Solar power helps heat the home’s interior and garden.

In the winter of 2013, an adventurous Norwegian family moved into a custom glass-enclosed home on the island of Sandhornøya, located in Norway’s Nordland County just above the Arctic Circle. Since then, the Hjertefølgers have thrived in the eco-friendly abode, growing their own food—including apples, plums, squash, and kiwis—and even adding a sixth member.

Named Nature House, the five-bedroom, two-bathroom home comprises a hand-built interior structure covered by a massive glass dome measuring nearly 50 feet in diameter.

The glass geodesic structure designed by Solardome was erected in just three weeks, and incorporates solar panels for power.

Once the dome was up, the Hjertefølgers and their friends and family built the 2,000-square-foot inner dwelling from a mixture of clay, sand, water, and plant materials.

The glass dome protects the interior from harsh Arctic conditions, but Ingrid Hjertefølger tells Inhabitat that if they were to do it all over again, she’d prefer to use double-pained glass so they could have a better seal and tropical garden.

Overall, the family is plenty pleased with their sustainable home. “The house works as we intended and planned,” Hjertefølger reflected.

“We love the house; it has a soul of its own and it feels very personal.” Do check out the full story here.

BY BARBARA ELDREDGE/via CURBED