A beautiful ‘unusual’ house in Russia – Photo C0urtesy: Mark F. Levisay
If you are moving house, you may fancy moving into one that is unusual, and maybe even unique. If that is the case, it can be difficult to find properties that fit the bill; this is because most of the individual properties are already occupied by happy owners.
To see if you really are interested in an unusual home, I have suggested a few below that will test your resolve. Some may interest and beguile you, while others may make you run away in despair. Which house will have one of these effects on you?
1. The Upside down House
The Upside down House at Vancouver Harbor in Canada – Photo Courtesy: Wendy Seltzer
Life often seems to be turned upside down by events beyond our control, but if you lived in this house, life would forever be upside down! When Daniel Czapiewski designed this house, it was apparently a comment on the state of the world and society. Since the house has become open to the public the world has had the opportunity to comment back. Many visitors have taken the opportunity but have become overcome with a mild sickness; whether it is the state of the world making them sick or the house itself is still unclear.
2. The Thin House
This house was built in Madre de Deus in Brazil, and is the narrowest house ever constructed. The designer, Helenita Queiroz Grave Minho, has lived in the property with her husband since it was finished, and it seems certain that they must have a very close relationship. The downside of the building is that it is very difficult to buy furniture for, but it has a very healthy upside, namely it has encouraged the occupiers to keep to a healthy weight!
3. The Car House
‘Das Autowohnhaus’ – The car house was built in Salzburg/Gnigl, Austria – Photo Courtesy: Stadtbaumeister
This unusual house is home to Mark Voglreiter, an architect who built his home in Gnigl, Austria. Unique is certainly the word for this man’s home and it stands in complete contrast to the others that surround it. The Auto Residence, as it is formally known, is actually a practical home that has been designed to be very energy efficient. Whether the house runs on lead-free fuel is uncertain, but it undoubtedly has V-V-Vroom…
4. The Exbury Egg
Photo Courtesy: Nigel Rigden
Designed by Stephen Turner, this home is an experiment in minimalist living. Originally designed to be moved around, The Egg is now permanently moored, and is the full time residence of its artist designer. Containing only a shower, hammock, and basic cooker, this really is life at the most basic level. The fact that this home is located on water gives it an even great mystique, than if it was on positioned on land.
5. The Skateboard House
Photo Courtesy: Miss Peter Pan
This is certainly one for the sports purists. Designed for champion skater Pierre Andre Senizergue by Gil Lebon Delapointe, the house is a skate park and a home. The house is fully functional and the curves necessary for skateboard use actually make the house stunning and beautiful to look at.
These houses will not be to everybody’s taste, but they will appeal to at least one person. If that person happens to be the current occupier, then the design has been totally successful and can’t be faulted.
Jenny Wadlow works at Ultra, leading property consultants in Brisbane. An oenophile, Jenny likes to indulge in wine tasting events. Follow her on Twitter @ JennyWadlow.
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