How one family thrives in the Arctic with a cob house inside a solar geodesic dome

Life inside the Arctic Circle is by no means easy, unless you're a Hjertefølger. We first heard about Benjamin and Igrid Hjertefølger four years ago when they began building <a href="http://naturhuset.blogg.no/" target="_blank">Nature House</a>, a three-story <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/cob-house/" target="_blank">cob house</a> wrapped in a solar <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/geodesic-dome/" target="_blank">geodesic dome</a>. Located on the island of Sandhornøya in northern <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/norway/" target="_blank">Norway</a>, the ultra-green home was designed to enable the family of six to eek out a sustainable existence despite challenging climatic conditions - they even grow most of their own food. Inhabitat recently caught up with the Hjertefølgers, who have now lived in their home for three years, to learn about their challenges and victories.

The Hjertefølgers moved into their house on December 8, 2013.

They live in Nature House with their four children.

A solar dome protects the cob house inside from the elements.

The family is able to grow food inside the house for five months longer than they could outside.

Ingrid Hjertefølger told Inhabitat the house has a "soul of its own."

There's no need to paint or maintain the home's walls, as Nature House is covered with the glass dome.

The family designed their Arctic Circle home with extreme temperatures and wind in mind.

They grow apples, cherries, plums, apricots, kiwis, grapes, cucumbers, tomatoes, herbs, squash, and melons beneath the solar dome.

The interior of the home is also inspired by nature.

The family composts food scraps, and reuses grey and black water.

The home will have a long lifespan; Ingrid told Inhabitat the cob house will last forever as long as it's kept dry.

The family loves the calmness and stillness inside Nature House.