Incredible eco-friendly mansion is hidden entirely underground

Don’t be fooled by the garden—beneath this manicured lawn lies a stunning, luxurious <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/underground-house/" target="_blank">subterranean</a> mansion with strong eco-credentials. Designed by <a href="http://www.jamesbellarchitecture.com" target="_blank">architect James Bell</a>, the underground two-story home, called Perdu, sits beneath the grounds of Bowdon in Manchester. The two-story circular home is bathed in a surprising amount of natural light and is nearly <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/net-zero-energy/" target="_blank">net-zero energy</a> thanks to rainwater harvesting, a solar tube hot water system, and a ground source heat pump. There’s even a water slide that can whisk users from the master bedroom straight into a subterranean swimming pool.

The underground home is accessed through a “classical garden folly,” a privet garden enclosed by a manicured laurel hedge.

A flight of stairs leads down to the first level that comprises the main living spaces including the kitchen, lounge, dining room, and master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite bathroom.

The triangular and wedge-shaped rooms wrap around the central atrium.

This lower leisure area also includes a pool bar, changing rooms, jacuzzi, gym, and two extra bedrooms, both with dressing room and en-suite bathrooms.

This lower leisure area also includes a pool bar, changing rooms, jacuzzi, gym, and two extra bedrooms, both with dressing room and en-suite bathrooms.

Plan of the first floor.