Earth bag construction is taking off around the world, in large part thanks to Cal-Earth in Hesperia, California. Alumnus of the earth building center founded by Nader Khalili, Barro Vivo Costa Rica is close to completing this impressive 1,700-square-foot beauty in Turrubares, which was constructed using the Iranian architect's pioneering super adobe technique.

Ayal Bryant from Barro Vivo CR told Inhabitat because they live in a relatively hot and dry climate, where they receive about 3 months of rain and the rest of the year is pretty much dry, they wanted to build a house that would remain cool during the day without air-conditioning or fans. "So we decided to go for super adobe mainly because of its thermal properties but also because one of how it feels almost primal to live within," she said.