Inside an Original Earth-Sheltered Home in Armington: A Unique Underground Property with Sustainable Design Potential

Some homes stand out because of their size, while others attract attention through their location, architectural character, or unusual approach to residential design. This original earth-sheltered home in Armington offers something different: an underground living concept developed decades ago, when rising energy costs encouraged homeowners and builders to explore alternatives to conventional construction.

Built in 1977 by Andy “Caveman” Davis, this distinctive property was designed around the idea of using the surrounding landscape as part of the home’s environmental protection. Rather than relying entirely on a traditional above-ground structure, the residence integrates into the earth through its bermed roofline and undulating concrete exterior. The result is a property with a strong architectural identity and a design philosophy that remains relevant to conversations about energy efficiency and alternative housing.

 

The home reportedly offers more than 2,300 square feet of underground living space and presents an opportunity for a buyer interested in restoring an unconventional residence, completing an unfinished interior, or investigating a creative redevelopment project. Its current condition provides a substantial blank slate, allowing future owners to explore possible layouts while evaluating the property’s existing structure, systems, and local requirements.

Inside, the home’s character continues through river-rock ceilings and arched corridors. These details are especially distinctive because the stones were hand-collected by the Davis family during annual trips to Colorado. Rather than relying on standard decorative finishes, the design incorporates natural materials that connect the home’s interior to its original vision.

The property is also described as having a structural footprint that could support a proposed five-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom layout. Two separate electric meters may offer additional flexibility for future planning, although any duplex conversion or multi-unit use would depend on applicable zoning, building codes, utility arrangements, and approvals.

For buyers seeking an unusual property with architectural character, potential restoration possibilities, and a history rooted in energy-conscious design, this earth-sheltered home in Armington deserves a closer look.

A Home Built Around an Alternative Vision

The history of this property begins in 1977, when energy costs were becoming an increasingly important consideration for American households. Homeowners were looking for ways to manage heating expenses, reduce energy consumption, and make their homes more resilient to seasonal temperature changes.

Andy “Caveman” Davis approached residential design from an unconventional perspective. Instead of creating a standard house that stood entirely above ground, he developed an earth-sheltered residence that used the surrounding landscape as part of its design.

Earth-sheltered homes are built partially or substantially into the ground, with soil covering some exterior walls or portions of the roof. Depending on the design, insulation, waterproofing, drainage, and ventilation systems, the surrounding earth can help moderate temperature fluctuations around the building envelope.

The concept is based on a straightforward principle: soil temperatures below the surface tend to fluctuate less dramatically than outdoor air temperatures. When an underground home is properly designed and maintained, this can contribute to a more stable indoor environment.

However, the actual performance of an earth-sheltered house depends on many factors, including local climate, soil conditions, moisture control, insulation quality, air circulation, and the condition of the building envelope. A home’s original design does not automatically guarantee low utility bills or modern energy-efficiency performance.

What makes the Armington property interesting is that it was built around this alternative approach long before sustainable construction became a mainstream selling point in residential real estate.

For a prospective buyer, the home’s history offers more than a conversation piece. It provides an opportunity to examine how an earlier generation approached energy-conscious housing and determine how that original concept could be adapted to current residential needs.

What Is an Earth-Sheltered Home?

Earth-sheltered construction differs from conventional residential building because the surrounding earth becomes part of the home’s physical setting and, in some designs, part of its thermal strategy.

Rather than placing every exterior wall directly against outdoor air, an earth-sheltered structure may have walls covered by soil, a roof protected by an earth berm, or a layout partially embedded into a hillside.

These homes can have several potential advantages when appropriately designed.

Temperature Stability

The ground generally experiences smaller and slower temperature changes than the air at the surface. This can help reduce exposure to some outdoor temperature extremes around earth-contact portions of a building.

The benefit varies by location and design. Insulation, thermal bridges, air leakage, and heating and cooling equipment still play important roles in a home’s overall performance.

Protection From Wind Exposure

Earth-covered sections of a home may be less exposed to direct wind than the exterior walls of a conventional house. This can influence heat loss and the building’s exposure to weather.

The home’s above-ground elements, openings, roof details, and entrances still require appropriate protection and maintenance.

Integration With the Landscape

Earth-sheltered architecture can create a low-profile appearance that blends into the surrounding terrain. Depending on the design, the structure may have a bermed roofline, curved exterior forms, and a smaller visible profile than a conventional residence.

