- [Glen] These days, leaving civilization behind
to reconnect with nature doesn't mean
you have to sacrifice the modern luxuries of technology.
I'm Glen and today we're bringing you
15 of our favorite unusual home and architectural wonders.
(upbeat music)
- [Announcer] Number 15.
- [Glen] This innovative housing project
sees new homes built inside existing structures
which have fallen into disrepair.
As the government is not allowed
to knock down these older, traditional homes,
a local architectural firm thought outside the box.
Or inside the box depending on how you look at it
to attract homeowners back to the area.
The resulting structures feature not only
high quality sleek design, but also an affordable building
that consumes 75% less energy when compared
with its neighbors, demonstrating a thoughtful approach
to combining a modern lifestyle
with historic preservation.
- [Announcer] Number 14.
- [Glen] You could interpret Casa G
as a love story to Iceland.
Each corner of the house reflects
the volcanic landscape upon which it sits.
The east section has one sole rectangular window
which looks out toward the glacier
so when seen from the interior,
it doesn't appear to be a window.
But instead, a painting.
The interior is designed using glass, stone
and wood to continue this ode to nature
but in a way that projects a warm and cozy feel.
There is minimal artwork on the wall
but who would need it anyway
considering the breathtaking views
of the surrounding landscape.
- [Announcer] Number 13.
- [Glen] Hidden amongst the woods
in Canada's Eastern Township,
you'll find the Crowhill Cabin.
This minimalistic cabin is located
right on the edge of a mountain
so as to maximize the panoramic views
of the landscape below.
Although the building stands out from the forest,
there are still subtle references to its surroundings
such as the sloping roof, which makes it
a part of the mountain.
The burnt wood facade or the pre woven hemlock planks
in its interior.
- [Announcer] Number 12.
- [Glen] This relocatable trailer demonstrates
how to design using an architecture of frugality
as opposed to an architecture of minimalism.
Because in this case, the designers
just took what they had available.
As a result of using elements such as construction waste
and locally grown, unseasoned timber,
the project was not only environmentally friendly,
but also only cost around $28,000 dollars.
The structure was also designed to be easy
to transport as it has a removable trailer
that slides out from underneath the structure
when not in transport.
So it's perfect for those with a little wanderlust.
- [Announcer] Number 11.
- [Glen] The Lost Whiskey Concrete Cabin
offers an industrial hideaway
for those looking to rejuvenate their spirits.
The cabin is part of the Lost Whiskey club
so naturally, it features a mobile whiskey bar.
The minimalist interior has a Murphy bed
that transforms into a table,
yet it's wood burning fireplace means
it still feels decidedly country.
The best part, that would have to be the outside deck
featuring a wood fired hot tub
and a hammock that hangs out over the cliff
and trees below.
I'm Allie, and it's Mind's Eye Trivia time.
By looking at just these images, do you know what this is and where it's from?
Leave the correct answer or your best guess in the comment section below.
- [Announcer] Number 10.
- [Glen] The Rimrock House is named
after the unique topography of the bluff
The home almost appears to be floating above the volcanic landscape as a large
portion is built over two sides of a natural wash, allowing the space below
for any animals to pass through.
While the first floor opens
up to the natural landscape with floor to ceiling
windows providing spectacular
views on both sides of the structure,
the second floor feels more intimate
and offers a sense of privacy.
- [Announcer] Number Nine.
- [Glen] The Shangri-la cabin is the first
of a series of homes to be designed
for a secluded patch of Chilean forest.
It's slanted roof reaches up to the sky
and allows the structure to have a cozy
second floor loft with a wood burning stove.
The wooden interior provides a welcome relief
to visitors looking to shelter from the unforgiving climate.
The entire structure sits upon concrete stilts
minimizing the impact on the ground
and reaching simplicity with a respect for nature.
- [Announcer] Number Eight.
- [Glen] The Clear Rock Ranch juts out on stilts
over a West Texas cliff face.
