A Home That Disappears and Other Unusual Homes

Photo Gallery, which follows, is a regular feature of NAHB HouseKeys, the consumer-oriented e-newsletter from NAHB. Photo Gallery showcases a portfolio of homes, with each feature focusing on a different theme. For this issue, which was originally published in NAHB HouseKeys on Dec. 12, Photo Gallery showcased unique and unsual homes. 

Originally built in 1957 as part of Disneyland's EPCOT center, the Monsanto House of the Future was built to depict the increasing relevance of structured-for-change environments in design and construction.

Crown Point Development's Harbour Homes in Laguna Harbor outside Galveston, Texas feature New Orleans-style courtyards in a unique boating community.

Michael Jantzen proposed this video beach house to be built along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, Calif. in 1997. Homes along specific stretches of the scenic roadway are so close together that they block travelers' views of the ocean. This home was designed to remedy the situation. The home, which would have been built between two homes, was to have had a front facade made of television screens to display real-time or pre-recorded images and sounds of the ocean — making the entire house disappear — from the vantage point of passersby, of course.

Built by Cundy, Santine & Associates Architects, LLC near Amery, Wis. on Lake Wappogasset in 2006, this 28-foot by 38-foot "barn" features a guest apartment and recreation area in the upper level, while the lower level houses a large finished garage and workshop. The staircase to the upper level is enclosed in a 10-foot diameter "silo." (right)

Located in Austria, dasparkhotel is a hotel made of...sewer pipes. Guests are provided foam mattress double beds, cotton sleeping bags, a wool blanket, lighting, storage and 220V power. A hole in the top gives guests a lovely view of the night sky. (No jokes about needed fresh air, too, please.)

Located in Olalla, Wash., this Hansel and Gretel cottage has a stone bridge, a custom treehouse and five stone fireplaces.

The next Photo Gallery will showcase green homes. To submit homes for consideration, e-mail Niki Clark at NAHB. Put "Photo Gallery: Green Homes" in the subject line of the e-mail.

For more information about NAHB HouseKeys, or to subscribe, visit www.nahb.org/HouseKeys.

Attend the NAHB/BALA Design Institute for Builders

Mark your calendars and get the latest information on design for builders at the 2007 NAHB/BALA Design Institute for Builders, May 25-27 in Bellevue , Wash. 

For information, or to register, visit www.nahb.org/DesignInstitute.

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