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Earth Dwellings

We decided to linger on the sustainable note approached within the last articles, presenting how energy efficiency doesn’t affect the tastefulness and elegancy of a modern interior. We invite our readers to browse through a series of images depicting a group of earth dwelling, designed by Swiss architect Peter Vetschau. These buildings feature concepts of sustainable architecture, organic shapes and embed the architect’s artistic vision.

The changes that occur worldwide require flexible and multifunctional solutions in the built environment. Unfortunately, most of the modern buildings are the result of outdated conventional design approaches. Architecture shouldn’t dominate nature, as these two should coexist and complement each other. For this reason, sustainable architecture aims to blend with the natural environment in a more harmonious and subtle way.

The Swiss earth dwellings develop a close relationship with nature, offering visual and spatial experiences far more interesting than the ordinary buildings enclosed by straight walls. The surrounding land is used to their advantage, where the natural setting is preserved as it is, while the houses are adjusted to the natural shapes of the ground.

Unlike the traditional residential buildings, the earth dwellings are designed not to live under, in or above the ground, but with the natural environment. This acts like a natural coating, protecting the buildings from outside conditions while preserving a balanced indoor temperature and preventing unnecessary energy losses.

As a statement of the natural and artificial blending, the curved shapes of the houses are a tribute to the surrounding environment, representing a perfect synthesis of form and function. The architect’s creativity and artistic vision imprint the houses with sculptural qualities and a flexibility that enables the design to fulfill the owner’s desires and need for individuality.

As rudimentary as they might look on the outside, the Swiss earth houses incorporate the latest finishes and are fully equipped with elements specific to any modern house. Given that each building is designed according to the beneficiary’s needs, they are highly individualized and very original architectural objects.