# Dirt-Wall Abodes The Caterpillar House by Feldman Architecture is Made from the Ground It Sits On By Meghan Young | Published 2012-10-03 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caterpillar-house References: [design-milk](http://design-milk.com/repurposing-dirt-build-walls-caterpillar-house-by-feldman-architecture/) & [feldmanarchitecture](http://www.feldmanarchitecture.com/work/caterpillar) The [Caterpillar House](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caterpillar-lounge) is exceptional for more reasons than one. Aside from its clean and contemporary aesthetic, it hasn't forgotten about its roots. In fact, just like a child will always have the blood of his or her mom and dad coursing through his or her veins, the Caterpillar House is made from the ground it stands on. Literally. Designed by Feldman Architecture and built in Carmel, California, the Caterpillar House uses [repurposed dirt from the site](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urul). Essentially, this dirt makes up the walls, allowing for a seamless connection with the outdoors, which is exactly what the owners wanted. The sustainability of the structure is taken up a notch thanks to [natural ventilation and glazing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hedge-and-arbour-house) to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter as well as photovoltaic panels on the roof for harnessing energy. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 97% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Sustainable Architecture:** The use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient features in buildings to reduce their carbon footprint and environmental impact. - **Eco-friendly Design:** The integration of natural elements and features in design to promote a healthy and sustainable living environment. - **Site-specific Construction:** The use of materials from the site itself in the construction of buildings for a more seamless connection with the natural surroundings. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture and Construction:** Innovative architects and builders can explore new materials and techniques to create eco-friendly and site-specific structures. - **Renewable Energy:** Renewable energy companies can capitalize on the growing trend of incorporating solar panels and other sustainable energy sources into building designs. - **Interior Design:** Designers can focus on using natural and sustainable materials in interior design to create a healthier and eco-conscious living environment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cave-Like Folded Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wild-house.md) - [Organically Printed Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lib-earth-house.md) - [Stilts-Reading Suspended Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-hole-with-the-house-around.md) - [Modern Highland Residential Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-the-andes.md) - [Nature-Rooted Family Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haus-am-lagnesberg.md) - [Locally Sourced Angular Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/straw-flea-house.md) - [Vertical Feline Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cat-tree-house-2.md) - [Mud-Plastered Interior Earthy Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urul.md) - [Resilient Hilltop Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/capuchinas-house.md)