This Underground Bunker Design Aims to Simulate Real-Life With Artificial Sunlight, Bike Paths, and Dog Walking Areas

Kelly Corbett
·5 min read
Photo credit: Instagram / Sergey Makhno Architects
Photo credit: Instagram / Sergey Makhno Architects

From House Beautiful

Back in March, we brought you news that, as the coronavirus spread across the globe, the luxury bunker company Survival Condos—which creates survival condos out of former World War II bunkers—had seen a sudden a spike in interest. What caused this? In short, fear. Folks were looking to quarantine and these former WWII bunkers seemed like a safe spot.

As far as COVID-19 goes, hunkering down in a doomsday bunker isn’t any safer than just quarantining in your own home. However, the idea of luxury bunkers built to last through everything — including an apocalypse— is still going strong. Sergey Makhno Architects, located in Ukraine, recently drew up a design plan for its own modern-day doomsday shelter. Unlike Survival Condos, these bunkers would be located completely underground, but still manage to offer the comforts and security of an above-ground facility.

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We offer you a short trip to a depth of 15 metres and below. There is an autonomous house, which competes with ground residences in terms of comfort and equipment. ⠀ From the outside, Plan B resembles the entrance to a museum of modern art, or even to a military base. We tried to create a simple and concise form, which in all its perspective would speak of reliability, but also be aesthetically attractive, it would not intimidate and lets you in from both the ground and from the air. ⠀ The massive concrete structure is equipped with three entrances and a helipad on the roof. It occupies only 172 square meters and can be placed either near the main house or, in our case, somewhere in the woods. ⠀ According to international recommendations, the upper floor is at a depth of 15 metres. Penetrating deeper our "pie" has the following layers: a living space, a floor with a water treatment system and generator, a layer of electrical equipment, and at the very bottom — a well. ⠀ The Plan B bunker has three exits, and the fire-resistant evacuation "ring" can be reached from almost anywhere. This is done in case of the event of danger inside the bunker, its inhabitants do not spend time getting out (especially given the floor area), but can immediately get to the evacuation route, for example, from the bathroom or gym. ⠀ Of course, all systems in the Plan B underground building are autonomous. Water supply, sewerage, closed ventilation system with recuperation, intake, and air purification. Whatever happens on the Earth's surface, life in Plan B will continue. ⠀ The systems will be developed in detail at the project stage together with specialized contractors. At present, we have developed a design proposal for the bunker, our own vision.

A post shared by Sergey Makhno Architects (@makhno_design) on Jul 3, 2020 at 3:40am PDT

In an extensive proposal, the firm detailed the components this shelter, dubbed "Underground House Plan B." For starters, this concrete bunker would look like a flying saucer from outside and feature a rooftop helipad. Only two to three families and their children—as well as staff members and their families—would be able to fit in "Underground House Plan B."

"For us, the task was extremely simple and difficult at the same time," architect Oleksandr Bokhan writes on the company's proposal. "To make the bunker a modern, cozy house." To enter this contemporary, one-of-a-kind structure, residents would first have to pass through a disinfection shield. Then, a staircase and/or elevator would fully transport them into the living space, located approximately 50 feet below ground.

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“If you don't listen to the world with an open heart and head, if you don't pay attention to what's going on around you, what the air smells like, what people say, the world starts dictating its rules, cruel rules," says Serhii Makhno. ⠀ Bunker project is a trip to a depth of 15 meters and below. It is an autonomous underground house that has several layers: a living space, a floor with a water treatment system and generator, a layer of electrical equipment, and at the very bottom — a well. With gardens and the sky. Safe and soundproof.

A post shared by Sergey Makhno Architects (@makhno_design) on Jun 18, 2020 at 10:02am PDT

Since the underground bunker obviously doesn't have windows, the firm played around with smart technology in order to simulate real life. LED lights serve as artificial sunlight, while a garden with Phyto-equipment enables residents to grow fruits and vegetables underground. As for other foods, the plans include a large warehouse to serve as an extensive pantry. The plan also includes accommodations for staff, separate from the family bunker, as well as an adjoining medical care facility.

To further simulate above-ground living, highly sensitive screens would allow guests to easily change the view "outside" from snow-capped mountains to an "open" window. The technology would even allow guests be able to feel a slight breeze from the "window."

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We believe that good design can make any place cozy and comfortable. Even if it's underground. Bunker project. Next week.

A post shared by Sergey Makhno Architects (@makhno_design) on Jun 10, 2020 at 10:33am PDT

When it comes to socializing, a large dining table as well as a movie theater would be available for families to congregate. The bunker would also also feature a pool, a gym-like room with exercise bikes, an actual bike path, and a street with grass and trees to walk dogs on. For those looking for a quiet spot to read, the shelter would also feature a library.

Well, is your mind blown yet? Would an underground facility like this one actually be able to sustain human life for long periods of time? It sure is an interesting concept. You can check out the entire design proposal here.

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