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6 Fascinating Underground HomesWhen it comes to cool <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com">eco architecture</a>, some people feel like the higher up you build, the better. But don't forget to look down once in a while! There are some astonishing examples of naturally <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=underground+home">sustainable construction right under your nose</a> - hidden underneath the ground. Come with us as we explore six fascinating examples of <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/12/17/stunning-swiss-house-is-buried-under-the-earth/">buried homes</a> that you may have overlooked the first time around.1
Fascinating Underground Homes<h3><a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/12/17/stunning-swiss-house-is-buried-under-the-earth/">STUNNING BURIED HOUSE IN VALS, SWITZERLAND</a></h3> Unlike other homes whose goal in life is to stick out like a sore thumb (read: that guy on your block who strings up enough holiday lights to cause a neighborhood blackout), this clever dwelling was made specifically so that it would blend in perfectly with the breathtaking landscape in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vals,_Switzerland">Vals, Switzerland</a>. Designed by the architects of <a href="http://www.search.nl/">SeArch</a> and <a href="http://www.christian-muller.com/">Christian Müller</a>, the home is hidden on all sides save for one and by building the house underground, the architects were able to almost completely eliminate the need for heating or cooling in the winter and summer months.2
Fascinating Underground Homes<h3><a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/02/12/gary-nevilles-zero-carbon-underground-home/">GARY NEVILLE'S FLOWER SHAPED ZERO CARBON HOME</a></h3> <br> If you're looking for a truly unique example of <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/12/17/stunning-swiss-house-is-buried-under-the-earth/">subterranean splendor</a>, check out green enthusiast and British football star <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Neville">Gary Neville</a>'s <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/02/12/gary-nevilles-zero-carbon-underground-home/">house-to-be</a>. Hidden under the ground, save for the petal-shaped openings that flood the interior with light, the one-story, nearly 8,000 sq ft structure was designed to keep energy consumption to a minimum. Oh, and did we mention that it looks like a flower?3
Fascinating Underground Homes<h3><a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/08/06/awesome-hidden-lair-tucked-under-mounds-of-green-grass/">HIDDEN LAIR TUCKED BENEATH MOUNDS OF GRASS</a></h3> Peeking out from underneath bumpy layers of greenery, this amazing abode looks more like something out of a fairy tale than real life. But don't take this Swiss estate lightly. Designed by <a href="http://www.erdhaus.ch/main.php?fla=y&lang=&cont=earthhouse">Vetsch Architektur</a>, the structure was built using earth house construction, resulting in an insulating blanket that protects it from rain, low temperatures, wind and natural abrasion.4
