A Modern Rammed Earth House That Emphasizes Sustainability [video]

The Earth House inspires a recall of sustainable living practices from our past. Created by Art and Architecture Associates , the 3000-square-foot house was designed to blend with the natural habitat amidst expansive farmlands. With a thick “skin” of rammed earth and other materials that were excavated from the site, the structure has reduced solar heat gain. This feature keeps the temperature between 7 and 10 degrees cooler than the tropical climate of Gujarat outside. Passive sustainable strategies reduce energy requirements in response to the global climate crisis. Both the facade and the interior of the three-bedroom home communicate a minimalist aesthetic with elements of nature woven through.

With climate change demanding a conscious effort to change the way we build and live, we must look to minimize our carbon footprint both at work and at home. The aim of being environmentally responsible and sustainable is at the heart of this modern home design.

The landscape design drew inspiration from the native environment. Local plants were chosen to reduce irrigation needs and contribute to the passive energy strategy. The Earth House is surrounded by the Miyawaki forest, an organic farm, and a mango orchard. Tree foliage shades the roof, which helpfully reduces solar heat gain in the home.

The home plan was optimized to create a minimal footprint on the green site. The roof of the net-zero home is inclined to receive maximum solar energy for the family’s use.

Inside the home, a modest living space gains visual warmth and texture from the raw earth wall construction. One half of the living room holds a social sitting area with wooden coffee tables and a matching wooden lounge set. The other half of the space belongs to a kitchen diner.

Rich wood tone shapes a simple kitchen design with a wide cooking and dining peninsula. The rest of the kitchen storage is tucked into a single tower of cabinets at one end.

Glossy tiles run the length of the hallway. LED strips glow brightly from the edge of the reflective floor, creating a warm and luxurious atmosphere.

The long corridor leads to three bedrooms. Upon entering a bedroom, the sleep space is privately tucked away from the door by a wood encased storage wall.

Like the rest of the interior, furniture materials inside the modern bedroom were sourced from companies that utilize recycled materials and employ environmentally responsible manufacturing techniques.

Stone sculpture and clay vases complement the natural textural finish of the rammed earth walls.

Each space is decorated simply in a peaceful balance of form and function.

Large windows face north in order to receive optimum daylight and natural ventilation, which passively reduces energy requirements.

The end of the long corridor finally reaches a luxury bathroom . A large shower area floats upon a bed of pebbles. Sunlight filters through striking window shutters.

As well as generating electricity from solar, this sustainable country house grows its own food, and harvests water from plentiful rainfall.

The three bedrooms are separated from the social living space by a central leisure area that consists of a pool, gazebo, and patio area.

Readily available local rocks fill gabion walls out on the patio. The walls provide privacy and sculptural moments around the house. Two outdoor chairs and a small coffee table make a sweet conversation spot.

Moving away from the patio to the opposite end of the pool, a gazebo offers cool, shaded comfort out on a more spacious terrace area.

Two cushioned chairs and a small settee make up an outdoor lounge in the gazebo. An outdoor coffee table and a small wooden side table provide landing spots for drinks and snacks. Green accent cushions draw inspiration from the surrounding landscape that peeps between gabion walls.

Glass doors provide one uninterrupted visual from the shaded poolside sitting area to the hallway of the home, and on toward the sun drenched patio.

From the outer perimeter of the home, the outdoor sitting areas and pool area are shielded from immediate view by the rock-filled gabion walls. The roof level skims low beneath the tree tops to bed the house sympathetically within its lush landscape.

On the site plan, we can see how the entry to the property leads via a long shaded driveway that moves between established trees. It passes the mango orchard on one side and a picturesque pond on the other. The narrow driveway opens out into a large parking area on the east side of the house. The organic farm that feeds the household is located to the west.

Section drawing AA of this active sustainable design illustrates the roof incline that maximizes generation of solar power for the home.

Section drawing BB provides insight to the full layout and flow. With entry to the home made beside the kitchen, guests are welcomed straight into the social living space. A guest bathroom is slotted between the living room and the leisure space with pool.

On the floor plan, we can appreciate the exaggerated length of the connective passageway. A shared bathroom is situated between bedrooms one and two, whilst the master bathroom stands farthest away from the common areas.

Elevation drawing A, demonstrating plinth level, lintel, earth wall, and roof height.

Elevation drawing B, as viewed from the east side.

Elevation drawing C.

Architectural illustration.

Blue is a special color. Reminiscent of the open sky and the clear ocean, it makes us feel calm and at peace with an undercurrent of strength and confidence. Blue is also symbolic of loyalty, intelligence, and stability, so it is a positive color to include in our homes. The modern home design we’re touring today is blessed with fresh blue accents and extraordinary statement pieces. Visualized by 梦太初 , this is a home that spells style, luxury, and spirit. We’ll study a large living room with a glass wall home office attached, a master bedroom with an artist’s area, a fabulous walk-in wardrobe, and an unforgettable bathroom.

