Here’s a cool computer house. I really liked this house when I first saw it; still do. You have to really look, but it’s just so darn creative.

And for some more tech inspired structures see, How to Use Spam to Build an Offbeat House, which is one of my favorite posts ever here at Offbeat.

See you tomorrow – hope your week got off to a great start.

Post from: Blisstree

Classic Offbeat Homes – Computer Worthy Homes

The Fennell Residence is a floating house in Portland, Oregon, that was designed beautifully to match the floating aspect. Curved glue lam beams, huge glass facade and curved lines are perfectly suited to life on the water. When I first saw this, I had no idea it was even a floating home it was a neat surprise. What I did notice were the tear drop like sides and just fell in awe with this house.

How great is this house? Seriously. Look at the nighttime view…

Sigh. To see more make the jump.

Great light.

I love this photo of the house. I don’t know why, it’s like silk, how it flows. I love it, even the red doesn’t ruin it, and red anything usually ruins visuals for me.

To see more of this lovely floating home visit here. To see many more amazing structures visit the entire website of Robert Harvey Oshatz – it’s one of those don’t miss events. There’s even a movie – oh yes, there is.

[All photos courtesy of Robert Harvey Oshatz]

Post from: Blisstree

Robert Harvey Oshatz – The Fennell Residence

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]

Post from: Blisstree

Outstanding Offbeat Organic Beauty – the Work of Robert Harvey Oshatz

There’s almost nothing you can say other than this is one astounding piece of property. It’s not even one offbeat house — there’s a studio that I adore, chapel, garden sculptures, huts, and all kinds of extra structures on the property. Luna Parc sits on 5 acres in the northwestern woods of New Jersey. Luna Parc has been constantly in motion since 1989; always evolving at the hands of artist / designer Ricky Boscarino.

The main house is in the middle of some major changes right now with the still-in-progress addition of a museum / ballroom.

The upper level you see behind the main home is the current add on.

Before the addition started:

See more and learn how something you contribute can be a part of Luna Parc.

An entry gate to what appears to be the garden.

Below you can see the house of blue bottles on the property. I love structures like this but don’t think I’ve ever seen one done all in blue. If you want you can visit the Luna Parc site and find out how to send a bottle (or more) in that can be used in the on-going building process.

Now besides working on this offbeat extreme home Boscarino also finds time to create art such as pottery, jewelry, and more. I adore these miniature chairs he makes…

They would be neat life size I think. Small is good too.

Ok, this so just barely scratched the surface.

Here is what you need to do next:

• Visit the Luna Parc website and take the tour. The tour is HUGE. You’ll see all the grounds, exterior home shots, and the unbelievable interior of the home. You’ll also see the workplace studio which is incredible. The tour was one of the highlights of my week — you will love it.
• Check out all the art pieces for sale — seriously good stuff.
• See if Boscarino will be near you this month with an art show. He seems to be on a little tour.

What do you think? Is there a more offbeat home out there? I’m thinking that if this is not the best so far as true offbeat goes that it at least resides in the top five.

Post from: Blisstree

Quite Possibly the Single Most Offbeat Home in the World: Luna Parc