The fruits of burrowing

Jon Lail of Lail Design is quoted in a San Francisco Chronicle article about people in California's Napa Valley expanding their homes with caves in the hillsides.

"If you live in a residence backed up into a hill or mountain, a cave makes all the sense in the world," said Jon Lail, of Lail Design Group, architects noted for building area wineries.

"They're perfect for wine, which needs cool storage, no light, and a certain amount of moisture in the air." And, Lail adds, cutting a cave in the earth is a one-time expense. Also, caves require minimum maintenance, power and cooling.