Our first stop on this stylish modern house tour is a blue couch living room. The plush blue modular sofa is arranged in the center of the room, serving multiple directions. A large gray rug makes an island of soft texture beneath it. A meter away, a unique coffee table introduces a shining brass accent.

The blue tufted sofa is complemented by a matching blue hanging chair in the corner of the room. The chair hangs in complete solitude, its bold design forming sculptural interest against a much paler cream curtain. The drapes are there to close off a glass wall home office when desired.

At the opposite end of the living room, a modern TV slides away into its media stand when not in use. An extraordinary coffee table design stands between the TV and the couch. A small decorative vase draws a color link with the sofa’s blue upholstery.

Inside the home office, an unusual desk design hacks away the conventional office furniture silhouette. Black-stained wood planks are arranged in a geometric formation that hugs around the user, whilst providing ample space for a computer keyboard or a notebook. The workspace is positioned close to the window to take advantage of revitalizing views.

Wood effect floor tiles strike a crisp geometric pattern throughout the large living room and the hallway of the home. The hallway is lined with smooth cream stucco that cuts away in eye-catching curves above doorways. Soft perimeter lighting makes a cozy glow. A modern fireplace flickers inside a linear firebox.

Subtle curves continue inside the bedroom. They scoop in through the doorway and mold a unique headboard wall. The upholstered bed adds a whisper of blue-gray to the warm white decor scheme. A silver-gray comforter and pillow cases add cooler contrast. A welcoming white bedroom chair and a matching floor lamp form a reading nook beside a set of bookshelves. A pocket door leads to the dressing room and ensuite bathroom.

Beside the tufted headboard stands an exquisite wood and brass bedside table. The racetrack-shaped wooden top is supported by curved brass leg frames. A round brass tray extends toward the pillows of the bed. A glass vase filled with dried buds makes an understated adornment.

Two small side tables stand at the opposite side of the bed in a gleaming brass finish. A tonal gray rug underlines the bed and draws a connection to an artist’s area in the corner of the bedroom. A chair is draped with a sheet to hold the artist’s still life subject. A second pocket door leads directly into the living room.

A tower of wall shelving is color-matched with the walls to achieve a peaceful aesthetic. The open shelves are decorated with a restrained collection of small ornaments, books, and framed artwork. Large bedroom windows bring natural light flooding in.

As we enter the magnificent dressing room, we find walls lined with a combination of sleek white fitted wardrobes and glass-fronted walnut garment shelves. Each shelf is backlit with a ribbon of golden LED light to make selection a breeze. The ceiling is an impressive vaulted design with a curved skylight.

A round rug is settled in the center of the space, which creates a holding device for a statement floral chair and a unique floor lamp. A small white marble side table is on hand to catch discarded accessories or to hold a morning cup of coffee. There is also a glass storage volume in the center of the room to hold designer pieces and jewelry.

More garment shelves, rails, and floating chests of drawers furnish the final wall of the walk-in wardrobe. An oak ledge separates the wardrobe area from the geometric wood-effect tile floor. A custom-cut full-length mirror makes the installation appear twice its actual length.

An elegantly curved partition wall splits a dressing table area from the bathroom. A white marble vanity table and a decorative wall mirror attach to one side of the partition. A dainty vanity chair completes the ensemble.

On the other side of the partition wall, two gem-like blue glass pedestal sinks reflect in a huge circular mirror.

The round mirror stretches almost the full height and width of the dividing wall. The double sink setup is completed with a pair of modern freestanding faucets in a striking matt black finish.

A graceful blue glass bathtub colors the other side of the bathroom, beneath a stunning curved ceiling. The tub is situated between two spacious glass shower enclosures, creating a wonderfully balanced symmetrical layout. A simple black shelf holds toiletries close to hand. A gloss green side table brings in a pop of contrasting color.

Dark isn’t the first theme that comes to mind when designing a kitchen. Stereotypical assumptions are of white and bright kitchens matched by light wood—something like the color of breakfast pancakes. Have you ever thought otherwise? Perhaps something like a modern dark kitchen?

We’ve got a collection of stunning spaces sure to switch up your vision. This black kitchen design inspiration is the sexiest interior design can muster. All divulging in shades of black, navy, or dark brown, they add what white kitchens cannot—a seductive allure that says sleekness and sophistication at the same time. Take a peek at some brilliant interiors on the darker side to see if a modern luxury black kitchen could be for you.

