8 of the World’s Strangest Houses

As more and more people rebel against ticky-tacky, cookie-cutter homes, options are growing for more unique, satisfying dwellings. Popular Mechanics‘ Chris Sweeney has just put together a great list of 18 of the world’s strangest homes. And though there are arguably some even stranger ones out there (the toilet-shaped home, for one, or the coral castle), one of the things we like about Popular Mechanics’ list is a strong focus on sustainability.

Not long ago we came up with a list of 11 homes made out of the darndest things, from an “upcycled” airplane, to refurbished missile silos, converted churches and even a Buddhist temple made out of beer bottles. The Popular Mechanics collection takes a different approach, focusing on designs that think outside of the box, and approach sustainability from a holistic perspective. Some include recycled materials, but recycling itself isn’t usually the central theme.

It should be noted that one doesn’t have to build out of discarded tires, bottles or vehicles in order to “go green.” One need not live in a cave house or a yurt, either. In fact, there are many ways that we can all go green in our homes, no matter what they look like or where they are located. Switching to more efficient light bulbs and appliances, trying out energy monitoring devices and boosting insulation are a few examples.

Developers are also increasingly looking at whole green communities, from the experimental (Arcosanti) to the more practical (Harmony, Florida).

Some of the greenest of Popular Mechanics’ strange houses:

1. Free Spirit Spheres. Looking like something from Star Wars, suspended tree houses known as Free Spirit Spheres excite the imagination. Made by Tom and Rosy Chudleigh from British Columbia, the “treehouses for adults” are handmade from local wood. The spheres are recommended for meditation, photography, canopy research, leisure, wildlife watching and other activities, and they can be ordered fully loaded with plumbing, electricity and insulation. Some are available for rental, and DIY kits are offered. They reportedly sway in the wind.

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