Cesar Manrique’s Gorgeous Subterranean Home Was Carved From Lava Rock

<a href="http://www.cesarmanrique.com/fundacion_i.htm" target="_blank">César Manrique</a> called a lava field home. The late Canary Islands-based artist, designer and architect literally carved himself a niche on the island of Lanzarote in the hardened lava rock that populates the island. Manrique built his stunning home beneath the hardened lava, a subterranean eco-retreat complete with underground trees, a naturally fed pool, and five gorgeous volcanic chambers.

Back in 1730, Lanzarote experienced the world’s longest volcanic eruption, lasting six whole years! A quarter of the island was submerged in lava, and has since formed the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/spectacular-handbuilt-home-blossoms-out-of-coastal-rocks-in-spanish-canary-islands/" target="_blank">unique volcanic landscape</a> that drew Manrique to the island in the 1920s as a child.

Because of his love for the island, Manrique helped to prevent it from being overrun by touristic high rise hotels, advocating a law that no building could be higher than a palm tree, as well as other ecological practices that were adopted into the native way of life.

His <a href="http://inhabitat.com/6-awesome-caves-to-call-home/" target="_blank">amazing underground home</a> is a tribute to both the beautiful island and his love for creating art. An underground palm tree top can be seen sprouting through a natural volcanic hole that leads to a red and white 1970s style lounge below.

Other rooms are built into the natural volcanic “bubbles,” which have formed <a href="http://inhabitat.com/1000-year-old-monks-quarters-restored-as-luxurious-cave-hotel/" target="_blank">rounded antechambers</a> perfect for comfy cushioned benches and sitting areas.

Each is naturally lit from the where the lava bubble burst above, creating a natural skylight. Outside a sunken garden occupies another bubble, near the pool that is fed with a natural spring.

Manrique was ahead of his time, a visionary in expertly combining the beauty of the natural landscape with sustainable design for living.