Modern Dark Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation

1. Make it an All Black Kitchen

Visualizer:Design At Sketch

Almost completely covered in black, a few minor elements shine in chrome and wood in this kitchen interior. We love how the textures do the talking, especially through the matte table under black wood-panelled walls. But having an open approach like this means that every one of your accessories on display—including knives, wine glasses, mugs, cutting boards, teapots, cookie jars, etc.—need to be on point.

2. Add Wooden Elements

Visualizer:Bogdan Tovstyy

This black beauty edges towards wooden elements. We see a speckled floor, a white wall, and a central bench. Rounded black lamps hover over the island, providing functionality and style. If you’re wondering how visual intrigue is added to this modern black kitchen… a huge credit goes to the abstract art!

3. Complement the Black Kitchen with Orange

Source:Vancouver House

A bit of curve rounds out the hard edges—adding some much-needed warmth. This wave-design bench leads up to an orange-hued enclave in this black-and-silver interior. The burnt orange sure makes a design statement (apart from the unique central island).

4. Keep Your Dark Modern Kitchen Simple

Visualizer:Panda Fox Studios

A simplistic look makes this black kitchen a winner. We see the basics: a light floor, a black minimalist island, and sleek cabinetry. But the contrast between light and dark keeps the ambiance interesting, while the large window welcomes plenty of natural light.

5. Make it Dark… Or Not?

Visualizer:Who Cares Design

If you’re eyeing a dark kitchen aesthetic but are hesitant to make the change, this is it. Introducing more light, this black kitchen is hardly dark at all. Black benches, cabinetry, fixtures and stools are intersected by large-panel windows, a white shelving stand and light flooring.

6. Make Use of Asymmetry in the Black Modern Kitchen

Visualizer:Visual Method

This modern black kitchen takes another angle on this kaleidoscopic space, breaking all spatial boundaries. Black and glass alternate in this chic kitchen as the interesting ceiling design keeps the space unconventional. We’ve also got to appreciate the cherry blossoms, doubling as decor even within the interior.

7. Factor in Some Warmth

Source:Modulnova

This warmer-looking kitchen makes a move to brown. It strategically achieves the purpose with the use of wood. This not only introduces natural textures but also makes the ambiance inviting. Talk about a modern style that’s equal parts welcoming!

8. Place a White Island in a Black Modern Kitchen

Visualizer:Jean Regauer

An instant way to brighten up a dark kitchen (we mean, get the best of both worlds)? This kitchen space shows us how by using a white island on a black floor. The backsplash further enhances this dark-and-light effect, while the cowhide rug adds just the right amount of coziness.

9. Make Marble Your Best Friend

Architect:Chamberlain Javens Architects

If you’re looking to create a modern luxury black kitchen, you know what you’ve got to do: Go big on marble! This natural stone adds the luxe factor to any space, especially as a large, central island, as seen in the kitchen above. You can also add it through the backsplash.

10. Make it Mysterious

Visualizer:Tomek Michalski

You can double the visual intrigue in your all black kitchen by adding some mystery. In this kitchen, mood-lighting sets the scene in black and grey, while a marbled bench acts as the hero. The back inlet and flooring create contrast and depth. Taken together, these elements make the space an interesting one.

11. Layer Gray and Gold

Visualizer:Mitaka Dimov

Black kitchens are cool, but what if we layer in gray and add accents of gold? This stunning kitchen space uses gray flooring to add diversity to the otherwise black palette. The thick gold panel is one way that makes the space look incredibly high-end.

12. Add French Style to Black Kitchen Design

Visualizer:Aeroslon

Make your kitchen both modern and French with traditional black cabinetry. In this space, standing armoires act as sinks, and all other displayed items remain black. The stark white clock can surely act as the focal point of the space!

13. Consider Soft Elements

Visualizer:Julia Sultanova

Rough, light wood and low-hanging white lights set this kitchen interior a world apart. You can also notice a layer of light gray cabinetry, adding variation to the otherwise dark color palette. These elements factor in softness to the black kitchen design.

14. Let the Accessories Do the Talking

Photographer:Mikko Ryhänen

In this black-and-wood creation, the accessories take center stage in adorning the interior. We love the houseplant, but the crockery deserves a special mention for doubling as decor. The light oakwood backdrop further warms the space up.

15. Consider a Matte All Black Kitchen

Visualizer:HDR Designer

Neat square panels perfectly line up to emphasize the stark black minimalism that is at play here. We love how the cabinetry is matte black with no hardware, adding a sense of simplicity. The herb planters are a healthy green addition to bring the otherwise simple space.

16. Add Some Stencilling to Black Kitchens

Visualizer:Julia Sultanova

Fine lines and stencilling set this monochromatic space apart. Lined by black magnetic lights, black stencils and glossy white facades, it makes its mark on a light wooden floor.

