Though hidden beneath the earth, Coober Pedy’s underground homes aren't as small as you might imagine. The town’s stable soil allows for wide, high-ceilinged spaces and homeowners often carve out custom designs to suit their needs. Some of the largest homes span over 4,800 square feet (450sqm) featuring multiple bedrooms, walk-in wardrobes, and even underground swimming pools.

Residents also get creative, linking separate dugouts via tunnels, expanding their homes into underground mansions. The walls, left in their natural sandstone state, give the homes a warm, textured aesthetic, while modern amenities such as running water, internet and electricity ensure a comfortable lifestyle. With no windows, artificial lighting is essential but skylights and ventilation shafts help bring in fresh air and daylight.

From clifftops to coffin homes: the planet’s most unusual dwellings