Baraplz

Doesn’t that look beautiful?

Like something you’d find on one of those soft/nature blogs?

Well you are in for a surprise

The Bolton Strid in England is one of the most innocent looking streams. 

Bermed Earth

Are you able to find any examples of bermed earth sheltered residential housing, particularly in desert or arid areas?

A bermed house may be built above grade or partially below grade, with earth covering one or more walls. An “elevational” bermed design exposes one elevation or face of the house and covers the other sides—and sometimes the roof—with earth to protect and insulate the house.

The exposed front of the house, usually facing south, allows the sun to light and heat the interior. The floor plan is arranged so common areas and bedrooms share light and heat from the southern exposure. This can be the least expensive and simplest way to build an earth-sheltered structure. Strategically placed skylights can ensure adequate ventilation and daylight in the northern portions of the house.

In a penetrational bermed design, earth covers the entire house, except where there are windows and doors. The house is usually built at ground level, and earth is built up (or bermed) around and on top of it. This design allows cross-ventilation and access to natural light from more than one side of the house.

Identified from the top:

Summerhouse Ask Arkitektar

Rainbow Hill Bed and Breakfast

The Burrow Space Shuttle Design

Festus Cave Dwelling

Dani Ridge House Carver + Schicketanz

NY Earth-Bermed House

Tempe Residence

Villa Vals CMA and SeARCH 

Cody Lundin Home

McElmo Canyon Home

PS A couple of these examples technically fall under the category of “cave houses” but are included as examples of design strategies when dealing with rock, a common occurrence in many arid areas.