If you could bring a mild, temperate growing climate with you anywhere in the world, would it change where you choose to live" This unusual greenhouse home design could make far-flung northern locales in countries like Canada, Sweden, and Russia more hospitable and attractive, especially as climate change makes regions around the equator too hot to handle. A Swedish company called Naturvillan builds beautiful light-filled homes beneath protective climate shells that regulate the temperature around the living space year-round, allowing residents to grow pretty much whatever they want, even if it’s sub-zero outside.

One of their latest creations is “Atri,” an A-frame off-grid house with a mix of open living spaces and private rooms spread out over three levels, all connected to an open atrium shielded by a glass ceiling. Built in Sikhall, Vänersborg on the shores of Lake Vänern, the home is designed for a completely self-sufficient lifestyle with solar power, a wood-burning stove, built-in raised bed gardens to grow your own food, and connection to on-site well water and septic so no outside utilities are required. Its pointed design mimics the shape of the surrounding conifers.
If there’s one caveat to such a design, it’s the question of whether the home could become uncomfortably warm in the summertime. Though it would increase the cost by a lot, perhaps the kind of glass that can change from clear to opaque on demand would he...