Earthship homes are usually located in the desert spaces of New Mexico, but we’ve found a rare example of this eco-friendly residence in Southern California.
While these dwellings are often rustic and rough around the edges, an upscale model in West Hills has touched down on the market for $1,495,000.
“This property is kind of like the architectural equivalent of farm-to-table [cooking],” says listing agent Marc Hernandez, with Compass. “It’s all about using what you’ve got … and using as little footprint as possible to get to the table.”
This 3,607-square-foot home was completed in 2002 and designed by architect Michael Reynolds, who developed the earthship style and founded the design-building firm Earthship Biotecture.
Hillside
Anthony Barcelo
Living room
Anthony Barcelo
Kitchen and dining area
Anthony Barcelo
The tenets of an earthship home combine repurposing and recycling with the harvesting of natural and renewable resources. This home is also earth-sheltered.
Hernandez explains that the house has three walls that are built into the earth. The north and east walls are embedded in the soil, all the way up to the ceiling and rooflines. The west-facing wall is about halfway covered in soil.
Placing the home beneath layers of earth helps control the temperature. The internal climate also is regulated by passive solar heating and air convection through 10 skylights.
This net-zero property generates more electricity than it consumes and sends some of its excess back to the grid.
The owners “literally get payments from their local utility provider,” Hernandez says.
The dwelling is equipped with a septic system and is on the city water system.
Views
Anthony Barcelo
Interior
Anthony Barcelo
Bathroom
Anthony Barcelo
Bedroom
Anthony Barcelo
Windows line the entire south wall, allowing in plenty of light and striking vistas.
“People who look at the home are very impressed with the design, and the floor plan, and the total jaw-dropping and inspiring views,” Hernandez says.
The home includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open kitchen and living space, plus a detached garage.
The low-profile structure blends right in with the mountain and sits on 2 acres, filled with indigenous and drought-tolerant plants. The home uses its natural surroundings to full and glorious effect.
“My favorite thing about the house is how I feel when I stand either in the grand room or upstairs in front of those windows and … watch the arc of the sun,” Hernandez says. “It feels like nothing I’ve ever felt before.”
Outdoor space
Anthony Barcelo
Aerial view
Anthony Barcelo
The property is located about 15 minutes from town, and it definitely offers a secluded vibe.
Hernandez thinks the home’s next owner will be someone who values the environmental principles behind the construction.
“This property is better for the people, better for the property, and better for the planet,” he says. “That’s what the owners were going for.”
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