The Armington home reflects this architectural approach through its undulating concrete exterior and landscape-integrated form.

A Distinctive Residential Experience

Underground homes often feel different from conventional houses. Their corridors, wall materials, lighting arrangements, and relationship with the surrounding landscape can create an interior atmosphere that is difficult to reproduce in a standard building.

For someone who values unusual architecture, this difference may be a major attraction.

Nevertheless, buyers should evaluate the practical side of earth-sheltered living. Moisture management, drainage, ventilation, natural lighting, and safe access must all be considered carefully before committing to a renovation.

An Architectural Exterior That Follows the Land

The exterior of the Armington property is one of its most recognizable characteristics. The undulating concrete form and bermed roofline reflect a design intended to integrate the structure with the surrounding landscape rather than emphasize a traditional façade.

The result is an unconventional residential profile.

Instead of a typical arrangement of visible exterior walls and a prominent roof, much of the home’s identity comes from the relationship between the building and the ground around it. This approach can be visually striking, but it also makes the condition of the exterior structure especially important.

A potential buyer should examine the concrete surfaces, roofline, waterproofing, drainage paths, and points where the building meets the surrounding soil. Earth-sheltered structures require careful attention to moisture because water pressure and inadequate drainage can create problems that are more difficult to identify than ordinary exterior wear.

A qualified structural professional should assess visible cracks, movement, deterioration, and other signs that may require investigation. A specialist familiar with below-grade or earth-contact buildings may be particularly helpful.

Waterproofing and drainage deserve their own review. Buyers should determine how surface water is directed away from the structure, whether the drainage system is functioning, and whether there is evidence of seepage, persistent dampness, or previous water intrusion.

These questions do not diminish the property’s distinctive design. They are simply part of understanding what it takes to maintain an unconventional residence over the long term.

For buyers interested in restoration, the exterior should be considered both an architectural feature and a critical component of the building envelope.

River-Rock Ceilings and Arched Corridors

Inside the home, the river-rock ceilings and arched corridors create a distinctive visual identity.

According to the property’s description, the Davis family hand-collected the river rocks during annual trips to Colorado. These materials were then incorporated into the interior, giving the residence a personal connection to the family’s history and a finish that differs from conventional drywall or plaster.

Natural stone can add texture, visual depth, and a strong sense of place to an interior. In an earth-sheltered home, those qualities can reinforce the feeling that the building is connected to the landscape.

The arched corridors also contribute to the home’s architectural character. Curved forms can create a more organic flow between spaces and distinguish the interior from the straight lines found in many contemporary floor plans.

Because the property is currently described as a blank slate, buyers should establish which original features remain in place, which require restoration, and which areas have been altered or left unfinished.

The river-rock surfaces may be worth preserving as a central design feature, provided a qualified inspection confirms that they are secure and in suitable condition. Any loose material, cracking, moisture staining, or signs of deterioration should be evaluated before cosmetic work begins.

Lighting will also matter. Stone ceilings and curved passageways can look dramatically different depending on the placement and quality of the lighting. A renovation plan could explore indirect illumination, carefully positioned fixtures, and a balanced combination of warm and neutral light.

The aim would not necessarily be to make the house look like a conventional home. Its unusual materials are part of what makes it memorable. A thoughtful restoration could preserve that identity while improving comfort, usability, and everyday functionality.

More Than 2,300 Square Feet of Underground Living Space

The property is described as offering over 2,300 square feet of underground living space. That provides a substantial footprint for a residential restoration project, although the usable area and its final configuration should be verified through measurements, plans, and inspection.

Square footage alone does not determine how practical a home will be. The arrangement of rooms, circulation paths, ceiling heights, light sources, ventilation, and access points all influence how comfortable a residence feels.

In an earth-sheltered property, these considerations can be particularly important.

 

Some rooms may have limited access to natural daylight, depending on the placement of windows and the structure’s relationship with the surrounding grade. Buyers should evaluate how each proposed living area could receive appropriate lighting, ventilation, and emergency access.

The current layout is described as a blank slate with a framework for a potential five-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom arrangement. This provides a starting point for planning, not a guarantee that the proposed configuration is approved, completed, or immediately suitable for occupancy.

Before designing the interior, a buyer should confirm the existing dimensions and identify structural walls, service areas, plumbing routes, electrical systems, and mechanical equipment.

