Gone are the days of you double window, single door, chimney houses. These days, the trick is to perfect the balance between design, functionality, and luxury — the ultimate home experience. From quirky locations to unorthodox shapes, these houses manage to blend both exquisite architecture with a taste of character. We take a look at some of these unique houses and their little quirks below!

The Wave House

Located along 1234 Morningside Way, Venice California is a house with a rather atypical shape. The Wave House bids adieu to your usual angular house designs and instead features a cascading white aluminium skin, emulating the movement of its namesake. Designed by architect Mario Romano, the organic structure is made up of 300 custom cut aluminium pieces, coming together to bring to life the fluid motion of waves. Rising two stories high, the house is 530 square meters, providing ample living space. Adopting an open concept, most of the house’s interior spaces such as the living room opens out towards the outdoor patio and pool. Because of the countless fin like tiles layered atop one another, the shadows cast throughout the day are constantly evolving.

Shell Residence

Nestled in the Karuizawa Forest in Nagano, Japan, are two oblong spheres that make up the Shell Residence. Made of reinforced concrete, the two-story shell shaped structure contrasts against the natural environment of the forest. Commissioned by Japanese architect Kotaro Ide, the house was made with the intention to co-exist within the harsh conditions of Karuizawa. Openings in the ceiling allow for natural light to stream in, creating an ambience that is tranquil. Staying true to traditional Japanese design, the interiors are dressed in earthy elements. Deck wood is used for the patio while cherry hardwood flooring lines both levels. Natural light is allowed to filter in through gaps in the ceiling, creating a warm environment for guests to lounge in. In essence, this house is both a contrast, as well as a part of nature, melding elements of nature into its simple aesthetic.

The Flying House

Upon first look, it’s difficult to see where this house starts and ends with sloping ridges and peaks. Built for a pilot and his family, the Flying House in Incheon, South Korea is an aviation themed home designed by IROJE KHM Architects. Painted in white hues, this 195 square meter space is brightened with semi-sheer roof canopies. In addition, each room opens out to the garden, creating an airy sensation throughout the structure. Traditional Korean elements such as the Rumaru pavilion meld into the contemporary design of flowing spaces and climbable terraces, bringing harmony to the space. The minimalistic design coupled with a hint of green throughout the house lifts the house to new heights.

House On The Cliff

Now, this house is a sight to behold! Constructed on a hill with an inclination of 42 degrees, The House On The Cliff resembles a villain’s lair. The most interesting portion of this house is its zinc roof. Made up of many overlapping zinc tiles, the house is part of an illusion itself. When seen from above, the roof tiles emulate waves of the sea. Yet, when seen below, they resemble the scales of a dragon. Designed by GilBartolome Architects, the two-story house is an architectural feat on its own, having to meld into the face of the cliff whilst still maintaining its status as a luxury abode. The unusual location, however, is a blessing in disguise, gifting guests with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The Pole House

One of Australia’s most iconic homes, The Pole House is a spectacular piece of property with an even better view. Perched atop a 132-foot pole along Great Ocean Road, the house overlooks Fairhaven Beach and the ocean. Accessible only by a 76-foot glass balustrades bridge, you will no doubt feel as though you’re walking on air. Many have been awed by the illusion of the floating house, which had been built before the 1970s. Recently refurbished and renovated, the house is now a magnificent holiday home with a gorgeous 360-degree view of the coastline. Two walls of the house face the sea and have been replaced with floor to ceiling high glass panels, making the home the ultimate private paradise for a quiet getaway. A fun fact: The pole and foundation of the home were so strong that the entire base structure survived one of Australia’s worst bushfires in 1983. Talk about being in tip-top shape!