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Collection by Andrea Smith

16 Funky Facades

Stand out from the cookie cutter crowd with these inventive and unusual home exteriors that put the fun in functional.

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The paint does more than add visual interest, it contributes to the net-zero home's overall sustainability. On the roof, which features an impressive solar array, Valspar’s Fluropon coating in Surrey Beige heightens solar reflectivity.
The paint does more than add visual interest, it contributes to the net-zero home's overall sustainability. On the roof, which features an impressive solar array, Valspar’s Fluropon coating in Surrey Beige heightens solar reflectivity.
For architect Stephen Chung, the design of his Wayland, Massachusetts, home was all about blending into the natural environment. The first floor is a serene composition of white and wood. The demand for a domestic office space inspired him to build up, adding a second floor for him to "experiment." In a departure from the Cape Cod aesthetic that rules his block, he was able to give the addition a modernist take, while also literally reflecting the existing landscape of the neighborhood. The entire 1,100-square-foot adjunct that encompasses his second story office-studio, master suite, and fort for his two young sons is swathed in mirrored siding and plate-glass windows.
For architect Stephen Chung, the design of his Wayland, Massachusetts, home was all about blending into the natural environment. The first floor is a serene composition of white and wood. The demand for a domestic office space inspired him to build up, adding a second floor for him to "experiment." In a departure from the Cape Cod aesthetic that rules his block, he was able to give the addition a modernist take, while also literally reflecting the existing landscape of the neighborhood. The entire 1,100-square-foot adjunct that encompasses his second story office-studio, master suite, and fort for his two young sons is swathed in mirrored siding and plate-glass windows.
The most unique feature of the Lighthouse is the windcatcher, or the vertical void that cuts down through the center of the house from the roof.
The most unique feature of the Lighthouse is the windcatcher, or the vertical void that cuts down through the center of the house from the roof.
The two-tone corrugated metal cladding helps the sheds blend into the landscape, along with windows custom-colored by the manufacturer to match. Photo by Mike Sinclair.
The two-tone corrugated metal cladding helps the sheds blend into the landscape, along with windows custom-colored by the manufacturer to match. Photo by Mike Sinclair.
A glowing home in Japan has milky-white, one-and-a-half-inch plastic sheets wrapped around the exterior to let in light and provide insulation.
A glowing home in Japan has milky-white, one-and-a-half-inch plastic sheets wrapped around the exterior to let in light and provide insulation.
Architect Lorcan O’Herlihy created a remarkable residence for himself and his wife, Cornelia, just off Pacific Avenue in Venice, California. Photos by: Misha Gravenor
Architect Lorcan O’Herlihy created a remarkable residence for himself and his wife, Cornelia, just off Pacific Avenue in Venice, California. Photos by: Misha Gravenor
Villa Van Vijven cuts a truly remarkable figure, a striking orange figure on the otherwise flat green landscape.
Villa Van Vijven cuts a truly remarkable figure, a striking orange figure on the otherwise flat green landscape.
The wood-frame residence and studio are clad in vertical cedar siding—back then, a daring competitor to clapboard—instead of concrete to save costs. The effect is equally seamless, however: “If you drive by it fast enough,” Charles Gwathmey once said, “you still might mistake it for a concrete house.” Photo by Norman McGrath.
The wood-frame residence and studio are clad in vertical cedar siding—back then, a daring competitor to clapboard—instead of concrete to save costs. The effect is equally seamless, however: “If you drive by it fast enough,” Charles Gwathmey once said, “you still might mistake it for a concrete house.” Photo by Norman McGrath.
The Rietveld Schröder house, built in 1926, is often described as the first truly modern building.
The Rietveld Schröder house, built in 1926, is often described as the first truly modern building.
Tuned into its sylvan setting, this affordable green home in Hillsborough, North Carolina, is a modern take on the surrounding centuries-old structures. photos by: Richard Leo Johnson, Atlantic Archives
Tuned into its sylvan setting, this affordable green home in Hillsborough, North Carolina, is a modern take on the surrounding centuries-old structures. photos by: Richard Leo Johnson, Atlantic Archives
An der Alster 1, Hamburg, Germany
An der Alster 1, Hamburg, Germany
Seattle David Sarti's little red house in Seattle's sleepy Central District proves that a bit of land, ambition, and carpentry know-how can go a long way. The rear facade. Photo by Misha Gravenor.
Seattle David Sarti's little red house in Seattle's sleepy Central District proves that a bit of land, ambition, and carpentry know-how can go a long way. The rear facade. Photo by Misha Gravenor.
The roof-mounted EcoHat conceals solar panels and gives a unique look to the property.
The roof-mounted EcoHat conceals solar panels and gives a unique look to the property.
Adventurous but subtle. Something different that doesn’t scream for attention. These were the prompts John and Erika Jessen gave to architect Elijah Huge for the addition to their 1920s home in New Haven, Connecticut. Photo by Andrew Rowat.
Adventurous but subtle. Something different that doesn’t scream for attention. These were the prompts John and Erika Jessen gave to architect Elijah Huge for the addition to their 1920s home in New Haven, Connecticut. Photo by Andrew Rowat.