When it comes to our homes and workplaces, most of us are pretty happy if the building we're in stays standing and keeps out the elements. For some architects, though, "good enough" just isn't good enough. They like to push boundaries and create structures that blow our minds and make us rethink everything we know about what's possible in the field of architecture…and many of them like to do it by defying the laws of gravity.
Nowadays, you're almost guaranteed to see buildings you didn't even think were possible ten years ago. I mean, just look at this tiny home that was somehow squeezed between two other buildings! Sure, all these crazy marvels of construction might not be what we're used to, but that's what makes them so neat. For example, this little cabin just looks like your average home…until you realize what it's sitting on top of. I love my average apartment, but you can bet I'd move in an instant if I could get my hands on a super unique house like one of these!
Check out these jaw-dropping buildings that laughed in the face of physics, and tell us — do you think you'd be willing to venture inside? I was so interested in number 11 that I went there myself, and I loved it! Let us know in the comments which one of these crazy buildings you'd most like to visit.
Make sure you SHARE these awesome structures with everyone you know and inspire them to go see them on their next vacation!
1. The Ontario College of Art and Design (Ontario)
Isn't this a great design for an art school? This two-story building has an elevator that enables you to travel from the first floor to the second floor, which is supported by stilts that are so thin, it's pretty much an architectural miracle that the entire structure hasn't collapsed.
2. WoZoCo Apartments (Amsterdam)
What happens when you need a building with a hundred units, plus good lighting and a large green common area in a city as tightly packed as Amsterdam? Well, you create the WoZoCo Apartments. Thirteen units pop out of the top of the building in order to save land space and create a cool marvel of architecture.
3. The World Stands On Its Head (Trassenheide, Baltic Sea)
Don't worry — your computer monitor is just fine. This topsy-turvy house located on a small island in the Baltic Sea sits on its head, and the reasoning behind its bizarre orientation was basically, "why not?" The couple who built it just thought it would be a cool idea to build an upside-down home (complete with upside-down furniture)…even though it's pretty much impossible to actually live inside it.
4. The Balancing Barn (Suffolk, England)
You'd think it would be scary enough to just stand in the part of this barn that's handing off the side of a pretty steep hill, but the owners of the Balancing Barn went an extra step and installed a swing that hangs off the underside of this shocking structure.
5. Kubuswoningen (Rotterdam, Netherlands)
The word "Kubuswoningen" literally means "cube houses" in Dutch, so it's pretty easy to see where these bizarre residences got their names. I don't know how it's actually possible to comfortably live in these homes, but there's no denying it would make for a pretty interesting living situation.
6. Fallingwater (Pennsylvania)
I've been lucky enough to visit this incredible work of architecture myself, and like all great art, it's even better in person. This house, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright when he was 67 years old, cemented its creator as one of the greatest architects of his time. It contains plenty of beautiful features, but the most stunning one has to be the one that isn't man-made: the waterfall that the house is built overtop of.
7. Timmelsjoch Experience Museum (Austria/Italy border)
Timmelsjoch is a mountain pass that runs through the border between Italy and Austria. It has a rich history that includes connecting different religions and cultures and providing an important trade route. The Timmelsjoch Experience Museum is a fascinating place to learn about this special location…if you aren't scared of tipping it over, that is.
8. Urban Cactus (Amsterdam)
Technically, this complex isn't built yet, but once it's completed, you can bet that other architects will be taking notes. Designed by Ben Huygen, this place will be perfect for anyone who loves to live surrounded by greenery — its structure maximizes sun exposure, allowing plants outside to grow as much as their leaves desire.
9. La Maison du Savior (Luxembourg)
This building was designed by architectural firm Baumschlager Eberle for the University of Luxembourg. It serves as the school's main communication center, so plenty of conferences and seminars are sure to be held among its eighteen floors.
10. Montreal Olympic Stadium (Montreal)
This massive stadium includes the word's tallest leaning tower, which stands 574 feet high. As you can imagine, it's a bit harder to get those quirky touristy photos you can snap at the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
11. Restaurante Tree House (Monteverde, Costa Rica)
A large portion of this eatery is situated in the branches of a large tree. It's a sturdy tree, don't get me wrong, but when you look out over the edge while sipping on your coffee, it's not hard to wonder what would happen if just one of those branches decided to give way.
12. Astra Brewery (Hamburg, Germany)
This crazy building was once the location where Astra beer was made. Unfortunately, it was demolished a few years ago and replaced with a standard office building that hasn't even tried to defy gravity.
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