[NorthernSanctuary]

Hi MacGyver,

I built my house using ICF (insulated concrete forms), so it is cooler during the day, and warmer at night; the thermal mass moderates the temperatures. You can see it in the picture album. The proposed concrete bunkers have the insulation on the outside, so will be used as a thermal mass and radiation shield.

Your idea for using the earth as a mold, only works if you don't find a big rock when you try to dig out the earth, otherwise the rock stays as an ornament! There are other techniques using a steel rebar frame and spraying shotcrete to create the dome. Needs some experimentation, but i've seen it work well. For the smaller bunkers, it is just as easy to use wood forms. I go to the West coast sometimes, so might possibly meet you there. Good luck on your studies.

/Wayne