Nestled in the picturesque Pyrenees, an underground house offers a unique and harmonious living experience, built to blend seamlessly with the natural environment.
This eco-friendly dwelling utilizes the natural slope of the land for its construction, creating a home that is as much a part of the earth as the trees and wildlife surrounding it.
The design focuses on insulation and maintaining a stable temperature, ensuring comfort throughout the year.
This house embodies a perfect blend of sustainability and ingenuity.
The construction of this house is proof of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its creators.
Using acacia and oak trees sourced from the property, the builders ensured the house was both sturdy and integrated into its surroundings.
Considerable effort went into making the house waterproof and structurally sound, taking into account the groundās movement and the regionās heavy rainfall.
A passive solar design was employed, allowing the house to maximize sunlight in the winter while minimizing it in the summer.
Living in this underground house is described as cozy and protective, akin to being enveloped in a warm blanket.
Despite its unconventional construction, the house is equipped with modern amenities, including a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and bunk beds for children.
Large windows allow ample natural light to flood the interior, providing stunning views of the surrounding nature and enhancing the connection to the outdoors.
The interior design ensures that residents never feel confined or isolated.
Building an underground house came with its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of waterproofing and structural stability.
The use of second-hand materials and custom-built elements was crucial in overcoming these hurdles.
The house features radiant heating, with walls designed to efficiently retain warmth, ensuring a comfortable living environment even during the coldest months.
These features make the house a viable and sustainable living space.
The houseās design emphasizes environmental harmony, causing minimal disturbance to local wildlife.
The roof serves as a resting place for deer, while wild pigs and birds frequently visit the area.
By integrating the house into the natural landscape, the builders created a living space that respects and coexists with the local ecosystem.
This design choice highlights a commitment to preserving nature while creating a functional home.
The owner of the house expresses a deep appreciation for its warmth and coziness, especially during the winter.
Living in such a house offers a simple yet rich experience, allowing for a unique lifestyle disconnected from typical modern amenities like television and the internet.
This connection to nature and the simplicity of life within the underground home provides a profound sense of satisfaction.
The owner’s testimony reflects the true value of such a dwelling.
Constructed by RenƩ Douma and his mother Marianne, the house is a marvel of do-it-yourself ingenuity.
Without prior experience in underground construction, they relied on books and online forums to guide their project.
They excavated a knoll behind their farmhouse and used 45 acacia trees from their property to shore up the walls and roof.
After applying a waterproofing layer of asphalt fabric, they covered the home with dirt, allowing native grasses to grow back and further blend the structure into the landscape.
The house is virtually invisible from three sides, with only the glass facade visible from down the hill.
This design ensures privacy and a seamless integration with the land.
Custom-made windows and curtains fit the unique structure, and even the beds were built using acacia branches, adding to the homeās rustic charm.
The houseās south-facing orientation allows for passive solar heating in the winter and natural cooling in the summer, demonstrating the thoughtful consideration given to energy efficiency.
The underground house in the Pyrenees is more than just a home; it is proof of sustainable living and harmonious coexistence with nature.
The challenges faced during construction were met with creativity and perseverance, resulting in a dwelling that offers comfort, warmth, and a deep connection to the earth.
Living in this house provides a unique and fulfilling experience, demonstrating that sometimes, the best way to feel at home is to be one with nature.
See this remarkable home deeply rooted in simplicity and the way of the natural world below!
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