It's not an indictment of underground structure generally, but it is a cautionary tale about going your own way. "Bad construction" doesn't necessarily mean "bad builders." Even a mediocre builder/architect can erect a normal house without major issues. Even an outstanding builder/architect is likely to have major flaws erecting (does this apply underground) a highly unusual design. Innovation is harder.
The article is worth reading for anyone that wants to do this. Take all their issue. Make sure you have a solution for them all.
Also, I doubt the building regulations around underground structures is terribly well conceived. Especially in Oklahoma, where I imagine most underground "structures" are either basements, or serve as little more than storm shelters.
Most houses are designed and built to the minimum regulatory standards. It's expensive to overbuild structures, so people aren't going to do it unless they have a very specific reason to do so. Without any regulatory framework, or a bunch of experience, it's hard to expect anyone to get it right.
This house is not a basement, but it seems to be built like one. Basements have houses and roofs above them that serve to move water away from the structure and provide a source of dry, conditioned air from above ground.
The article is worth reading for anyone that wants to do this. Take all their issue. Make sure you have a solution for them all.