EARTH-SHELTERED HOMES: A Natural Strategy for Sustainable and Green Architecture

As climate change and urban expansion pose increasing challenges to building design and construction, architects and planners are rediscovering nature as a source of innovative solutions. One of the most effective strategies is the earth-sheltered home — a structure that is either partially or entirely covered by soil. This groundbreaking architectural approach leverages the earth itself for insulation, protection, and as an environmental buffer, making it an exemplary model for sustainable architecture and green building practices.

OBJECTIVE

In this blog, we will delve into the essential impact of earth-sheltered homes in advancing green building concepts. These innovative homes not only align with but also enhance the three pillars of green building: environmental, economic, and social sustainability. As a key solution for architects dedicated to crafting eco-friendly dwellings, earth-sheltered homes are pivotal in our journey toward a sustainable future. I urge everyone—regardless of your background—to get involved in this critical dialogue, as each of us has a vital part to play in promoting a healthier, greener world for generations to come.

What Is an Earth-Sheltered Home?

An earth-sheltered home is a structure that is built into the ground or covered by soil on one or more sides. There are three main types:

• Bermed homes – Earth is packed against the exterior walls on one or more sides.

• Hillside (in-hill) homes – Built directly into a slope, with one exposed façade.

• Underground homes – Entirely below ground, often with central courtyards or skylights.

These homes are designed to take advantage of the earth’s naturally stable temperatures to improve comfort and reduce energy demands.

Contribution to Sustainable Architecture

1. Energy Efficiency Through Passive Design

The soil surrounding earth-sheltered homes acts as a natural thermal mass: keeps indoor temperatures stable throughout the year; reduces heat loss in cold seasons; and minimizes heat gain in hot climates. This reduces reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems, which lowers energy consumption and carbon emissions — a key goal of green buildings.

2. Reduced Carbon Footprint

Earth-sheltered homes contribute to climate change mitigation by lowering operational energy use, reducing dependency on fossil-fuel-powered systems and extending building lifespan due to protection from weather. Over time, this significantly decreases the building’s overall lifecycle carbon footprint.

3. Preservation of Natural Landscape

Unlike conventional housing, earth-sheltered homes blend into their surroundings: roofs can be vegetated to create green roofs; natural landforms remain visually intact and wildlife habitats and vegetation can be restored over the structure. This low-impact development approach aligns with sustainable land-use planning principles.

4. Climate Resilience and Disaster Protection

The surrounding earth provides strong physical protection: high resistance to strong winds and storms; natural fire resistance compared to exposed wooden structures; and protection from temperature extremes. This makes earth-sheltered homes valuable in regions facing increasingly severe climate events.

5. Improved Indoor Environmental Quality

Earth-sheltered homes naturally support healthier indoor conditions by providing superior sound insulation, more stable indoor humidity, and protection from outdoor dust and air pollution. When combined with proper ventilation and daylighting systems, they create comfortable, healthy living environments.

6. Water Conservation and Management

These homes often integrate sustainable water strategies such as rainwater harvesting systems, green roofs that slow stormwater runoff, and natural soil filtration around the structure. This reduces pressure on municipal drainage systems and supports water conservation goals.

Role in Green Building Concepts

Earth-sheltered homes strongly support the three pillars of green building:

Green Building Pillar	Contribution of Earth-Sheltered Homes
Environmental	Reduces emissions, preserves landscapes, improves biodiversity
Economic	Lowers long-term energy and maintenance costs
Social	Creates healthier, quieter, more comfortable living spaces

They also align with international green building standards such as those promoted by the U.S. Green Building Council through energy- and site-efficiency-focused rating systems.

Real-World Examples

Notable earth-sheltered projects include:

• Earth House Estate (Dietikon, Switzerland)

• Malator House (Pembrokeshire, Wales)

• Hockerton Housing Project (United Kingdom)

These projects demonstrate how earth-sheltered design can be successfully implemented in modern housing.

Challenges and Considerations in General

Despite their many benefits, earth-sheltered homes require careful planning:

• Effective waterproofing and drainage systems

• Proper ventilation and moisture control

• Higher initial construction costs in some cases

However, these challenges are usually offset by long-term environmental and energy savings.

Challenges in the Philippines

Earth-sheltered homes make sense in the Philippines due to its hot, humid and typhoon-prone climate which makes passive cooling and structural resilience essential. However, despite of its promising potentials, there exist some several local challenges that must be considered:

• High groundwater levels in coastal and lowland areas;

• Soil stability and landslide risks in mountainous regions;

• Need for skilled waterproofing and structural engineering; and

• Higher initial construction expertise requirements.

