John Oliver For those desiring to reduce their negative impact on the environment, the greatest place to build is down. Acknowledged as “underground homes” or “low-impact houses,” these buildings minimize the significance of green space used by holding entire buildings below the Earth’s surface. Two English firms—NC Homes and Huntsmere—have suggested an underground dwelling that’s as rich as a conventional, above-the-soil structure. Called Perdu, it’s a circular three-bedroom home settled on the grounds of Bowdon in Manchester.
When building underground, there’s always the matter of having ample natural light. To alleviate this, Perdu has a dome-shaped passage in the center that provides sunlight for entering the home. Its other environmentally-friendly features include rainwater accumulation, a heat exchange system, and hot water that’s heated with the help of solar tubes.
Aside from its unusual location, Perdu is similar to any other home. It has a full kitchen, living area, bedrooms, and exercise space. There’s also a swimming pool (albeit subterranean) that’s finished with a waterside. This opulent, eco-conscious space doesn’t come cheap, however: it’s priced at about $3.7 million to own.
