Ten of the Most Unusual Houses in the World

One of the most memorable moments in all of our lives is moving into our own home. And while some people are restrained in their choice by finance, location or availability, others can let their imaginations run wild.

Here are the homes that made our top ten list of the world’s most unusual homes.

1. Skateboard House, USA

   This house was designed for skateboarding enthusiasts and allowed the house to be ridden inside and out. The perfect home for the skater who wants to ‘hang ten’ while hanging out with friends at home. 

2. Dick Clarke’s Flintstone’s Home, USA

   Built for television legend, Dick Clarke, this single storey home was designed under the influence of the cartoon series, “The Flintstones”. A panoramic view of the ocean is enjoyed from the cave-like interior with each room seeming to be carved from a rock face. 

3. World’s Smallest House, Germany

   At just one metre squared this portable house on wheels is travelling all over Germany bringing a new appreciation for our living spaces to everyone. During the day the house stands upright while at night it flips onto its side allowing the backrest of the chair to serve as a mattress. 

4. Old Water Tower, Belgium

   This old water tower, once used as a hideout from Nazis during the war has been transformed into a modern home with all the conveniences of modern living. A spiral staircase gives access to the upper levels and every room enjoys uninterrupted views across the countryside. 

5. The Transparent House, Japan.

   Inspired by our tree inhabiting ancestors this house has walls of glass and is open internally allowing for maximum sunlight but no privacy. The use of glass allows passers-by a clear view of the inhabitants and provides a clear line of sight for residents to the outside world. 

6. World’s Narrowest House, Poland

   On a lot measuring just 92cms at its narrowest and 152cms at its widest the Keret House in Warsaw offers the smallest living space available. Built as an art installation to disprove the idea that a person could not live in such a small space the house bridges the gap between two buildings and is accessed from a staircase below. 

7. Slide House, Japan

   This home is designed with a regular stair case on one side of the space with a slide on the other, allowing you to choose whether to walk down the stairs or just slide from the second to the first floor. Integral hatches allow sliders to enter rooms just as easily as through a standard door. 

8. Stone House, Portugal

   Built into a massive stone this unusual home has all the requirements of a standard home. A door, windows and roof were added to this hollowed out boulder to make a comfortable residence. 

9. Church Converted into a Family Home, Holland

   A modern family home was created from an old church building in Holland. The design of the exterior maintains the building’s original purpose while the interior has been modified to fit every need of the modern family. 

10. Giant Seashell House, Mexico

    Heavily influenced by the work of Gaudi this magical wonderland home was built for a family with two children. The interior follows the natural flow of a seashell, yet meets every need and demand for comfortable family life.