Many of the earliest settlements in the New World, including aboriginal and Viking homes, were built directly into the earth, and Casa JJ, a home in San Luis, Argentina, takes cues from that style of architecture. Though the home uses modern materials like concrete, it is embedded into the sloping landscape around it, making it an efficient and environmentally friendly living space.
One of the biggest benefits of building a home with an earthen berm is that it makes for a powerful natural thermometer. If the conditions in the area aren't too extreme in terms of temperature, an earthen roof and walls keep the interior of the home cool during the summer while serving as ample insulation during the winter. Casa JJ does just that thanks to the temperate clime of Argentina in which it sits.
Image Credit: Walter Salcedo
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Earth-embedded Architecture
- Innovative design approach that combines traditional and modern materials to create sustainable and efficient homes that are one with the earth.
- Ecological Living Spaces
- Homes built with natural materials that provide ample insulation and temperature regulation, reducing reliance on energy-guzzling heating and air conditioning systems.
- Climate-adaptive Housing
- Design concept that leverages the natural environment to create comfortable and resilient living spaces that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Where This Applies
- Real Estate
- Building homes using earth-embedded architecture can offer a unique selling point to eco-conscious home buyers and attract a larger pool of clients.
- Construction
- Developing expertise in climate-adaptive construction techniques can help construction firms win more contracts, especially in regions prone to extreme weather.
- Architecture
- Adopting ecological design principles can lead to the development of innovative and sustainable building solutions that meet the evolving needs of clients and the planet.
