1970's Earth-Sheltered Home in Wisconsin

Here’s a funky one for ya!

The 1970’s produced some silly things (like House Crazy Sarah!) but in the world of architecture and home design, there was no other decade that embraced outright wackiness quite like the ’70s.

Case in point: this funky Flintstone-esque dwelling:

Located in River Falls, Wisconsin, this earth-bermed dome house was recently listed for sale for the first time ever. Although it has since been removed from the market, the listing photos are still available for our viewing delight.

This unique abode was designed by architect Mike McGuire, and built by Pat Clark and Emogene Nelson, professors at the University of Wisconsin. It was intended to be an experimental energy-efficient private home during the energy crisis of the 1970s.

Here’s a wider view of the house in winter:

You can’t see much of it from the outside (because most of it is underground, or earth-sheltered), but this house measures in at 2,236 square feet and has multiple levels in two main arched steel shells set in concrete. The shells are connected by a hallway and a staircase.

Here’s the kitchen:

You can tell it was built in the ’70’s by the mahogany brown cabinets and matching dishwasher and stove. It also features and butcher-block countertops and a tiny built-in table.

House Crazy Sarah can’t tell if the floor is concrete or grey carpet… or maybe both?

The interior walls were finished with a white hardened spray-foam insulation to ensure a lighter, brighter feeling. Imagine if the inside was painted in 70’s orange and brown!

There are two large bedrooms with skylights, and two bathrooms. Additionally, there are three wood burning fireplaces and two newer furnaces so the house stays warm and cozy year-round.

Of course the earth-bermed construction allows the home to retain a near constant temperature around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This concept is known as thermal mass, which makes it easier to maintain a steady indoor air temperature, therefore reducing heating and cooling costs.

The listing advertised the home as a “Rare opportunity for an adventurous and artistic home buyer!” Well that would describe House Crazy Sarah to a T !