These challenges requires proper site selection, specialized technical design and adherence to government's green building/environmental laws and certifications.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Earth-sheltered homes serve as a transformative approach in sustainable architecture, harnessing natural systems to enhance living environments. By utilizing passive thermal control, minimizing environmental impact, and bolstering resilience, they exemplify the key tenets of green building. As the construction industry increasingly embraces lower-carbon and climate-responsive designs, earth-sheltered homes emerge as both a practical and visionary solution for a sustainable future.

Ar. JOEY CASTANEDA

Architect, Sustainable Architecture

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

Citations and Recommended Guidance References:

• United States Department of Energy (DOE). Energy-Efficient Earth Sheltered Homes.

• University of Minnesota Extension. Earth-Sheltered Housing Design Guidelines.

• U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Sustainable Site and Energy Strategies in Green Buildings.

• Vale, Brenda & Vale, Robert (2002). The New Autonomous House: Design and Planning for Sustainability. Thames & Hudson.

• Kibert, Charles J. (2016). Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery. Wiley.

PHOTO ATTRIBUTION:

Earth House Estate (Dietikon, Switzerland)

By Archi0780 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3084002

Malator House (Pembrokeshire, Wales)

By Malator Eco House by Alan Hughes, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=153729216

Hockerton Housing Project (United Kingdom)

By Hockerton Housing Project by Richard Croft, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=115585511

Cover Photo:
By Archi0780 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3083981

 

ECO-BRUTALISM: Where Raw Architecture Meets Regenerative Design | Architalktural

 

ECO-BRUTALISM: Where Raw Architecture Meets Regenerative Design

In recent years, an innovative architectural trend has emerged, merging the unrefined beauty of concrete with the healing essence of nature. This movement, known as eco-brutalism, redefines traditional Brutalist architecture by prioritizing sustainability. Unlike classic Brutalism, which is often characterized by stark, imposing forms, eco-brutalism embraces vibrant greenery, ecological systems, and energy-efficient design, fostering a harmonious coexistence between nature and urban structures. As eco-brutalism gains momentum, it captivates global interest for its remarkable ability to transform dull urban landscapes into flourishing, sustainable ecosystems, paving the way for a healthier future.

OBJECTIVE

I grew up immersed in the Classic Brutalist era, a time defined by the visionary work of renowned architect Leandro Locsin. His masterpieces, including the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Philippine International Convention Center, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport, have left a profound mark on our architectural landscape. This exposure has given me a deep appreciation for the unique character that Brutalism embodies. Yet, as we face the urgent challenge of climate change, a transformative movement is taking root in architecture. Sustainable design is not only gaining importance but is evolving into a powerful new trend. Enter Eco-Brutalism—a fusion of traditional Brutalism with eco-friendly principles. This innovative approach represents a crucial step toward addressing our environmental concerns while honoring architectural history. Join me as we delve into the compelling world of Eco-Brutalism in this blog article.

What Is Eco-Brutalism?

Eco-brutalism is a contemporary design approach that integrates Brutalist architectural aesthetics with environmentally responsible design principles. It retains the visual strength and geometric clarity of Brutalism while embedding biological and ecological systems such as:

• Green roofs and rooftop gardens

• Vertical forests and green walls

• Passive ventilation and daylighting strategies

• Renewable and low-carbon building materials

• Climate-adaptive landscaping

Instead of softening the structure with ornamental details, eco-brutalism emphasizes coexistence between concrete and nature—inviting plants to climb, spill, and envelop the built form.

Characteristics of Eco-Brutalist Architecture

1. Integration of Greenery

Eco-brutalist buildings commonly feature:

• Cascading plants on concrete balconies

• Moss-covered retaining walls

• Terraced gardens embedded into the façade

• Vegetated podiums and walkways

Greenery softens the heavy concrete massing while improving microclimates and biodiversity.

2. Sustainable Use of Concrete

Concrete is a defining material of Brutalism, but eco-brutalism shifts toward sustainability by using:

• Low-carbon or geopolymer concrete

• Recycled aggregates

• Smart structural design to minimize material output

• Prefabrication to reduce construction waste

This approach balances durability with environmental responsibility.

3. Passive Design Strategies

Eco-brutalist buildings often incorporate:

• Natural ventilation through deep openings or breezeways

• Daylighting via large windows, skylights, and carved voids

• Thermal mass cooling, as concrete helps regulate indoor temperatures

These reduce energy consumption while enhancing occupant comfort.

