At first glance, this residence in Clinton, Maryland, USA, looks like any other two-story colonial-style house with a red brick facade and elegant white columns supporting a balcony.

To save on heating costs, an American built his home underground.

However, if you step back a few paces, the true secret of the building is revealed: the eco-friendly house is buried under a thick layer of earth.

Thanks to the natural insulation, significant energy savings are achieved. On average, the owners pay just $150 a month for utilities.

The total area of the house, built in 2006, is 300 square meters. Despite its quirky appearance, the residence is equipped with all the modern comforts: three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate two-car garage, a fireplace, and a gourmet kitchen with a separate dining room.