It may be possible to develop a layout that includes separate sleeping areas, shared living space, a kitchen, bathrooms, storage, and utility rooms. The feasibility of each element depends on the structure and the applicable building requirements.

A professional floor-plan review can help determine how much of the reported square footage can be used effectively and whether the intended bedroom count is realistic.

Exploring a Potential Five-Bedroom Layout

A five-bedroom layout could appeal to buyers who need multiple sleeping areas, flexible workspaces, or accommodation for a larger household. It could also be considered as part of a broader investment concept, subject to local requirements.

However, a proposed bedroom count should not be treated as a confirmed feature of the property.

Bedrooms generally need to satisfy applicable requirements concerning minimum dimensions, ceiling height, ventilation, emergency escape, and access. Requirements for below-grade sleeping areas can be especially important and vary according to the relevant building code and local jurisdiction.

A practical planning process would begin by identifying the most suitable locations for bedrooms. Spaces with appropriate dimensions, safe access, and viable window or emergency-egress options should be evaluated first.

The remaining areas could then be considered for common living space, dining, kitchen facilities, storage, and bathrooms.

Because earth-sheltered homes may have unusual interior geometry, conventional room arrangements may not be the most effective solution. Curved corridors, stone finishes, structural features, and limited exterior exposure could influence where partitions can be placed.

A designer familiar with unconventional residential structures may help balance the property’s architectural character with modern expectations for privacy, accessibility, and everyday comfort.

Buyers should also avoid finalizing a room count before confirming the building’s permitted use and the feasibility of the proposed mechanical and plumbing systems.

The strongest renovation plan will be the one that works with the existing structure rather than forcing a standard floor plan into a building that was designed differently.

Two Separate Electric Meters and Potential Multi-Unit Use

One of the property’s notable features is the presence of two separate electric meters.

Separate meters can be useful in some buildings where different units or areas require independent electricity measurement. For an investor considering alternative layouts, the existing arrangement may be worth investigating.

However, two meters do not automatically establish that a property is approved for duplex use or that it can legally be divided into separate residential units.

The buyer should confirm what each meter currently serves, whether both are active, whether the electrical installations meet current standards, and whether the utility provider can support the intended arrangement.

Any proposed multi-unit conversion may also require zoning approval, building permits, fire-safety compliance, adequate exits, separate or appropriately designed utility systems, and confirmation that the property meets occupancy requirements.

Plumbing, heating, ventilation, sound separation, and access may all affect the feasibility and cost of a conversion.

If the goal is to create two independent living spaces, the buyer should ask the local building and planning departments which uses are permitted and what approvals would be required.

It is also important to confirm whether the existing structure can support the necessary separation without compromising its integrity or creating moisture, ventilation, or safety problems.

The two electric meters are therefore best understood as a feature worth investigating, rather than proof of an already approved income-producing configuration.

For an investor, confirming these details early can help prevent unnecessary design expenses and provide a clearer picture of the project’s realistic possibilities.

Could the Property Become a Unique Rental or Short-Term Stay?

The distinctive design of the Armington earth-sheltered home may attract buyers who are interested in unconventional accommodation concepts.

A restored underground residence could potentially appeal to guests who enjoy unusual architecture, nature-focused stays, or properties with a story behind their design. The river-rock ceilings, arched corridors, and earth-integrated exterior offer potential points of distinction.

Nevertheless, converting a property into a short-term rental or other income-producing accommodation requires more than an interesting concept.

First, the building must be suitable for occupancy and meet the relevant safety requirements. The owner should confirm that the proposed use is allowed, that any necessary permits can be obtained, and that the property has adequate access, ventilation, sanitation, emergency exits, and other required facilities.

Local regulations may impose specific conditions on short-term rentals, including registration, inspections, occupancy limits, parking, or other operational requirements.

The property’s physical condition also matters. A guest-ready space needs reliable heating and cooling, functional plumbing, safe electrical systems, suitable lighting, and appropriate protection against moisture.

After these questions are answered, a prospective operator can research comparable accommodation in the relevant local market.

 

Useful considerations include seasonal demand, nearby attractions, competing listings, cleaning and maintenance costs, insurance, management expenses, taxes, and the cost of furnishing the property.

No rental income should be assumed before those factors are researched. A unique property can attract attention, but distinctive design alone does not guarantee occupancy or profitability.

For a buyer interested in this direction, the most sensible approach is to assess the structure first, verify the permitted use second, and evaluate the business case only after the likely renovation requirements are understood.

