Here are two I like as examples:

Now, keep in mind that these are FAR from the oddest mailboxes Sam has up. You really have to visit this site – it’s amazing.

[Images via Sam's Mailbox Pictures]

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Unique & Kooky Mailboxes

[See much more of this inspired house via devicepedia]

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Pop Quiz Inspired House

Offbeat & outdoor showering fun!

I found these killer showers at Home Design Find. I think someone should build a tall offbeat home and put them in their bathroom.
Learn more about said showers.

I recently received an email from some nice person at HDF informing me of their blog. Being a sucker for homes (shocking) I headed over and saw these showers. I looked around some more, and although HDF is new, I’m going to recommend you check them out. They’ve got some cool offbeat stuff – some stuff we’ve seen here and some new. If HDF continues on with more of what they’ve already got going on, it should end up a pretty fun blog. I’ll be visiting again.

Visit HDF and let me know what you think.

[photos via HDF]

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Best Showers Ever!

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Got About 7 Minutes – See A Lovely Silo Home

Oshatz has designed many an amazing structure in my home state – Oregon and in other areas as well, as far reaching as Japan. His work is a mix of commercial, residential, religious, and more. What I love is how his work is entirely unique yet somehow manages to fit into the landscape so well – which is crucial I think if we want to preserve the natural environment. We really need to see more often that landscape and structure can ease together.

His design philosophy is really bold. Here’s a clip:

“Except for the basic elements of design composition, dominance, transition, and identity; I stay away from design theories. They seem to be too transitory and irrelevant to my work. Design theories tend to outshine their author’s performance, becoming limiting concepts, prejudicing the mind while tying one’s hands behind one’s back. They are roadblocks to new ideas. While subscribing to a particular theory of design an architect must solve problems within the parameters of that theory; this is limiting at best…

The requirements of architecture are such that I must go beyond what the client understands. There must be surprise, mystery, beauty and delight, elements that make architecture rewarding to its users for a lifetime. This is one of the primary differences between architecture and building. It is the architect’s responsibility to go beyond the mere program and into the realm of what I call the spiritual.”

You should really read Oshatz’s entire design approach though, not simply the clip above. It’s great, very interesting when combined with his work.

I ran into some issues deciding which homes to show. I’ll show two houses today, but narrowing it down to two was very difficult. I love many of his residential works a lot. Being a fan of Oregon in general, I did decide to go with two Oregon homes, which narrowed it down a little.

First up the Wilkinson Residence. This is not a house easily captured in photos. However, it’s lovely and offbeat all the same. Located in Portland the home’s lot is a fast sloping grade which according to Oshatz’s site, “Provided the opportunity to bring the main level of the house into the tree canopy to evoke the feeling of being in a tree house.” The client wanted a home that flowed with the natural environment, and I’m thinking that said client got their wish. Take a look:

It sort of makes you gasp, no? I almost can’t stop looking at it. This next photo is my favorite picture of the home. It’s the entryway, but it resembles a kaleidescope somewhat – like the flow keeps going when you look right at the circles. Very slick.

Make the jump to see a few more photos.

Look at this door.

It does really seem like a treehouse from the inside. Out the windows all you see is green. I bet it’s amazing in the autumn though as well.

Cool interior view.

Now, there are many more photos of this home at Oshatz’s site, including, some really neat exterior curves and windows. Later today, we’ll see one more home by this amazing architect.

[All photos courtesy of Robert Harvey Oshatz]

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Outstanding Offbeat Organic Beauty – the Work of Robert Harvey Oshatz

I don’t know why, but lately I’ve been stretching out from my usual feast of architect and green blogs, and while I was doing so, one blog I found happened to be Electro^Plankton. It was a good find though, because look at this stellar house they have posted:

It’s not so much a house as it is a chapel, but it’s weirding me out. Mainly because they note that it’s, “Off highway 1 in California” yet I never saw it. Was I in a complete fog in California or what? Maybe. See another picture of this hat-like abode.

