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How did Malcolm Wells use earth-sheltered buildings to reduce energy use and visual impact?

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American architect Malcolm Wells championed earth-sheltered buildings as a way to move away from architectural styles that he viewed as aggressive assaults on the land. By surrounding structures with earth, he created an "almost invisible architecture" that minimizes visual impact on the landscape.1

Regarding energy efficiency, Wells utilized the natural properties of the earth to provide a stable climate for his designs. Because the ground temperature remains relatively constant at depths of about 1.5 meters (5 feet), the earth itself acts as a dependable source of climate control. Wells noted that this approach offers significant fuel savings, resulting in buildings that are "sunny, dry, and pleasant" while serving as a quiet, sustainable alternative to conventional construction.21