The Included Argon-Gas Circular Windows

The sale reportedly includes two brand-new, uninstalled circular windows featuring argon-gas glazing. Their stated value is $15,000.

These windows may offer an opportunity to replace existing windows as part of a future renovation. Their circular shape could also complement the property’s unconventional architecture, depending on their dimensions and the locations where they are intended to be installed.

Argon gas is commonly used between panes in certain insulated glass units because it conducts heat less readily than ordinary air. When incorporated into a properly designed window system, argon-filled glazing can contribute to improved thermal performance.

Actual performance depends on the complete window assembly, including the glass coatings, frame, spacers, seals, installation quality, and compatibility with the building envelope.

Because the windows are uninstalled, the buyer should verify their dimensions, specifications, condition, age, warranty status, and compatibility with the existing openings. It is also worth confirming whether all required installation components are included.

Circular windows can require specialized framing and installation work, especially in an unconventional concrete structure. A qualified installer should assess the intended openings before any cutting or modification is considered.

The stated $15,000 value should be treated as information supplied in the property description rather than an independently verified market valuation. Buyers should confirm the products’ actual specifications and replacement value if that figure affects their renovation budget.

If suitable for the project, the windows could become a distinctive finishing detail while helping support a carefully planned upgrade to the building envelope.

Restoration Versus Redevelopment

One of the most important decisions facing a prospective buyer is whether to preserve the original concept or pursue a more extensive redevelopment strategy.

Both directions require careful assessment, and neither should be assumed to be automatically feasible.

Restoring the Original Earth-Sheltered Design

Restoration may appeal to someone who values the property’s history and wants to retain its distinctive architectural features.

This approach could involve assessing and repairing the building envelope, addressing water management, updating electrical and plumbing systems, reviewing heating and ventilation, and completing the interior layout.

The river-rock ceilings, arched corridors, and earth-integrated exterior could remain central to the design.

A successful restoration would depend on the condition of the existing structure and the availability of professionals familiar with earth-sheltered construction. Preserving unusual materials may require more specialized work than a conventional interior renovation.

Completing a Modern Residential Layout

Another option is to retain the underlying structure while developing an interior suited to current living standards.

That might involve creating clearly defined bedrooms, common areas, bathrooms, storage, and service spaces. The final layout should be based on verified dimensions and code requirements rather than the proposed room count alone.

The design could combine modern fixtures and finishes with selected original features to maintain the home’s character.

Investigating a Multi-Unit Concept

A buyer may also want to explore whether the property can legally and practically accommodate more than one residential unit.

The two electric meters make this possibility worth investigating, but zoning, permitting, structural suitability, utility arrangements, and fire-safety requirements must be confirmed.

The costs of creating independent entrances, kitchens, bathrooms, and required separations may materially affect the project’s feasibility.

Evaluating Major Redevelopment

If the existing building has significant structural or moisture-related problems, a buyer may wish to compare extensive restoration with other legally permitted options.

That decision should follow professional inspections, cost estimates, and confirmation of what the site and local regulations allow.

A redevelopment concept should not be treated as an approved right or a guaranteed financial opportunity. The existing structure, land conditions, permitting process, and potential construction costs all need to be understood before a decision is made.

Essential Inspections Before Purchasing

Unconventional properties can reward careful buyers, but they also require detailed due diligence.

Before proceeding, prospective purchasers should consider the following areas.

Structural Condition

A qualified structural professional should evaluate the concrete structure, visible cracking, potential movement, and any areas where deterioration may affect stability.

The inspection should account for the property’s earth-sheltered design rather than treating it exactly like a conventional above-ground house.

Drainage and Waterproofing

Water management is critical for below-grade construction. Buyers should investigate drainage systems, waterproofing membranes where accessible, roof drainage, grading, and any evidence of past or current water intrusion.

Signs of persistent moisture should be investigated before cosmetic repairs begin.

Electrical Systems

The presence of two electric meters makes an electrical inspection especially worthwhile. The buyer should confirm the condition and configuration of the service, the circuits each meter serves, and whether the installation meets current requirements.

Plumbing and Wastewater

The existing plumbing, water supply, drainage, and wastewater arrangements should be evaluated. A proposed bedroom or bathroom count is not a substitute for confirming the capacity and condition of the relevant systems.

Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation

Underground construction requires suitable ventilation and humidity management. Buyers should determine which mechanical systems are installed, whether they are operational, and what upgrades may be necessary.