17. Build a Shape Out of Black

Visualizer:Huso

18. Create a Modern Dark Kitchen with Gradients

Visualizer:Mario Nogueira

If you’re wondering how the intrigue in this space is working… It’s the gradients from black, to charcoal, to light grey. White surrounds in the walls and a monochromatic hanging light. This clever design technique makes sure the space is anything but boring, even if it’s using mere neutrals (minus the stunning orange dining chairs, of course).

19. Leverage Black Textures

Visualizer:Nefeli Kallianou

One instant way to add interest to a black kitchen is with textures, as seen in this metallic matte kitchen. This accounts for decorative presence in the light and bright space, providing character to an otherwise simple room.

20. Work on the Functionality of the Modern Dark Kitchen

Visualizer:İbrahim Ethem KISACIK

This dark modern kitchen makes sure it’s as functional as is stylish. The central island is paired with a black dining table, while all necessary appliances are fixed into the cabinetry. We also see pendant lights and lighting under the hood providing just the right illumination.

21. Create a Modern Classic All Black Kitchen

Visualizer:A&L Interior Design

Folks seeking an inviting all black kitchen can look towards this modern classic space. It merges contemporary elements (through sleek black cabinetry) with traditional ones (as seen in the wooden backsplash) to bring together the best of both worlds.

22. Put Essentials on Display in Your Modern Black Kitchen Interior

Visualizer:Polygon

Yet another kitchen that uses black and wooden elements to create a dark-themed interior. What sets this one apart is the hanging pans. They do offer easy access as the residents cook, but they also double as decor! (Note how the pans also use black and wooden elements to stay coherent with the theme).

23. Add the Industrial Style to the All Black Kitchen

Via:Emotion School

Industrial style lovers, rejoice! This is THE inspiration to set up your favorite interior design style, the dark way. This kitchen uses rustic wood and exposed elements for the ceiling to create an industrial black kitchen interior.

24. Make a Statement with Black Chunky Lamps

Via:HomePicture.in

All eyes on the two chunky lamps hanging in this monochromatic setting. They do add focus but also allow the contrasting white inset to shine. Not to forget the central island, providing plenty of storage space.

25. Make Room for Keepsakes

Visualizer:Maxim Goryachev

There’s nothing like personalizing your space to who YOU are. This kitchen serves the purpose by adding keepsakes and heirlooms. Also, black leaves room for details, so it’s one of the best colors to use if you’re hoping to display knick-knacks.

26. Use Black to Add Intimacy

Visualizer:Helen Bank

Who says dark colors make small spaces feel smaller? We only see black adding luxury to this compact space (with some credit to the white flooring adding brightness). This kitchen—with black marble backsplash—speaks opulence, and for all the right reasons!

27. Enhance Black Kitchen Design with Patterns

Visualizer:Ksenia Lenski

This black kitchen interior makes a design statement with the patterned marble island. Its sleek metallic legs lift it off the floor, creating an illusion of space. Simultaneously, the textured inset makes sure visual interest is added.

28. Don’t Forget a Black and White Rug

Visualizer:Nada Aboelrous

If you’re not in for a complete kitchen renovation, simply painting your cabinets black and adding a black-and-white patterned rug will achieve the purpose! We love how this kitchen keeps sets the base with white and tops it with black.

29. Let the Lighting Make a Statement in the All Black Kitchen

Architect:Artpartner Architects

When everything else is understated, letting the lighting create a statement is a good idea. This matte black kitchen interior uses rod lighting to do the talking. It sticks to the all black kitchen color scheme, though!

30. Tone it Down

Visualizer:Valeria Mosolova

This open floor plan uses dark gray throughout, showing us that black can work in more spaces than the kitchen 😉 It sure makes a design statement for those cooking and dining—or lounging!

31. Consider a Black and Wooden Bar

Visualizer:Amir Emami

This is the ultimate modern luxury black kitchen! After all, what’s better than displaying your favorite collection of beer right behind the black kitchen island? The low-hanging pendant lights also add to the black kitchen design.

32. Add the Gothic Vibe

Visualizer:Sebastian Lorio

This dark-gray kitchen is super simple with its sleek, hardware-less cabinetry. Well, except the far left end. Here, we see a statement piece of art and intriguing layered lighting created a focal point.

33. Stick to the Minimalist Style for Black Kitchens

Visualizer:Miguel A. Ramos

This compact kitchen space follows the simple rule: white walls paired with black cabinetry and an island. Even in this nook, the space is able to make a style statement while providing optimal functionality. The window here gives a contrasting element of light to the otherwise dark modern kitchen.

34. Layer Lighting in the All Black Kitchen

Visualizer:Tatiana Durnescu

We see shades of gray and black coming together to bring this modern dark kitchen to life. What we especially love is the multiple types of lighting, all layered together to bring visual interest to the space.

35. Set the Backdrop For Your Living Space

Visualizer:Sasha Zolotukhin