ARCHITIZER

Groundbreaking Design: The Belgian Architecture Firm Rewriting the Future of Subterranean Dwelling

Author: Hannah Feniak

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“Underground living holds many negative connotations. Obscurity, claustrophobia, darkness. Yet, despite the premium we put on natural light and fresh air, there are benefits to subterranean habitation. Underground spaces benefit from thermal insulation against heat and cold, and building beneath the earth’s surface could help preserve ecosystems in the open air. What if we could embrace the benefits of subterranean dwelling while ameliorating the shortcomings? The Belgian design firm Claerhout–Van Biervliet Architects has a radical plan to do just this. The craziest part? Their prototype for the Periscope House could become a reality.

The project’s intricate complexity almost defies conventional design descriptions; it not only challenges common expectations of what architecture can and should do but also asks us to rethink the utility of imposing a dichotomy between physical and virtual realms, which are already merged in our lived realities. In short, the Periscope House — which is built completely below terrain level yet features a large central patio and a contour of outdoor space —  addresses common issues associated with underground environments by introducing a dynamic system of movable double mirrors. These mirrors, functioning as periscopes, can be adjusted to bring natural light and expansive views into the heart of the subterranean dwelling, transforming the typically dark and oppressive atmosphere into a verdant oasis.”