Walipini Construction (The Underground Greenhouse)

Revised 2002 Benson Institute construction bulletin for the Walipini underground/pit greenhouse designed for La Paz, Bolivia, covering thermal principles, siting, drainage, venting, materials, and low-cost construction. Defines Walipini as underground or pit greenhouse designed specifically for La Paz, Bolivia, with principles adaptable elsewhere; Aymara 'place of warmth'. Locating growing area 6'–8' underground and capturing/storing daytime solar radiation are stated as the most important success principles. Describes rectangular pit 6'–8' deep covered by plastic sheeting; long axis east–west; roof faces winter sun (north in Southern Hemisphere / south in Northern Hemisphere); rammed-earth rear wall and lower front wall set roof angle; double plastic layers create insulating airspace. States soil temperature at ~4' depth stays between ~50 and 60°F in most places; example contrasts heating from 50° underground vs 10° above-ground to reach 80° ambient.

Primary design context is La Paz, Bolivia climate/latitude; bulletin itself notes adaptation needed for other geographies.

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