It blends surprisingly well into the surrounding landscape
with it's weathered steel exterior chosen specifically
by the owner as an homage to his early days
welding oil tanks.
It's unique position means visitors must walk
first across the roof, across the terrace
and then down the stairs to finally reach
the front door.
This allows both the rooftop terrace
and the interior floor to ceiling windows
to have a completely unobstructed view.
It also provides the home with the ability
to act as either a hunting blind
or an observation deck.
- [Announcer] Number Seven.
- [Glen] Combining the design of Felipe Stark
and the high tech expertise of Rico,
these pre-fabricated homes blend
a modern aesthetic with energy efficient technology
allowing them to be mostly or completely off-grid.
The surprisingly affordable homes
are customizable and only take around six months
to create and then three months to construct on site.
The beautiful wooden ceilings connect each room
inside the structure while most of the technological
features are hidden away neatly on the roof
with the only visible trace coming from the plants
cascading down the facade.
- [Announcer] Number Six.
- [Glen] The Gold Container House
breaks down preconceptions about what
a container home can be.
At first, a metal home in the deserts of Arizona
sounds like the worst imaginable idea.
But the home uses aluminum foil to simply reflect
that heat and prevent it from entering the structure.
Although the exterior mostly keeps the shipping container
aesthetic, the interior is extremely modern
and features the latest technological advances
for lightning fast connectivity.
A key benefit of the container home
is the incredibly spacious interior.
Even offering a four car garage on the main level.
- [Announcer] Number Five.
- [Glen] Dutch architecture Studio Ark Shelter
has a series of pre-fabricated mobile
and zero impact homes.
The minimalist design promises to change
the way you live life to bring you closer to nature.
This 40 square meter shelter uses space intelligently
allowing homeowners to slide doors
to separate between the five different sections of the home
and providing sides that are able to fold open
to truly use nature as an extension of the home.
The shelter might be minimalist,
but that does not mean it is without luxury
as it has hidden details, such as a hot tub
incorporated under the pulley bed.
- [Announcer] Number Four.
- [Glen] This luxury cottage in Sweden
has been built on stilts and juts out
over a small cliff, having an open planned kitchen
that leads into the living room
and then onto the spacious outdoor terrace.
It makes it perfect for entertaining
while the wraparound deck could be
a perfect place for a romantic dinner for two.
The cottage comes with its own private stretch
of beach and a sauna, offering stunning views
out over the water.
- [Announcer] Number Three.
- [Glen] The Pan Tree Top cabins
were inspired by the Norwegian snow forest
in which they stand.
The reason the architects designed
the structures high up in the trees
was to allow the cabins to blend
into the environment without disturbing
the natural landscape.
If you're worried about being so elevated,
you needn't be, as the cabins have been built
to withstand the force of more than two hurricanes.
Each cabin was strategically placed
to maximize the entrance of natural light
and allow for ambience and warmth
in the winter months.
The large triangular glass facades allow
for close up but unobtrusive views
of the nature below.
- [Announcer] Number Two.
Glen - The Mars House
developed as a collaboration between open architecture
and the electronics company Xiaomi
aims to explore the nature
of our essential needs
and simple living. The tiny 26 square foot module
creates a place of self circulating energy
and zero waste.
All the living spaces are inflatable
and those can be easily
folded and transported.
The space is not only
practical but also high tech, i
ntegrating Xiaomi's product
lines so that the home
can be connected wirelessly and controlled
using your smartphone.
The project aims to question our living habits
and offer insight into how future
urban environments can be.
- [Announcer] Number One. -
[Glen] The Sky Sphere is a DIY project
taken to another level, or another planet entirely.
This futuristic man cave shows what hard work can get you.
A 33 foot tall solar powered structured offering 360 degree
views of the countryside.
Williams did most of the
construction himself,
picking up skills like
welding in the process.
But all this work meant
the project only cost him
around $50,000 dollars
and 3,000 man hours.
With a fingerprint scan
to enter the building,
abundant voice controlled features
is something most can only dream about.
upbeat music)