Elvira Paterson-Gavrilova is a businesswoman, investor, and futurist. At 36, she runs the international marketing agency Elledgy Media Group, manufactures and launches satellites through her own company Spacesat, and simultaneously builds underground cities. Her company, IHAVEN, is developing housing designed to offer protection in the event of war, climate disasters, or global disruptions. Elvira Paterson-Gavrilova spoke about a new kind of value in today’s real estate market.
— Elvira, where did the idea to take architecture underground come from?
— When I started IHAVEN, it felt like an experiment. But then — the pandemic, wars, droughts, chaos. People lose their homes due to natural disasters and conflict. That’s when you begin to appreciate stability and view architecture differently. Underground, you can control the climate, ensure silence, and create a self-sufficient environment. It’s not about trends or isolation. Underground real estate is a logical response to an unpredictable world.
— Bunkers tend to evoke war-related associations. How do you reframe that image?
— A modern underground home is not a concrete box — it’s an autonomous, well-designed complex. Architecture where comfort meets security. The spaces are planned for long-term independent living. We avoid plastic, synthetics, and toxic materials. We build using only natural components — wood, clay, and glass. Ventilation, water, energy — everything is duplicated. Each room has backup power and air filtration. It’s a home that works even if everything else shuts down. Construction takes place in closed locations with heightened security requirements.
— The company is called IHAVEN. What does that mean?
— IHAVEN is a personal affirmation of security: “I am the guarantee of my own future.” It’s about status, independence, and the ability to withstand any changes in the world while preserving comfort and dignity. The company itself operates in closed mode, with restricted access to information — all to ensure client safety.
— Who is your client? The wealthy? Corporate leaders?
— Those who can afford a private jet or a satellite. But tomorrow, it’ll be a broader audience. Underground property is forming its own segment in the market — just as smart homes did when they first emerged. People already understand: protection isn’t a luxury; it’s a basic need.
— How is underground real estate a good investment?
— It’s a rare product — demand is rising, and underground construction is challenging. Secondly, these homes are autonomous. They can function as luxury residences, data centers, storage facilities, or offices. Third, it’s an asset with a high reliability index. And above all, it’s future-proof housing, immune to external disruptions. We use renewable energy sources — solar panels, wind turbines, heat recovery systems, autonomous water purification. Everything is thoroughly designed.
— Any limitations? Downsides?
— The cost. Underground construction — especially high-quality and eco-friendly — is expensive. It requires serious financial investment and advanced engineering. Adapting to the lack of natural light can also be a challenge. But modern lighting technology and thoughtful design resolve that. It’s all offset by quality of life and a deep sense of security.
— Would you say IHAVEN’s underground complexes are a new trend in luxury real estate?
— No, it’s not a trend. It’s a response to global challenges. Businesspeople aren’t just growing their wealth — they want to survive and preserve it. And they want peace and quiet. The homes are designed as autonomous living ecosystems, with gyms, cinemas, and storage zones built in. A bunker is now a must-have. We’re building life ecosystems where technology serves both nature and humanity. A widespread power and communication outage that recently affected Portugal, Spain, and parts of France revealed just how fragile modern infrastructure can be. Autonomous housing — underground homes equipped with independent energy, water, and satellite communication — is no longer an exotic concept. It’s a rational solution for maintaining stability and control when traditional systems fail. Investing in autonomy means being prepared for a reality where breakdowns and crises are becoming the norm.
— Sounds philosophical. It's rare to see a business thinking on that level.
— To quote Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I can’t stop war. I can’t change politics. But I can do what’s within my power: build homes that don’t pollute the planet, that run on clean energy, and that protect their inhabitants. That’s my contribution to peace.
This article was written in collaboration with IHaven