Across the globe, extraordinary architecture thrives. In Tianjin, China, the “China House” dazzles with ancient porcelain fragments. Lebanon’s Miziara features an Airbus A380-shaped home, while Ivory Coast’s Abidjan boasts a crocodile-shaped house. Brazil’s Casa de Pedra mirrors Gaudi’s style, and South Korea’s Haewoojae, a toilet-shaped house, redefines creativity in design. These five unique homes highlight diverse human architectural innovation.
Airplane House
In the village of Miziara, Lebanon, a remarkable sight greeted onlookers on May 12, 2015—a residential home fashioned in the likeness of an Airbus A380 airplane. Miziara has gained renown for its distinctive approach to architecture, with residences mimicking ancient Greek temples, Egyptian ruins, and even this aviation-inspired creation. The house stands as a testament to the village’s penchant for unique and unconventional architectural designs, showcasing their creativity and pride in distinctive housing styles.
A Toilet-Shaped House
In Suwon, located approximately 46 kilometers (29 miles) south of Seoul, South Korean sanitation advocates unveiled a distinctive dwelling known as Haewoojae on November 9, 2007. This extraordinary house, which translates to “the house for satisfying one’s anxiety,” is shaped like a giant toilet. The occasion marked the inception of a global toilet association, showcasing the world’s first lavatory-themed residence.
Crocodile Shaped House
On September 11, 2008, Thierry Atta could be seen meticulously sweeping the grounds of his home in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. What makes this residence truly unique is its crocodile-shaped design. The house itself is a testament to the artistic vision of Moussa Kalo, who conceived and constructed it before his passing just two months earlier. Atta, who apprenticed under Kalo, continues to care for and maintain this distinctive structure, preserving the legacy of his late mentor’s extraordinary artistic expression.
China House
On January 5, 2008, a woman strolled past the remarkable “China House” in Tianjin. This architectural marvel is adorned with an astounding array of ancient porcelain fragments, comprising hundreds of millions of pieces, including ancient bowls, dishes, and vases. These porcelain elements are intricately inlaid throughout the structure, creating a stunning and unique mosaic that showcases China’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship. The “China House” stands as a captivating testament to the fusion of art and architecture in a mesmerizing display of historical artifacts.
Stone House
In the Paraisopolis slum of Sao Paulo, Brazilian gardener Estevao Silva da Conceicao crafted his extraordinary residence, which he lovingly named the Casa de Pedra, or House of Stone. On October 2, 2012, the world got a glimpse inside his unique abode. Remarkably, Silva da Conceicao constructed his home without any prior knowledge of the renowned Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, yet his style remarkably mirrors Gaudi’s, utilizing a diverse array of objects in a whimsical and artistic manner.