Living In An Earth House: A Journey Of Architectural Passion And Sustainability

In the early 80s, I saw the Earth House Estate Lättenstrasse on TV for the first time. My fascination with architecture began then, drawn to the unique concept of round homes that resembled igloos, all covered in earth and grass. This design was not only visually striking but also spoke to a sustainable way of living that deeply resonated with me. Back then, as a student living in Zurich, Switzerland, I believed these homes were completely out of my reach. Little did I know that fate would lead me to one of these remarkable structures in 1995.

During my student years, I resided in a small attic space with slanted walls and minimal amenities—a one-pan hob and no shower. Despite its primitiveness, the apartment held historical significance as it once served as a servant's quarters. I found it to be a fantastic and economical living arrangement, especially during my student days.

After getting married, my wife and I lived in that cozy attic for two years before welcoming our son. We then sought a new place in Zurich, opting for larger rooms that ultimately felt cramped and uninspired. Although it was modern, the architecture lacked personality. Coming from a background in photography, I place great importance on aesthetics and the environments I inhabit.

In 1994, I stumbled upon a TV advertisement announcing the sale of Earth Homes. This serendipitous moment prompted my wife and me to visit the site, where we decided to purchase a house still under construction in 1995. The location was perfect—near Zurich yet just five minutes from a lush forest, complete with a small garden. At that time, we had a 2-year-old son, and my wife was pregnant, making the green surroundings a much-needed escape from city life.

The Structure of the Earth House Estate

Our community consists of nine igloo-like houses arranged in a U-shape, centered around a pond. Each home features a rounded metal frame, with concrete sprayed over it, giving it a unique and organic feel. The layout includes a ground floor with a kitchen, living room, bathroom, toilet, and two bedrooms, all designed as circular spaces that fit together like small igloos.

Interestingly, the basement is where the design takes a different turn. The rooms there are not round; instead, the ceiling and floor are flat while the walls are angled at about 60 degrees, a creative choice by the architect to avoid traditional right angles. From the outside, these homes blend seamlessly with the landscape, resembling grassy hills rather than conventional houses. This design approach not only adds visual interest but also offers ecological benefits, as the earth covering helps to restore a connection with nature.