Submarine Homes

An underground submarine for a home - WTF? On another page I've talked about abandoned nuclear missile silo underground houses and it's also true that some WWII submarines were also built underground.

But, some inventive people have actually turned submarines into underground homes for themselves.

Underground Submarine Home

A submarine is a multi utility watercraft capable of performing various operations below the water surface. The submarines were used with devastating effect in the two World Wars.

Submarines, during the World Wars were used for attacking enemy ships, protecting air craft carriers and many more. As far as civilian usage is concerned submarines are used for many marine and oceanographic purposes, under water cable repairs, tourism and for academic research.

What About ...

But what about submarine homes for civilians? In 1973, a gentleman named Harry Neal, bought a grain silo, used for brewing beer and eventually made it into a house comprising circular rooms and metal bay windows which give it a distinct "submarine-like" look (pictured above).

The house is surrounded by a pond and a hot tub and though the design of the house has been altered to suit the requisites of Harry but it has retained its uniqueness. The house can be seen from the top of Mountain Charlie Road and the people around there have named it "submarine".

Sink or Swim ...

Submarines can be easily converted into underground homes by burying them or partly burying beneath the earth with the help of a practiced architect. Such houses are also termed as earth-bermed homes

Since underground homes in general have a natural insulation system due to the presence of the soil around yet there are those who believe in providing tubes in order to let in natural, fresh air .Although one might have to pay a little bit higher for the construction of these homes yet when we look at their low maintenance cost and the amount of energy one can save, while inhabiting these house, we do not think that the construction of such a house is a waste.

Advantages ...

One can experience the tranquility and the quiet atmosphere of a submarine - underground house with a little bit of extra care and effort. The other advantages include less chances of a fire break out; insulation to sound that can be achieved naturally, less chances of being affected by winds and storms. Isn't the idea novel and unique , making us think about our plans of building usual houses, that is, homes above the ground.

Pictured right is a submarine house built inside an airplane hanger Lake Lewisville, Tx. It is a novel luxury submarine house sporting 3 Bedroom, 3 Baths and 3 Living Areas.

Wayne Eyre in Canterbury, New Zealand had a friend take part of an old submarine and make an ultra cool den out of it. The submarine-den also has a working periscope. It is equipped with speakers and sound effects to make one believe they are underwater rather than underground.

Pictured is Wayne Eyre in his submarine home den.

This does beg the question, however, as to why there are not more large decommission submarines burying underground for homeowners to live in? One would think the bachelors, Hollywood types, artists and others with a penchant for the odd would dig this sort of thing.

Also environmentalists who believe in recycling may also be interested. If decommissioned missile bases can be used as underground homes why not decommissioned submarines. Not all subs were run off nuclear power as many used diesel. Sure, some of the small submarine homes may a bit cramped, but then again using a sub as an underground fallout shelter or place to store supplies would be another good use for the vessel.