The city of Vals, Switzerland is known for its thermal baths. An ingenious homeowner, not wanting to disrupt the views of the baths, or the slope of the alps, took his home underground and the underground Vals house was born.
Introducing a concrete patio to the steep incline of the hills, allowed for tons of natural lighting, and great views of the opposite side of the narrow valley. By taking the design below ground, the design team of SeArch and Christian Muller Architects made one heck of an underground Vals house.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Underground Architecture
- Opportunity for innovative designs that integrate buildings into the natural landscape while maximizing natural lighting and views.
- Disruptive Housing Solutions
- Potential for alternative housing options that blend seamlessly with the environment and provide unique living experiences.
- Sustainable Urban Development
- Chance to explore eco-friendly strategies for urban spaces by utilizing the existing topography and preserving natural beauty.
Where This Applies
- Architecture
- Architects can leverage underground architecture to create innovative and eco-friendly solutions for housing and urban development projects.
- Construction
- Construction companies can adapt their practices to cater to the growing demand for underground and eco-conscious building projects.
- Real Estate
- Real estate developers have an opportunity to offer unique, underground housing options that cater to consumer preferences for sustainable and integrated designs.
