Civil Engineering

Question

What are the advantages of semi-underground houses? I've heard that some ancient peoples, most notably Germanic and Japanese ones, lived in semi-underground huts. What are the advantages of such constructions? Insulation, security, or something else? And how might they have coped with problems such as drainage? Could these constructions be expanded into more permanent forms in brick or stone? Additionally, I'd like to know if any cultures other than the ones I mentioned build semi-underground dwellings.

Answer

<DIV>Hi</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>Using Google and the search string