in the rare event that interior furnishings should catch fire,
the superstructure will not burn, thus less overall fire damage
would be sustained. This fact, in most cases, has resulted in
lower insurance rates.
Civil Defense
Many of the same characteristics of a Davis Caves Earth-Sheltered
Home that provide protection from natural disasters can help safeguard
occupants from man-made destruction or nuclear fallout.
Reduced Chances of Vandelism
With part of your home sheltered by the earth, vandalism opportunities
are greatly reduced.
Elimination of Freezing
If the heat goes out in a Davis Caves Earth-Sheltered Home, you
won't have to be concerned for your family's health because any
change in indoor temperature would literally be no more than a
few degrees a month...and never drop below 50 degrees, even in
the coldest environments.
If you really want to reside in safety, choose an earth-sheltered
home from Davis Caves Construction!
Many people prefer to spend their free time enjoying hobbies,
engaging in recreation, or just relaxing instead of painting,
cleaning gutters, and doing other homeowner maintenance and chores.
That's another reason why earth-sheltered homes from Davis Caves
Construction are gaining in popularity! Minimal Upkeep
With part of your home sheltered by the earth, exterior maintenance
is greatly reduced.
No Roof or Gutter Repair or Replacement
Plus, earth-covered roofs can be planted with low-maintenance
ground cover, or you can let the natural landscape take over.
Long-life Materials
Most people think of sidewalks, roads, and driveways when they
think of concrete. Wide temperature variations and freeze-thaw
cycles are the major causes of cracking in these concrete forms.
But the temperature of the concrete in a Davis Caves Earth-Sheltered
Home varies only a few degrees and is never exposed to these harsh
conditions, so the structure will last many generations longer
than a conventional home.
Protection from the Elements
Even without heat during the coldest months, the indoor temperature
will drop only a few degrees a month...and never drop below 50
degrees. Thus, pipes and other plumbing will never freeze, and
you won't have to worry about your family, pets or plants.
Reduced Life-cycle Costs
Due to reduced energy and maintenance costs and, in many cases,
reduced insurance costs, earth-sheltered homes have been proven
to have a lower life-cycle cost than a comparable conventional
home.
Have a beautiful, well-kept home and minimize your maintenance...choose
an earth-sheltered home from Davis Caves Construction!
Build an Original
All the benefits of earth-sheltered homes and more...Davis
Caves Construction offers you the "original idea" in
a modern home that is time-tested, people-proven. The Originators
In 1976, the Davis family invented their first earth-sheltered
home. The response from the press and the public was so great,
while labeling it Davis "Cave", that by 1977 we started
building nationwide. As people began equating the Davis "Cave"
with excellence in earth-sheltered homes, we adopted the name
and Davis Caves Construction was formed.
Endless Applications
The majority of our business is residential; however, we also
build many earth-sheltered commercial buildings, offices, and
churches. We have even built an earth-sheltered farrowing houses
for the agricultural market.
Unlimited Decor and Style
An earth-sheltered home is in no way limiting...any decor or style
that you would find in a conventional building can be incorporated
into a Davis Caves Earth-Sheltered Home.
Adaptable Plans and Custom Designing
All of the plans shown in our design book can easily be adapted
to fit your exact needs. Garages may be added or omitted from
any design. You may choose to custom design your new home...if
so, we have architectural and engineering services available.
Substantial Savings with Shell-Only Options
Since the finish work is conventional, you can realize a substantial
savings by finishing all or part of the home yourself or with
the help of local contractors. Our office will provide you or
your contractor with guidelines and tips to help you complete
your wonderful earth-sheltered home!
Turn-key Option
If you prefer, after the shell is constructed, our finish crew
can complete your new home right down to the last detail.
The Leading Edge
As the nation's leader in earth-sheltered construction, we are
always on the drawing board enhancing, improving and inventing.
That's why a "Davis Cave" is the trademark of excellence
in earth-sheltered construction and expertise.
Don't let the name "cave" fool you...an earth-sheltered
home from Davis Caves Construction is bright, spacious and offers
the upmost in comfort. So when you're ready to build...build an
original!
Davis Caves, Inc.
Box 549
Atlanta, IL 61723
Phone: 877-237-3138
Fax: 877-237-3138
Email: earthome@daviscaves.com