# Sculptures to Hide Underground Homes The House of Spiritual Retreat By Alex Covert | Published 2008-08-04 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-house-of-spiritual-retreat-a-giant-book References: [freshome](http://freshome.com/2008/08/01/book-house-casa-de-retiro-spiritual/) & [ultimatehouse](http://www.ultimatehouse.tv/article.php?id=5) The [House of Spiritual Retreat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-three-heights) ([Casa De Retiro Spiritual](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-del-alma)), which can be described as an "extreme" homes, was designed by architect, Emilio Ambasz. The odd-looking home has been dubbed the "Book House" and for good reason, as the only two walls above the ground make the structure look like a giant, open book. Climb down one of the two visible staircases and you'll find the actual house which is hidden underground. **Implications** - As urban areas increase in population, living areas are dramatically decreasing in size. This leaves consumers in cramped conditions that offer them little privacy. Architectural firms can cater to these cramped citizens by designing living structures that prioritize open space and privacy. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 70% | Activity: 99% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Open Space Living:** Architectural firms can cater to cramped citizens by designing living structures that prioritize open space and privacy. - **Privacy Solutions:** Architectural firms can create innovative solutions that address the lack of privacy in cramped living conditions. - **Underground Homes:** Architects can explore the concept of underground living to maximize space and privacy in crowded urban areas. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** Architectural firms have the opportunity to design innovative living structures that cater to the needs of cramped citizens. - **Real Estate:** Real estate developers can explore underground homes as a solution to maximize living space in urban areas with limited land availability. - **Urban Planning:** Urban planners can consider open space living solutions to address the challenges of increasing population density and limited space in cities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Excavated Underground Living Space](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hideaway-house.md) - [Geometric Cave-Like Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cavelike-homes.md) - [Cave-Like Folded Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wild-house.md) - [Underground Autonomous Shelter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plan-b-1.md) - [Hillside Concrete Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concrete-house-1.md) - [Hidden Resort Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stealth-1.md) - [Compact Urban Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stealth-house.md) - [Chilean Hillside Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-three-heights.md) - [Sculptural Canteliver Concrete Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-del-alma.md)