While most people love spending their vacations in luxurious homes, some would prefer to stay in underground homes. But what are underground homes really?
These are alternatives to above-ground homes for those aspiring to impact an eco-friendly environment and relax your senses. Such include the caves, earth berm, rammed earth, culvert, tunnels, shaft, among others.
If you’ve never visited one before, perhaps you may want to consider spending your vacation in one of these unique underground homes we’re about to show you.
These places are deep into the ground, and that’s precisely what makes them tourist attractions across the world. Why not pay a visit to any of them? I bet you’re going to have a luxurious experience.
Spectacular Underground Homes Around The World
1. Hobbiton, New Zealand
If you’re a movie enthusiast, then you’ll surely love this. This is one of the places that filmed the famous movie sagas Lord Of The Rings. Meanwhile, the movie stars built Hobbiton to set their scene, and afterwards, they left it to serve as a tourist attraction site.
2. Domus Civita Underground homes, Italy
Domus Civita is an ancient structure located above the Etruscan caves and tombs. From the inside, you’ll find an elegant Roman water cistern telescoping onto an attractive garden through the cliff. The Roman cistern is 2000 years of age while the Etruscan caves are 2600 years old.
3. Hillside Underground Home, Switzerland
Just as the name suggests, this structure stands directly in the Vals hillside, Switzerland. Christian Muller Architects designed the home and named it Villa Vals. When heading towards the famous bath of Vals, this home is a walking distance.
4. Dune House, Atlantic Beach
Dune House is another fantastic home located in Atlantic Beach, Florida. These structures are firmly built near-identical homes, measuring 750 square ft by 69.7 square metres each. The design is by architect William Morgan to serve as vacation rentals.
His undying love for nature forced him to retain the natural landscape, preventing the new building from blocking the ocean view. Since he was residing right next door, the only solution left was to bury his house in an existing dune so that it is barely seen above the ground.
5. Outrial House, Poland
This is a typical definition of traditional houses. It is a thatched house designed by the KWK PROMES Architects in Poland. These structures are traditional, but the fact that they are surrounded by top-notch scenery makes it a standout attraction site.
6. Bolton Eco Underground Homes
If you’re an environmentalist, you’ll probably fall in love with the Bolton Eco House. It is the best zero-carbon structure you’ll find in the North West of England. Most people refer to it as the house of the future.
7. Dietikon Underground home, Switzerland
Again, Dietikon is a fantastic home located in Switzerland, which is among the top five largest cities of Zurich. It takes an integral part of the Zurich metropolitan area.
Sure, let’s dive into the interesting world of underground homes and explore seven unique options that are sure to capture your interest.
7 Underground Homes That Everyone Else Would Wish to See
If you’ve ever dreamed of spending your vacation in a truly unconventional dwelling, underground homes might just be the perfect choice for you. While most people prefer luxurious above-ground accommodations, there is a growing trend of individuals opting for underground homes to experience a unique blend of nature and innovation. But what exactly are underground homes, and what makes them so special?
What Are Underground Homes?
Underground homes are alternative living spaces situated below the earth’s surface, designed to offer a natural and eco-kind living experience. These homes utilize the earth’s natural insulation properties, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the year.From caves and earth berm houses to rammed earth structures and culvert dwellings, there are various types of underground homes that cater to different preferences and needs.
7 Unique Underground Homes to Explore
- Cave Dwellings: Carved into natural rock formations, cave dwellings offer a unique combination of ancient charm and modern amenities. These homes blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings, providing a tranquil and secluded retreat for those seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
- Earth Berm houses: These homes are partially or entirely built into the earth, wiht one or more walls covered by soil or vegetation. Earth berm houses offer excellent insulation and energy efficiency, making them ideal for eco-conscious individuals looking to minimize their carbon footprint.
- Rammed Earth Homes: Constructed by compacting layers of earth to form sturdy walls, rammed earth homes are known for their durability and thermal mass properties. These homes offer a unique aesthetic appeal and are well-suited for various climates due to their excellent insulation.
- culvert Dwellings: Repurposed from large drainage pipes, culvert dwellings provide a creative and affordable housing solution for those seeking a minimalist lifestyle. These compact underground structures offer a cozy and snug living space, making them perfect for solo travelers or couples.
- Tunnel Houses: Constructed within natural or artificial tunnels, tunnel houses offer a blend of novelty and functionality. these homes provide a secure and secluded retreat while allowing residents to connect with the surrounding environment through strategically placed windows and skylights.
- Shaft Dwellings: Built within vertical shafts or abandoned mines, shaft dwellings offer a unique underground living experience. These homes boast expansive interiors and panoramic views, providing residents with a sense of adventure and exclusivity.
- Hobbit Holes: Inspired by J.R.R.Tolkien’s iconic fictional race, hobbit holes are whimsical underground dwellings characterized by their round doors and cozy interiors. These charming homes offer a touch of fantasy and enchantment, making them a popular choice for fans of the “Lord of the Rings” series.
Whether you’re intrigued by the idea of living underground or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind vacation experience, exploring these underground homes can be a fascinating journey into the depths of architectural innovation and environmental sustainability.
Benefits and Practical Tips for Living in Underground Homes
- Energy Efficiency: Underground homes are naturally insulated, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
- Eco-Friendly: By utilizing natural materials and resources, underground homes have a minimal impact on the environment.
- Cost-Effective: building and maintaining an underground home can be more affordable in the long run due to reduced energy expenses.
Case Studies
- The Underground City of Derinkuyu: Located in Turkey, Derinkuyu is an ancient underground city that once housed thousands of residents. This remarkable architectural marvel showcases the ingenuity and resilience of past civilizations.
Firsthand Experience
“I had the possibility to stay in a cave dwelling during my recent vacation, and it was truly a unique experience. waking up to the natural light filtering through the stone walls and feeling the cool, earthy breeze enveloping me was incredibly refreshing. I would highly recommend anyone curious about underground living to give it a try!”
underground homes offer a compelling blend of sustainability, innovation, and uniqueness that sets them apart from traditional above-ground dwellings. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an eco-conscious individual, or simply a fan of unconventional living spaces, exploring underground homes can open up a whole new world of possibilities.
Get ready to embark on a journey into the depths of the earth and discover the hidden gems of underground living!
These underground homes are so unique and sustainable! I love how they blend into the environment while still being super stylish.