People learned a great deal from the pаndemic, one of which was that their lives can drastically shift in a matter of hours. In March of 2020, the world ꜱuddenly fell into lockdown, compelling many people to hastily prepare preparations for a worldwide health crisis that had never been seen before. And a lot of people came to the conclusion that they would be ready the next time, regardless of whether it was a global health pаndemic, concerns about terrorisм, catastrophic weather, or an аttаck from nucleаr weapons. Is there a solution? Shelters buried far down.

 

 

Underground bunkers have grown much more widespread in recent years, particularly among wealthy individuals who want to establish sanctuaries underground with all of the luxury offerings of a regular above-ground dwelling. In the past, subterranean bunkers were only considered to be for people who believed in conspiracies or who were preparing for the end of the world. The Swiss company Oppidum, which is a supplier of fortified underground houses, is the first company that a great number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals contact.

Oppidum constructs fortified dwellings for its clients deep down and incorporates military-grade protection devices, environmental systems, secure storage, power and water supply, and structural reinforcement to provide the highest level of safety possible. On top of that, the value of Oppidum resides in its opulent, resort-style amenities, which include spas, indoor gardens with false skies, art galleries, wine cellars, garages, movie theaters, secure meeting spaces, and gyms, among many other things. For instance, the fitness facility features a pool that can be filled with either saltwater or freshwater at the temperature that is most comfortable for you, and there are high-specification training machines located nearby. In the meantime, art galleries are built to the same specifications as bank vaults, complete with fire protection, ventilation, temperature and humidity control systems, as well as specialized lighting.

Before beginning construction on a project, Oppidum also carries out a number of geological and hydrological assessments to evaluate the existing conditions and determine how they will influence safety and security. Each bunker is built with blast protection in mind and features air filtering, gas tight protection, three eмergency exits, energy and backups provided by two diesel generators and a battery system, and decontamination rooms.

“Oppidum serves clients from the United States, Europe, and all over the world,” says Jakub Zamrazil, the CEO of Oppidum. “Over the course of the past few years, there has been a clear and discernible uptick in the market for underground constructions. Every customer has their own specific needs, but the majority of them view Oppidum as a long-term investment that will improve the safety of the things they value and cherish the most. Naturally, the nature of it differs from case to case. Considerations include one’s own safety, the safety of one’s family, and the preservation and protection of valuable material assets such as artwork, antiquities, and heirlooms. Personal protection is another important factor. Our buildings offer the highest possible level of safety, but they also need to be able to function as aesthetically pleasing additions to the homes of our customers.

The price of underground dwellings begins at ten million dollars, while some models, such as the L’Heritage model, can cost up to one hundred million dollars. Nevertheless, the ultimate cost is determined by factors such as location, size, and interior fit, as well as expenditures associated with labor, materials, ground conditions, and local legislation. Because of the entirely personalized nature of the dwellings, clients have the opportunity to add practically any feature that is both within their means and that they desire.

 

There are pre-designed versions available, such as the aforementioned L’Heritage by French architect Marc Prigent. This underground home is modeled after traditional French architecture and features high ceilings that reach up to 16 feet, fine-grained wood flooring, handcrafted chandeliers, and an interior garden. Prigent made certain that the design of the residence, which is held up by several thick layers of reinforced concrete, prioritized safety, engineering soundness, and cutting-edge technological advancements throughout the process. The architect has worked on projects in the past for hotels such as the Four Seasons and the Ritz-Carlton, and he wаnted to bring his knowledge to the table when it came to developing this one-of-a-kind product offering.

According to Prigent’s statement to Forbes, the concept of creating an underground bunker was something that he never considered. “The total amount of available space is the first and most essential factor to take into consideration. The construction of an underground structure presents an unusual problem. It is essential to provide customers with the impression of openness and expansiveness. Additionally, lighting is of the utmost significance. We are in the process of designing a contemporary castle that will have all the conveniences of a house as well as be approachable but secure.

According to Prigent, one of the most difficult challenges is lighting, and each area has its own unique requirements that are designed to alter throughout the course of a day. To more completely simulate the natural day and night cycles of the earth, everything, including the way it feels, must adapt to the current time of day and season. Even the terrace has been outfitted with a man-made skylight. In addition, each residence’s patio serves as the beating heart of the home and is adorned with actual plants, trees, and even miniature swimming pools.

“Ultimately, Oppidum sees the space as an extension of the home, a place where our clients will take their friends or company to enjoy just as they would any other part of the estate,” he says. “The space is a place where our clients will take their friends or company to enjoy just as they would any other part of the estate.” “Customers require spaces such as libraries, art galleries, wine storage, game rooms, movie theaters, and car garages, among many other amenities.”Other versions include the Linear and the brand-new Futurist, which sells for close to 40 million dollars. Even the diesel generators, air filtration systems, and technical corridors have been given a luxurious appearance and made to seem aesthetically pleasant. All of these features offer the most cutting-edge technology that is currently accessible.

“Everything from the dishware to the flooring to the amenities comes from the finest artisans and craftspeople on the planet,” adds Prigent. “This includes everything from the amenities to the dishware.” “These buildings are the epitome of contemporary opulence.”