Introduction to Underground Bunkers

Underground bunkers are subterranean shelters or rooms designed to provide protection and a comfortable living space in the event of a disaster or emergency. They range from simple trench cellars to more elaborate subway stations and tunnels. This guide will provide you with a detailed understanding of how to build an underground bunker that meets the needs of survival preparedness.

Home-Like Comfort

The goal of an underground bunker is to create a home-like environment that is warm, welcoming, and comfortable. This means that the space should be similar to your own home and prepared as if you were to remain inside for a year or more. The bunker should be treated like a man cave or a she shed, making it less secretive and easier to conceal. However, all conspiracy and paranoid elements of doomsday prepping should be hidden. The bunker must maintain a clutter-free appearance to promote good psychological health, even if your home is cluttered.

Concealment and Security

To ensure the safety and security of the bunker, it must be discreet and have multiple emergency exits. These exits should be located in safe directions and lead to hidden or out-of-sight locations. Creating these exit points may require modifications above ground or beyond the bunker's immediate vicinity. The entrances should be designed with a 90-degree turn, using ample mass to protect against intrusion. Each entrance, along with any other critical rooms such as generator rooms and gun rooms, must have air-tight doors. Any rooms containing hazardous materials, such as fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, explosives, or fuel, should have double air-tight doors leading to the exit and the living space.

Elevating the Living Space

Tall roofs are essential for making the bunker less cramped and crowded, reducing closed-in issues. To achieve this, skilled interior designers can paint the walls and roof to mimic a sky or any other visually appealing scenes, enhancing the psychological comfort of the inhabitants.

Space Requirements

Sufficient space is critical in an underground bunker. Beyond the basic essentials, it is essential to have dedicated spaces for exercise, tools, wine cells, a gun room, board game rooms, entertainment areas, quiet rooms, and work/office spaces. Each person should have their own personal space, ensuring the comfort and stress reduction of the bunker's occupants.

Environmental Considerations

Proper depth is crucial for the bunker to be livable year-round. The roof must be below the frost and heat lines of your region and should manage water tables and runoff to prevent flooding. This will ensure the space remains habitable and comfortable, even in extreme weather conditions. The temperature in the desert would need to be kept below 140 degrees to maintain livability.

Lighting and Aesthetics

Healthy lighting is vital for psychological well-being. The bunker should have ample lumens during the day and no light at night, mimicking natural daylight. This promotes or maintains good mental health and avoids the issues typically associated with living by candlelight.

Air Management

The air quality in the bunker must be maintained using Swiss or Israeli-made NBC (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) air systems to ensure a healthy living environment. The air system must be tailored to the specific square footage and the number of occupants.

Water Supply

A clean water well directly below the bunker is a must. It should be both powered and human-powered with multiple filtration stages, including Reverse Osmosis, Distillation machines, Water Softening, and Alkaline machines. Hidden storage for large numbers of filters and water softening salts is essential and must not be easily accessible.

Food Storage

Ample food storage is a critical component of an underground bunker. This includes non-perishable foods, dehydrated foods, and a system for preserving fresh produce. Ensuring a year's worth of food for each inhabitant is necessary for long-term survival.