Indoor Air Quality and Moisture

Persistent dampness can contribute to indoor air-quality problems and damage building materials. Any signs of musty odors, staining, condensation, or suspected microbial growth should be assessed by qualified professionals.

Windows and Emergency Access

Existing windows and proposed replacements should be evaluated for condition, installation compatibility, ventilation, and any applicable emergency-egress requirements.

Permits and Permitted Use

The buyer should consult the relevant local authorities about occupancy, renovation permits, the proposed bedroom count, and any potential multi-unit or short-term rental use.

These checks help turn an intriguing property concept into a more informed purchase decision.

Understanding the Renovation Budget

The cost of renovating an earth-sheltered home can vary substantially depending on its current condition and the scope of work.

A cosmetic update is very different from a project that requires concrete repairs, new waterproofing, electrical replacement, plumbing reconstruction, ventilation improvements, and a complete interior build-out.

Before setting a budget, buyers should obtain professional assessments and written estimates for the major components of the work.

It may be useful to divide the preliminary budget into several categories: structural and moisture-related work, electrical and plumbing systems, heating and ventilation, interior construction, windows and openings, permits and professional fees, and finishing materials.

The buyer should also account for contingencies. Renovation projects involving older or unconventional buildings can reveal concealed problems once work begins.

The condition of the existing structure may affect the sequence of work. For example, finishing walls or installing expensive interior materials before resolving water intrusion could lead to additional costs later.

A sensible plan prioritizes safety, structural stability, moisture management, and essential building systems before decorative improvements.

For a property with unusual architectural details, buyers may also want to budget for specialized labor. Restoring river-rock finishes or working with curved concrete forms may require skills that are not routinely needed in standard residential renovations.

The best financial decision will come from verified information, not from assuming that the home’s original energy-conscious design makes renovation inexpensive.

Who Might Be Interested in This Property?

This Armington residence may appeal to several types of buyers, provided they understand its current condition and the work that may be required.

Architecture enthusiasts may appreciate the earth-sheltered design, concrete exterior, and river-rock interior details. The property offers an opportunity to preserve an uncommon example of alternative residential architecture.

Experienced renovation buyers may be interested in the blank-slate interior and the chance to develop a layout that suits their needs. Experience with unusual structures could be particularly valuable.

Buyers interested in energy-conscious design may want to investigate the home’s original approach to temperature moderation and determine whether modern upgrades could improve its performance. Professional testing and inspection would be essential.

Real estate investors may wish to study the feasibility of a residential rental or other permitted use. Any investment analysis should include the renovation budget, operating expenses, market demand, and the approvals required for the intended use.

Creative homeowners may be drawn to the possibility of creating a residence that looks and feels different from a conventional house. The distinctive interior could support a design that balances the original character with modern comfort.

Each buyer should begin with the same question: What is the property’s actual condition, and what can legally and practically be done with it?

The answer will determine whether the project is a suitable fit.

A Distinctive Property With Possibilities to Investigate

The original earth-sheltered home in Armington offers a combination of architectural history, unusual construction, and potential renovation flexibility.

Built in 1977 by Andy “Caveman” Davis, the residence reflects an earlier effort to rethink residential energy use through a design that integrates with the surrounding earth. Its undulating concrete exterior, bermed roofline, and river-rock ceilings give it a recognizable identity.

With more than 2,300 square feet of reported underground living space, a proposed five-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom configuration, and two separate electric meters, the property provides several ideas for further investigation.

The included circular argon-gas windows add another element to consider during renovation planning. Their specifications, installation requirements, and stated value should be verified before they are incorporated into a budget.

Still, the most important factor is the property’s actual condition. Structural integrity, waterproofing, drainage, ventilation, electrical systems, and permitted use will determine the realistic scope of any project.

A future owner may choose to preserve the original architectural vision, complete a modern residential layout, or investigate another use that is permitted by local authorities. Each path will require professional evaluation and careful financial planning.

For someone prepared to research the details and approach the project methodically, this earth-sheltered residence represents an opportunity to explore a distinctive style of housing that remains uncommon in today’s residential market.

Rather than judging the property solely by its unconventional appearance, interested buyers should examine its history, assess the structure, and determine whether the renovation requirements align with their goals.

The result could be a carefully restored residence that retains the character of its original design while meeting contemporary expectations for safety, comfort, and functionality.

 

Listed on Zillow