Home first direct uncovered Heads Up! 10 unexpected forever homes from around the world Current Page

10 unexpected forever homes from around the world

Image: Andreas Meichsner

A lick of paint here and there in your favourite colour, a shelf filled with books from places you've travelled to, and perhaps the odd choice family heirloom dotted about; it's these things that turn the place we live in into somewhere we can call our own.

However, some people want a home that goes one step further; a home that is unique in both its concept and construction. We've taken a look at 10 of the most unexpected forever homes from around the world and the stories behind how they came to be.

  • 1. The Old Water Tower, Belgium

    Built during the Second World War, The Old Water Tower (known locally as Chateau d'eau) in Belgium was repurposed by architect Mauro Brigham and his team from Bham Design Studio

    Built during the Second World War, The Old Water Tower (known locally as Chateau d'eau) in Belgium was repurposed by architect Mauro Brigham and his team from Bham Design Studio

Image: Andreas Meichsner

Built during the Second World War, The Old Water Tower (known locally as Chateau d'eau) in Belgium was repurposed by architect Mauro Brigham and his team from Bham Design Studio.

Image: Andreas Meichsner

 

Today, there's nothing remotely old about this ultra-modern, five-storey luxury home, which includes the latest IT technology and an elevator.

Image: Marc Detiffe

 

The glorious rooftop terrace features outdoor showers and allows for stunning views of the picturesque village of Steenokkerzeel and the rolling green hills that surround it.

  • 2. Skateboard House, USA

    Taking the man-cave concept a few steps further is the Skateboard House in Malibu, USA. It's the first home ever to be built for the sole purpose of skateboarding, with skaters able to ride its curved walls in the kitchen, bedroom, dining and living areas.

    The project is the brainchild of former World Champion and Pro Skater, Pierre André Senizergues, who is also planning to incorporate skateable furniture into this unique, labour of love property.

    Taking the man-cave concept a few steps further is the Skateboard House in Malibu, USA. It's the first home ever to be built for the sole purpose of skateboarding, with skaters able to ride its curved walls in the kitchen, bedroom, dining and living areas.

    The project is the brainchild of former World Champion and Pro Skater, Pierre André Senizergues, who is also planning to incorporate skateable furniture into this unique, labour of love property.

  • 3. Slide House, Tokyo, Japan

    Keeping impatient children entertained around the house at all times can prove tricky, however the Slide House in Japan has got that problem licked.

    Constructed by Level Architects, this unique home was specially commissioned by a client who wanted to build a home that would provide a place for lifelong memories for his three children. And there we were, thinking how lucky we were to have Santa bring us that bike we asked for.

    Keeping impatient children entertained around the house at all times can prove tricky, however the Slide House in Japan has got that problem licked.

    Constructed by Level Architects, this unique home was specially commissioned by a client who wanted to build a home that would provide a place for lifelong memories for his three children. And there we were, thinking how lucky we were to have Santa bring us that bike we asked for.

  • 4. The Heliodome, Eastern France

Image: Frantisek Zvardon

 

This ingenious bioclimatic solar house located in the Alsacian countryside close to Strasbourg is effectively a giant three-dimensional sundial that's been set on a fixed angle in relation to the movement of the sun.

Image: Rémi Mathey

 

Its unique shape miraculously provides shade during summer and warmth during winter, making this home environmentally sound and an inspiration to those passionate about energy efficiency and a greener future.

  • 5. Egg House, Beijing, China

    Imagine the irony of being an architect that can't afford to live in the city you helped shape. Beijing-based Dai Haifei found himself in this unfortunate position, but, not one to sit back and complain, he took it upon himself to do something about it.

    He designed and built his tiny egg-shaped home from bamboo and insulated it with woodchip. The interior contains only a water tank, small bed and table and cost just £680 to produce. Although modest, Dai says the home saves him a fortune in rent and is the perfect place to sleep after his midnight finish in the architecture office.

    Imagine the irony of being an architect that can't afford to live in the city you helped shape. Beijing-based Dai Haifei found himself in this unfortunate position, but, not one to sit back and complain, he took it upon himself to do something about it.

    He designed and built his tiny egg-shaped home from bamboo and insulated it with woodchip. The interior contains only a water tank, small bed and table and cost just £680 to produce. Although modest, Dai says the home saves him a fortune in rent and is the perfect place to sleep after his midnight finish in the architecture office.

  • 6. The Haines Shoe House, USA

Image: Melanie Schmuck

 

Built way back in 1948, The Haines Shoe House in Pennsylvania was created by an eccentric millionaire shoemaker, who wanted a new advertising gimmick to promote his products. Fast-forward to now and the Shoe House is still going strong as an ice-cream parlour and a major attraction to local historians and tourists, who pay five dollars for a guided tour.

Image: Melanie Schmuck

 

As of February 2015, the Shoe House has been the home to Jeff and Melanie Schmuck, who say they love living there and welcoming visitors from all over the world.

  • 7. London's narrowest House, Denmark Hill, London

    They say you don't get much for your money when it comes to London property and that is most certainly the case when it comes to the city's skinniest home on Denmark Hill. The miniscule one-bedroom house was converted from the neighbour's side garden and measures just 99 inches wide. Despite its rather pokey looking exterior, it seems surprisingly spacious inside, where you'll find all the modern essentials.

    They say you don't get much for your money when it comes to London property and that is most certainly the case when it comes to the city's skinniest home on Denmark Hill. The miniscule one-bedroom house was converted from the neighbour's side garden and measures just 99 inches wide. Despite its rather pokey looking exterior, it seems surprisingly spacious inside, where you'll find all the modern essentials.

  • 8. The Dog House, Idaho

Image: Frances Conklin

 

Whilst few of us enjoy being in the dog house, in Idaho it's not such a bad thing. Built by a barking mad couple named Dennis and Frances, Dog Bark Park is the guesthouse with a knowing nod and a wagging tail.

Image: Frances Conklin

 

Boasting the world's two largest beagles, the dog-shaped homes may look a little strange, but are surprisingly cosy inside. Guests have nothing but kind words to say about the odd set-up, praising the scenic views and homemade granola as much as the accommodation itself.

  • 9. Bubble Palace, Cannes

    Built between 1975 and 1989 by the late Hungarian architect Antti Lovag, this unusual Cannes based property is owned by eccentric fashion designer Pierre Cardin.

    Spread over 1,200 square metres and overlooking the glistening Côte d'Azur, in the two decades Cardin has resided here, the outlandish property has hosted huge parties for A-List celebrities from the world of music, film, fashion and beyond.

    Built between 1975 and 1989 by the late Hungarian architect Antti Lovag, this unusual Cannes based property is owned by eccentric fashion designer Pierre Cardin.

    Spread over 1,200 square metres and overlooking the glistening Côte d'Azur, in the two decades Cardin has resided here, the outlandish property has hosted huge parties for A-List celebrities from the world of music, film, fashion and beyond.

  • 10. Nautilus, Giant Seashell House, Mexico City

Image: Francisco Lubbert

 

Tired of living in a conventional home and wanting to be closer to nature, a Mexican family enlisted the help of architect Javier Senosiain to create Nautilus House in 2006.

Image: Jaime Jacott

 

Taking inspiration from Gaudi and Frank Lloyd Wright, the seashell shaped home features spiral stairs, beautiful coloured glass, intricate tiling and all the mod-cons you'd expect in a contemporary home. Little Mermaid, eat your heart out.