4. Long-Lasting, Resilient Structures

Brutalism’s utilitarian approach aligns with sustainability by prioritizing:

• Longevity

• Structural resilience

• Low maintenance

Eco-brutalism enhances this by making structures adaptable and climate-responsive.

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Eco-Brutalism and the Green Building Concept

Eco-brutalism contributes meaningfully to all three major pillars of green building: environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

1. Environmental Benefits

• Reduced Urban Heat Island Effect
  Vegetation cools the surroundings by shading solar-absorbing surfaces.

• Improved Energy Efficiency
  Passive design and strategically placed greenery reduce cooling and lighting loads.

• Stormwater Management
  Green roofs and landscaped terraces absorb rainfall and prevent flooding.

• Biodiversity Support
  Plants integrated into the façade create microhabitats for insects, birds, and small mammals.

2. Social Sustainability

• Biophilic Experience
  Eco-brutalist buildings reconnect occupants with nature, improving well-being and reducing stress.

• Engagement and Livability
  Shaded green walkways, rooftop parks, and community terraces enhance quality of life in dense cities.

3. Economic Sustainability

• Operational Savings
  Energy-efficient systems reduce long-term consumption costs.

• Durability and Low Maintenance
  Reinforced concrete structures last longer and require minimal upkeep, improving lifecycle performance.

Is Eco-Brutalism Truly Sustainable?

While eco-brutalism offers clear benefits, its sustainability depends on the thoughtfulness of execution. Buildings must incorporate:

• Efficient irrigation systems

• Drought-resistant or native plants

• Proper waterproofing and structural design

• Responsible material sourcing

• Compliance with local green building standards (such as BERDE in the Philippines or LEED)

Without these, a building may appear sustainable without delivering long-term environmental performance—what some call “greenwashing”.

Why Eco-Brutalism Is Gaining Popularity

Several factors contribute to the rise of eco-brutalism:

• Climate-responsive design is more important than ever.

• Urban areas need more green spaces without expanding outward.

• Younger generations are drawn to authentic, raw aesthetics paired with sustainability.

• Cities seek architecture that is both resilient and restorative.

Eco-brutalism offers a middle ground—maintaining structural integrity while reintroducing life and nature into the built environment.

Notable Examples of Eco-Brutalism 

Oasia Hotel Downtown — Singapore (See cover Photo)

• Oasia Hotel Downtown is a 27-storey mixed-use tower whose façade is covered with climbing plants belonging to dozens of species — over time the concrete + mesh exterior becomes cloaked in greenery.

• About 40% of the building’s volume is devoted to communal sky gardens and open-air terraces.

• The design uses natural ventilation and open garden terraces instead of purely air-conditioned enclosed spaces — promoting biodiversity (insects, birds) and creating a “vertical ecosystem.”

• This shows eco-brutalism at large-scale: a concrete high-rise reimagined as a living structure, reducing the environmental footprint while offering urban green space.

The Barbican Centre, Facade

The Barbican Centre — London, UK

• While originally built as a classic brutalist structure, the Barbican Centre has undergone sustainable retrofits, integrating green practices and plant-filled spaces.

• Its conservatory holds more than 1,500 plant species, turning part of the concrete estate into a lush, biodiverse environment.

• This example shows another face of eco-brutalism — not only in new buildings but also in how older, concrete-heavy structures can be reimagined and rehabilitated to support green design and urban ecology.

The Barbican Centre, Plant-filled spaces

FINAL THOUGHTS

Eco-brutalism signifies a transformative approach to our vision of future cities. By integrating the raw honesty of Brutalism with the fundamentals of sustainable design, it creates a compelling and eco-friendly architectural identity. As climate issues escalate and urban areas become more crowded, eco-brutalism shows that we can achieve a balance between strength and compassion in architecture—where concrete not only defines structures but also harmonizes with nature, placing it at the forefront of urban life.

Ar. JOEY CASTANEDA

Architect, Sustainable Architecture

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

References and Recommended Readings

• Banham, R. (1966). The New Brutalism: Ethic or Aesthetic? Architectural Press.

• Kellert, S., Heerwagen, J., & Mador, M. (2008). Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life. Wiley.

• United States Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED v4.1 Standards.

• Philippine Green Building Council. BERDE Green Building Rating System.

• Pallasmaa, J. (2005). The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. Wiley.

• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2020–2024). Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction.

Photo attribution

Oasia Hotel Downtown — Singapore

By 100pss - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86898098

The Barbican Centre — London, UK

By Approach to the Barbican Centre by Jim Osley, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=127093944

By Scott Wylie from UK - The Conservatory, Barbican Centre, London. Fujifilm., CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=115468311