They also have this item below, which I don’t like at all – but it is Offbeat material. I thought it might be fun to guess at this one. First take a look:

Can you tell what this item is? Before you look. I knew what it was, but for a few minor seconds, I had this feeling it was something else – what does it look like to you? Don’t cheat.

In any case, you can visit Electro^Plankton to see more of the strange and slick items they feature: I suggest you start with the following posts – perfect Offbeat Homes what not…

• If The Doorknob’s A-missin’, Don’t Come A-knockin’
• Artlebedev Defendius Door Chain – this post is too cool – go see.
• The Cell Toilet
• OMG Billboard Homes!

[All pics, links, etc, above via Electro^Plankton - the hopeless love is all me though]

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Currently Hopelessly In Love With…. Electro^Plankton

Read more about the home itself, and see more pictures, at Metro or the Daily Mail, or learn more about the final sale and watch a video at the BBC News.

Personally, I think it might be chilly. Although, it is slightly charming, in a very old world sort of way.

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Life Inside A Rock

Look at this, it’s unbelievable.

See all the red arrows – those are flippin’ bathrooms. There’s only four bedrooms! What could you possibly need with nine-and-a-half bathrooms – one of which has it’s own terrace?

Swamplot asks this of the perfect potential owner:

“Do you experience the urge to urinate frequently? Do you suffer from recurring bladder infections?enlarged prostate? And one more question: Do you have $8.5 million burning a hole in your (probably moist) pocket? Well then, you’re certainly going to pee in your pants when you see the exciting floor plans for the two “Gramercy Tower Suite” penthouses on the top floors of Houston’s 34-story Turnberry Tower!”

I highly suggest you read the rest of this post at Swamplot – too funny.

If bathrooms aren’t your thing check out Swamplot’s killer 80s house post: One home, one heavy splash of 80s decor (interior and exterior), and 10 years sitting on the market makes this home a winner – if you’re looking. Seriously, the 80s post was hilarious enough to convince me to add them to my blogroll here. So, go visit.

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When you gotta go… you move into this house

Plus he’s already completed and designed some stellar work. Some of it nicely offbeat – but still livable. If you recall, this is my favorite sort of offbeat structure, “Zany and livable.”

Thewes sent me some info on a structure he built, the Elkins Addition. This addition is a bathroom and studio built onto the back of an already existing home in Nashville. It’s a super slick studio, I think. It’s got a very zig-zag sort of charm, as you can see…

Nice, right? I really like the contrasting color shades. At first it seemed a little off – but, the more I look at it, the more I like it. It works.

Everywhere you look a new line…

I saved the best for last. It’s killer at night.

How cool is this addition in the night? Well, maybe not cool if you’re the next door neighbors. But neighbors aside it’s great. Plus, you know, the light almost seems contained by the building. It doesn’t look like it spreads far – which I know makes no sense. I only slept three hours last night, that’s the best sense I can make.

Why not visit Ryan Thewes’ site; he’s got some nicely unique designs to ponder. I especially recommend the Octagon House, not offbeat but very well-done minimalist style, or the Bow House, which I’m thinking kids would love to play under.

[Much thanks to Ryan Thewes for the photos]

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Elkins Addition from Ryan Thewes

Crazy Barcelona door:

Luna: Light + Air Door from seven02design. This innovative door, works as a vent, while still ensuring security and privacy. The series of holes in the door can be opened and closed easily with a knob, of course, adjusting sound, light, and air between rooms. Thanks to Gizmodo (UK) for the heads up.

Yikes. Welcoming gate, huh. Perfect for homes with small children.

Round tiny door: 16cm x 15 cm.

So, of course you won’t be fitting through a door that’s only 16cm x 15 cm but I had to mention these fairy doors, because as it turns out, fairy doors are popular. Who knew? They’re also fairly odd. Here’s another set below; only this time, the fairy door is right next to the main entrance. Good for when busy fairy and people days end at the same time.

Curvy mod doors via 2modern.

Art deco door – install at your own risk… of embarrassment.

So, which door are you thinking of? Be aware, if you say the flamingo door, I will have to pretend I don’t know you.

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Offbeat and Unique Doorways