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House Made from the Ground it Sits On by Feldman Architecture

10.01.12 | By
House Made from the Ground it Sits On by Feldman Architecture

Located in scenic Carmel, California, the Caterpillar House is a 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom dwelling that implements many sustainable features as it curves along with the rolling land it sits on. Wanting a modern ranch with strong horizontal lines, Feldman Architecture gave the client just that in this home that connects seamlessly with the outdoors.

The house is quite literally made from the ground it sits on with repurposed dirt from the site being used in the building of the walls. The “rammed earth walls” help keep the temperature steady because they act as a thermal mass. The house also boasts natural ventilation and glazing to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

The roof integrates photovoltaic panels that produce all the energy needed to keep the house going, but you’d never know because they don’t interfere with the design.

A huge outdoor patio extends off of the main living space, which opens up giving the perfect entertainment spot.

Photos by Joe Fletcher.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.