Could You Live Underground? Explore This Epic Cave-Like Home

For most people, the thought of living underground induces one of two feelings: claustrophobia or adventure. If you picked the former, this home might change your mind. Designed by Architect Javier Senosiain and constructed in 1984, this underground dwelling is full of natural light and seamless integration with the surrounding land.A Design Inspired By a Peanut ShellThe basic layout for this home is reminiscent of a peanut shell: two oval spaces connected by a shallow dip. One oval contains the living room, dining room, and kitchen, while the other includes the bedroom, dressing room, and bathroom.The interior required a moldable material, so the architects chose ferrocement, a combination of wire mesh and cement mortar.The walls curve to the shape of the land, and built-in features include a sizeable winding sofa and a bookshelf.The living room contains a glass front, allowing plenty of natural light to enter the home. The window orientation makes this home brighter than a conventional house, avoiding that dark, cave-like feel.A Live Roof Camouflages the Living SpaceSince this home is constructed with nature rather than against it, the existing earth acts as the roof. The grass and greenery shield this home from major weather events, including the sun, rain, hail, and wind.From the outside, it’s hard to tell there’s a living space on this property. Guests could walk through the gardens and on the roof without even realizing it. The beautiful landscaping in this Naucalpan de Juarez home features lush grass, shrubs, and trees.Photograps by Javier Senosiain.The post Could You Live Underground? Explore This Epic Cave-Like Home appeared first on Homedit.

MORE

The Design of this Chinese Elementary School is a Total Game Changer for Students

Space is limited in urban areas, which is a big reason skyscraper apartment buildings are prominent features. But the lack of personal residences isn’t the only issue in metropolitan areas —inner city schools also face spatial challenges. Architects Atelier FCJZ found innovative ways to create more indoor and outdoor space for children in Jing Long Elementary and Middle School.Building Up Instead of Building OutThe Jing Long Elementary School in Shenzhen, China, boasts nearly 320,000 square feet spread across six stories. The school has 36 classes, and the architects were challenged to make space for all the necessary rooms. Since expanding the building horizontally wasn’t an option, they worked with vertical space, similar to the surrounding buildings.Making the Outdoors Accessible From All Six StoriesThe children needed outdoor access, but making it to the bottom floor and back to class in their ten-minute breaks wasn’t practical. So, the architects incorporated outdoor, open-air spaces at every level.At the center of each story is an open space roofed by its upper floor. The area lacks enclosed walls and is large enough for many activities. Teachers can hold classes in each of these spaces, which can also be playgrounds, exercise areas, or discussion areas.Each enclosure has wire mesh fence, with vines climbing up it for a touch of greenery.The bottom of the building features two landscaped sections and a track for the kids to exercise and play.Photographs: Yu BaiThe post The Design of this Chinese Elementary School is a Total Game Changer for Students appeared first on Homedit.

MORE