For most of us, we’ve only known traditional houses comprised of stucco and brick, of basic doors and windows. But could you imagine living in a house entirely made of glass? Or a house shaped like a toilet bowl? I know, it seems like something out of a sci-fi movie. But these cool and unusual houses around the world actually exist. They make it as much a place to live as it is a work of art.
The Glass House in Tokyo
Designed by Sou Fukimoto Architects, also known as House NA, this residence exudes a cool, futuristic vibe. The interior boasts absolutely no walls, every inch of the house on display for the world. This leaves very little to the imagination–literally. So if you’re the type of person that enjoys some degree of privacy, maybe this isn’t the house for you. But the house also boasts a plethora of awesome aspects. They might change your mind. The architecture is supposed to represent the whimsicality of the tree you used to climb as a child. The segmented structure breaks into three floors that can be enjoyed with friends, just like being perched upon a tree branch. This is truly one of the most unusual houses around the world you might ever see.
The Keret House
Welcome to the world’s skinniest house. Located in Warsaw, Poland, the architecture of this house was first seen as impossible. After all, how feasible was it to build a house with its widest point being only 122 centimeters (4.002 feet)? However, Jakub Szczesny’s vision came to life three years later. On top of an aesthetically pleasing design, though perhaps a little triggering for the claustrophobics, this house has a historical message, was built between two historical periods. The narrow infill represents the past and present of Warsaw. The Keret House serves as the prime resting location for traveling writers! Indeed, it ranks among the most unusual houses around the world.
FallingWater
Sectioned away in your own slice of reality, in the midst of southwestern Pennsylvania’s secluded forests, resides this ethereal house. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this residence was completed in 1937 and remains suspended over a 30-foot waterfall. Maintaining the theme of flora and fauna, the interior also mimics the nature in which surrounds it. Each bedroom has its own terrace that welcomes in gorgeous views of Mother Earth. Additionally, there’s even a glass hatch on the ground floor that reveals stairs leading down to the stream below. Such craftsmanship makes it another candidate for the category of unusual houses around the world.
Haewoojae (Mr. Toilet House)
Literally shaped like a toilet, this eccentric home was assembled by the mayor of Suwon City, Mr. Sim Jaeduck (aka Mr. Toilet). This vision started as a political movement, an outcry against the revolting conditions of public toilets in Suwon. Thus, it incited the infamous Toilet Culture Movement of the 1990s. Perhaps the most interesting feature of this house, outside of the shape itself, is the park outside. Pose with any of the scatological sculptures and different styles of toilets. These include squat toilets traditionally used in Korea, European chamber pots, and historical urinals shaped like four-legged creatures with a round hole in place of the face. This house, now turned into a theme park, is open from 10 AM to 6 PM everyday and admission is free. As you can tell, unusual houses around the world can also carry meaningful messages.
The Heliodome
The Heliodome is a bioclimatic solar home near Strasbourg, Eastern France. Amazingly enough, this house keeps the temperature cool during the summer months. It warms the living space in the winter, fall and spring by having the sunlight enter through its large windows. The sun’s position is lower in the sky during these seasons. Another example of unusual houses around the world making the most of their environment.