Certain designers across the world have well and truly defied the norms of architectural design by creating homes that are nothing like you’ve ever seen before. Take a look into some of the most inspiring and cutting edge home ideas, from a toilet-shaped home in Korea, to Game of Thrones-inspired houses built into the Saharan rock.
1. Hằng Nga ‘crazy house’, Dalat, Vietnam
Vietnamese female architect Dang Viet Nga decided to design a house to resemble a tree, and incorporate many different natural elements to create a luscious utopia of mushrooms, spider webs and caverns. The influence from Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi is certainly evident in this cool house.
2. Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco
You very well might recognise this casbah as the film location for the popular series Game of Thrones, or indeed, Gladiator. These awesome houses form part of a fortified village along the former caravan route between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech, and are made of a beautiful terracotta earthen clay.
3. Paro Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan
Wrapped into the rock of the Himalayan Mountains in Bhutan is this Buddhist monastery located in a ‘helter-skelter’ style cliffside. There are many Tibetian legends surrounding the monastery, and it is a site of meditation.
4. Seashell house, Islas Mujeres, Mexico
Could you ever imagine staying inside a shell? It is totally possible with this example of unusual houses in the world, which also serves as a famous piece of architecture based upon a two large adjoined seashells.
5. Drina river house, Bajina Basta, Serbia
Built in 1968, its original purpose was a form of shelter for some swimmers. Balancing carefully atop a rock, it perches in a tranquil location and guarantees total seclusion.
6. Toilet shaped house, Haewoojae, South Korea
Ever dreamed of staying in a toilet? No, neither… Regardless, this is an example of zany architecture found in Suwon outside of Seoul in South Korea. It was built to celebrate the establishment of the World Toilet Association, and literally translates to ‘a house to relieve one’s concerns’, which is a phrase used for the bathroom in temples. Excellent.
7. Earthquake-proof house, Sumberharjo, Indonesia
These structurally sound homes were engineered to rehouse residents left without a home following Indonesia earthquakes, and are known as dome houses. These earthquake proof houses are found in Yogyakarta.
8. Meteora, Greece
This zen mountain monastery couldn’t be located in a more serene and extraordinary landscape. Built in conjunction with nature, they are built on immense natural pillars of over 600m in height.
9. Ellidaey Island, Iceland
Perhaps the most secluded home on the planet. Contrary to popular belief, this is not the home of Icelandic singer, Björk. It is however an incredible archipelago that demonstrates how humans have designed to collaborate with nature.
10. Casa de Penedo, Portugal
Built from four large boulders, this home teeters on the edge of a hill between Fafe and Celorico de Basto in Northern Portugal. Unfortunately it is no longer available as a holiday rental, but is alternatively a small museum of relics.
Are you impressed by any of the architecture of these awesome houses? Which ones would you like to live in?
