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 Shell
The 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 Space
Since 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.
