The 3-Vaulted house prototype has been in development since the mid-1980's by Nader Khalili to allow the maximum space, light, and interior ventilation, while using the traditional form of the vault. The spaciousness of the interior design derives from this pattern of 3 offset vaults which allow a maximum view through the house's open plan area, and from the height of the vault. The 3-vault system can be combined with domes and apses, or repeated back to back to form a variety of aesthetic and efficiently planned house designs.
A prototype 3-Vaulted house has been tested and approved for California's severe earthquake codes and natural elements, in the harsh climate of the Mojave desert (over 100 degree F summer temperatures, freezing winters, flash floods, high speed wind, and the highest US earthquake zone 4).
The universality of the material and design has caused these houses to be considered for the moon and Mars by NASA scientists interested in in-situ utilization of planetary resources.

"Earth One", the prototype 3 bedroom Superadobe house is now under construction at Cal-Earth.

Some features of the Earth One house and 3-vaulted designs are:
View through depth of two vaults increases a sense of interior space.
The offest vaults eliminate the need for corridors.
Simple design based on repetition of the single vault design unit simplifies construction.
More vaults can be added at a later time.
Variety can be introduced through the placement of windows and other small elements such as niches.
Arches and vaults are inherently beautiful, especially if repeated in a series.
A two storey wind-scoop faces prevailing summer breezes for cooling.
The vaulted curve of the roof, combined with the sun's path overhead, creates sun and shade zones which encourage circular air movement inside the house.
Play of light and shadow minimizes the need for decoration.
The combination fireplace and wind-scoop enhances both heating and cooling functions (also called energy tower).