Most people only ever dream of creating the house of their fantasy. Many of us would probably not be brave enough even if we had the budget and materials to do so. However, there are some folks who throw caution to the wind and design a home to be exactly as they want it, build it no matter what people say and live happily ever after in their weird but wonderful abodes. Here are 10 properties you’ll either love or hate:
#1 The Dune House, Florida
Believe it or not, this home was built in 1975 using swimming pool technology. A concrete shell fixed in place to a concrete floor with a real garden roof which helps to keep the interior a steady 70-degree temperature. Located in Atlantic Beach, Florida, it’s a two-bedroom property built into a sand dune. The large front windows look out over the ocean so it must feel a little like living in a shell.
Source: enpundit.com
#2 Upside Down House, Poland
Polish architect, Daniel Czapiewski built this wacky home to demonstrate the way he felt about the changes taking place in Polish society. It was also designed to be a statement about the state of the world. The home was built in an impressive 114 days but should have been finished sooner were it not for the builders having to take regular breaks due to dizziness!
#3 Earth Ship, New Mexico
Found in Columbus, New Mexico this small one-bedroom home is a remnant of the peace-loving hippie era. These Earth ship homes can be found in almost all states and included green living elements before we’d even heard of carbon footprints. The homes catch rain water and function off the grid, being constructed from recycled materials.
#4 Piano House, China
This inspired architecture is shaped like a giant piano and glass violin. What a fantastic statement pad for music lovers anywhere. Brilliantly, the impression of the top of the piano opening serves as a clever canopy for the property’s roof terrace.
Source: unusualplaces.org
#5 The Stone House, Portugal
How annoying must it be to build a home for the ultimate in privacy and seclusion, only to be become a major tourist attraction? That’s exactly what happened to home owner Vitor Rodrigues, who has had to seek another location to build again. The home that attracted so much attention was cleverly built in between four large boulders in a field. The two-storey home was built in 1974 but the family have since moved to find a quieter spot!
#6 The Skateboard House, Malibu
Whilst only at the project stage, surely this has got to be a world’s first. This home will be completely skateable – everywhere! A dream come true for any skaters and the brain child of a former World Champion. The ground, walls and ceiling all curve into one and even the furniture will be integrated into the curves so you never need to stop skateboarding!
Source: architectureartdesigns.com
#7 The Toilet House, South Korea
Inspired by the founding of the World Toilet Association? Well, Mayor Sim Jae-Duk was, so inspired in fact, that he designed a house shaped like a toilet! It’s an impressive feat and cost almost $1.1 million. There’s a rooftop terrace with amazing views and probably quite a few luxury toilets! You’ll even spot a golden ‘poop’ statue out front.
#8 The Airplane House, Oregon
What kind of home does any aviation enthusiast desire? A retired Boeing 727 to live in of course! Bruce Campbell turned his dream into a reality in 1999 when he bought the decommissioned plane for $100k. There was a further $220k of work needed to fit out the interior but Bruce is happy as he now has a very safe and highly fire-retardant property.
Source: inhabitat.com
#9 Star Trek Home, England
Any fans of sci-fi will truly appreciate this space age abode. The interior of this property in Leicestershire, England has been made to replicate the inside of the Star Trek Voyager. It has even been designed complete with LED lights and sound effects! It could be annoying to live with the guy though if you’re not a fan of spaceship décor.
Source: bbc.co.uk
#10 The Shoe House, Pennsylvania
Where else would a shoe salesman live? Mahlon Haines had this unique property constructed as a form of marketing back in 1948. It is sadly no longer a home but is open for public tours. It can be found on Shoe House Road next to a shoe-shaped doghouse of course! You’ll even find an ice cream shop in the sole!
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