Hey Bev, maybe it’s used to attract other turtles. Like in the dinosaur days. Or maybe to attract giant turtles, I’m certain they’re out there, they have magnificent huge turtles in the Philadelphia zoo, the biggest I have ever seen in my life, and if I’m not mistaken they are over 100 years old. I don’t have all the answers Bev, it’s just a guess, but a thought provoking guess at that. Still it’s quite interesting to see.
I can’t remember how they framed the building, (to keep the roof overhead, etc.!), but I am quite sure it was very economical to build. They used to have a catalog about the store, what they carry (all green and for sustainable living products), and they offer to install what you need, if you’re not so inclined. I just went to and they have many sites and locations besides the store here, north of San Francisco. It’s fun to check out!
There is a very “green” business, “Real Goods Solar” in Hopland, CA that was built using hay bales, covered with chicken wire, then with plaster and paint, which keep it warm in the winter, and very cool in the summer. As you can see, the windows are heavily shaded by the turtle’s shell, and that would keep the sun off the interior, and I’m sure they are at least double-pane windows. I was really impressed with the wonderful insulation in that building – and it was very hot outside, but cool inside!
Thats ingenuity! With the exception of so much glass ground level, I’ll bet it’s very insulated. It looks like it’s not an actual house, but a gift shop or business, as there is a sign above the door, and it looks like a pay phone to the left of the door. I wouldn’t mind living in something that unique, with the exception of the lack of plants surrounding it, very bleak looking!
June 20, 2012 @ 10:45 pm
This is so hot & so cool!
June 18, 2012 @ 9:26 pm
Hey Bev, maybe it’s used to attract other turtles. Like in the dinosaur days. Or maybe to attract giant turtles, I’m certain they’re out there, they have magnificent huge turtles in the Philadelphia zoo, the biggest I have ever seen in my life, and if I’m not mistaken they are over 100 years old. I don’t have all the answers Bev, it’s just a guess, but a thought provoking guess at that. Still it’s quite interesting to see.
June 18, 2012 @ 6:38 pm
So much info about this building….But I would like to know what it is used for. Anyone know? It is very interesting.
June 19, 2012 @ 3:12 am
Very possibly for someone to live in? Or, perhaps a business.
June 19, 2012 @ 7:38 pm
ITS A HOUSE FOR TURTLES…DONT U GET IT? HAHHAHAHAHAHA
June 18, 2012 @ 5:04 pm
With mesh wire and stucco, it would not be that expensive to build. A house of normal materials would be very expensive, even the regular type.
June 18, 2012 @ 5:57 pm
I can’t remember how they framed the building, (to keep the roof overhead, etc.!), but I am quite sure it was very economical to build. They used to have a catalog about the store, what they carry (all green and for sustainable living products), and they offer to install what you need, if you’re not so inclined. I just went to and they have many sites and locations besides the store here, north of San Francisco. It’s fun to check out!
June 18, 2012 @ 11:31 am
That is a lot of expense to keep cool in the desert.
June 18, 2012 @ 2:21 pm
There is a very “green” business, “Real Goods Solar” in Hopland, CA that was built using hay bales, covered with chicken wire, then with plaster and paint, which keep it warm in the winter, and very cool in the summer. As you can see, the windows are heavily shaded by the turtle’s shell, and that would keep the sun off the interior, and I’m sure they are at least double-pane windows. I was really impressed with the wonderful insulation in that building – and it was very hot outside, but cool inside!
June 17, 2012 @ 7:20 pm
Well I have to admit it is different. And it looks like its out in the desert somewhere, enough to keep the sun off of you. Very unique.
June 17, 2012 @ 2:19 am
This is a very neat looking house.
June 16, 2012 @ 5:59 pm
The neatest house ever. Doesn’t look as anyone lives there, looks empty to me. Really differant though.
June 16, 2012 @ 5:41 pm
Thats ingenuity! With the exception of so much glass ground level, I’ll bet it’s very insulated. It looks like it’s not an actual house, but a gift shop or business, as there is a sign above the door, and it looks like a pay phone to the left of the door. I wouldn’t mind living in something that unique, with the exception of the lack of plants surrounding it, very bleak looking!