Weird Houses
Background: Construction of this house dates back to 1592, but it didnt acquire its trademark slant until 1718, when the structure was rebuilt using unseasoned green oak. Why Its Unique: Sure its slanted, but what really makes the house stand out is that its basement had a secret passage to Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the UKs royal family. According to the houses website, the passage was allegedly used for trysts between King Charles and a mistress, as well as for running supplies to the castles kitchen. The passageway has since been sealed off. Through the centuries, the crooked house has been the home to various businesses, including a brewery and jewelry shop. It is now a restaurant.
Background: Amory Lovins, co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute and Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award winner, is no stranger to eco-friendly initiatives, and this combined home and workspace is a testament to his ingenuity. Why Its Unique: The residential section of the building costs a measly $5 per month to power, thanks to the structures passive solar design, 16-inch-thick walls and krypton-filled windows. As PM previously reported, Lovin doesnt rely on a boiler or furnace to heat the space; instead two wood-burning stoves take care of the job. But most impressive, perhaps, is the greenhouse, which has churned out nearly 30 crops of bananas, as well as guavas, pineapples and other tropical fruit rarely associated with the Rocky Mountains.
Background: This relic of architectural days past dates back to 1746, when Maharana Jagat Singh II commissioned it. Nowadays, it is a high-end hotel, outfitted with modern amenities and luxury suites. Why Its Unique: The ornate palace sits on a 4-acre slab of land in the middle of Lake Pichola. Its exterior is made from white marble, which Koliopoulos says isnt exactly compatible with the natural surroundings. You always want to develop design concepts that leverage, reinforce and highlight the natural features of the area. The scale and form of this building, though, are pretty obtuse, Koliopoulos says. Incorporating the marble just extends the oddity of the design approach.
Background: Anderson Architecture completed this home in 2006 atop a hill overlooking a cherry orchard and Lake Michigan The striking structure took less than eight weeks to build thanks to the use of prefabricated materials. Why Its Unique: The steel frame of this house is wrapped in corrugated, translucent acrylic slats, allowing it to take on and reflect the changing colors of the landscape, like a chameleon blending into its habitat. Because it sits on a steep hill, the entrance of the home leads to the third floor, letting residents descend to the bedrooms or walk up to the living area.
Background: This hanging room is the brainchild of Tom and Rosy Chudleigh, a Canadian couple that builds these spherical living spaces for customers around the world. Why Its Unique: The Chudleighs have two spheres hanging in their property; the Eve model, which has a diameter of 9 feet, and the Eryn model, which has a diameter of 10.5 feet. As PM previously reported, the spheres can be ordered fully loaded, equipped with plumbing, electricity and insulation. An average sphere weighs around 1100 pounds, and it takes a crew of three about a day to install. The Chudleighs say on their website that the structures gently rock in the wind, a nice thought depending on just how windy it is.
Background: This house, located within a national park on the southwest coast of Wales, is sunk into the ground so the landscape remains nearly uninterrupted by its presence. It was completed in 1994 by design firm Future Systems. Why Its Unique: With turf-covered roofing and siding, the 222 House fits seamlessly into the surrounding field. This is exemplary sustainable design, where you are integrating the home into the site and minimizing the visual impact, Koliopoulos tells PM. The bathroom and kitchen are prefabricated pods that were lifted into the site during construction. An added benefit of the design concept is the geothermal insulation that shields the home from wind and cutting energy consumption.
Background: Work on this home began in 1884 and lasted through 1922, when owner and designer Sarah Winchester, heiress of the Winchester rifle company, died. At one point in time, the property sprawled over 161 acres, but has since been reduced to just four acres. Why Its Unique: As PM previously reported, Sarah Winchester was never a huge fan of blueprints. Instead, she preferred an on-the-fly design strategy, sketching rooms and architectural oddities whenever inspiration struck. Notable features include 40 bedrooms, three elevators, 47 fireplaces, 17 chimneys, and 467 doorways. The house originally had seven levels, but an earthquake in 1906 collapsed three of them. Tourists now flock to the house to see its many quirks, including a staircase that leads straight to the ceiling.
