We have been hit with a snow storm that can only inspire us to go into home-coma mode once again, and burrow our ways under the covers. Though at the beginning of winter, snow is the first thing that can get our spirits up, after having been so close to the sunshine and the warmth, this new turn in weather is the last thing we want. So this made us ponder on alternative homes. Although there are many options, today we are concentrating on the idea of underground houses. The ants might have come up with the best way to keep out of the cold, by staying closer to the center of the earth, but we have decided to take a hint or two from Mother Nature. By building houses under ground, one “never” has to resurface from the harsh shifts in temperatures, whether they be freezing cold or unbearably warm.
Rocks are another solution to encase your fort and assures fortification to your structure, making sure your house will endure any flailing temperament from the Gods of wind, air, snow and what have you. It is the ultimate solution in upcycling, by using natures’ strength to build your house inside an already existing structure, and instead of having hubristic demonstrations of man’s power over the earth, we cue into what is best for our cohabitation and ever changing climates.
Photos, from the top of the page: Earth houses is a project designed by Peter Vetsch, The Cave house is the home of Curt Sleeper in Missouri, Underground house designed by KWK Promes, A rock structure in Göreme-Cappadocia in Turkey, Stone house in Portugal, The Tianzi Hotel, China.