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Many of us strive to be unique and stand out from the crowd. We express ourselves through the clothes we wear, our totally rad hairstyles, and what we talk about. But probably the most significant statement that we can make about our character is by choosing where we live and work. Would we love to work in a giant panda-shaped building? Definitely. Would yours truly like to live in a moody Victorian châtelet in the middle of some mysterious misty mountain woods that you couldn’t find on a map? You’d better believe it, but only if it had a haunted greenhouse and plenty of rainfall. [Cue lightning and thunder.]

The world is chock full of wonderfully weird and unbelievably beautiful architecture, and the ‘Bizarre Buildings’ subreddit documents the best of the bunch. Sure, some of these places look extremely unpractical for anyone inside… but gosh! Look at how impressive they are! Scroll down to enter the r/bizarrebuildings rabbit hole, and don’t panic if you meet Alice. Remember to upvote your fave pics, and let us know which of these places you’d love to visit (and potentially even live in!) the most.

Oh, and if you thought this was it, then hold on to your hats. For those of you who weren’t here the last time, definitely check out our previous piece about the subreddit right over here (why, yes, that is a cat-shaped building) when you’re done enjoying this fresh new list.

Don’t forget to read Bored Panda’s interview about dream home designs with Ariane Sherine, the editor at ‘These Three Rooms.’ Are you ready to have your imaginations expanded, dear Pandas? Don’t blame us if you end up daydreaming about the perfect home all afternoon, though.

#1

King Alfred's Tower In England, Built In 1772

King Alfred's Tower In England, Built In 1772

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#2

This Pub Was Completed In 1765 Was Built On Top Of A Mine Shaft And Over Time It Had Sank On One Side. Getting In Sober Is A Challenge, And Even Harder Getting Out Drunk

This Pub Was Completed In 1765 Was Built On Top Of A Mine Shaft And Over Time It Had Sank On One Side. Getting In Sober Is A Challenge, And Even Harder Getting Out Drunk

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#3

Ow-Energy Organic House Design With Wild Slate Roof In Germany

Ow-Energy Organic House Design With Wild Slate Roof In Germany

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Bored Panda asked Ariane, the editor at ‘These Three Rooms,’ about whether or not we can definitively tell about the quality of a home based on its interior and exterior aesthetics alone. However, tidiness and beauty don’t automatically mean that there are no problems to be found.

“While it's generally true that homeowners who maintain their homes well are more likely to be aware of and fix problems, there still might be issues they're unaware of or are trying to cover up. That's why it's extremely important to undertake a full structural survey before committing to a purchase,” the design expert told us.

#4

Hallgrímskirkja: Lutheran Church In Reykjavík, Iceland. Commissioned In 1937 And Completed In 1986.

Hallgrímskirkja: Lutheran Church In Reykjavík, Iceland. Commissioned In 1937 And Completed In 1986.

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#5

Alpine Refuge From World War I Located At 2760 Meters, Monte Cristallo, Italy

Alpine Refuge From World War I Located At 2760 Meters, Monte Cristallo, Italy

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Nathaniel
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And still the Jehovah's Witnesses' manage to knock on your door.

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#6

Unzipped Building. Milano, Italy

Unzipped Building. Milano, Italy

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Jrog
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was an art installation by Alex Chinneck for the Milan Design Week in 2019, sponsed by IQOS. The guy does amazing things. Don't be fooled, the whole facade is fake and part of the installation, the building is a former car repair shop nowadays used for events and temporary shops, it has no windows and is not so dilapidated

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According to Ariane, what drives us to create unique and impressive homes is our desire for individuality. 

“Many people want to design a build that encapsulates their vision and personality, rather than having an off-the-peg home,” she explained to Bored Panda.

“And if you can afford it, why not create your perfect house rather than having to make do with an existing one that might not completely suit your preferences?” she suggested that if someone doesn’t have any budget constraints, they should consider a fresh project rather than having to settle for something that doesn’t mirror who they are as a person.

#8

France Built 1347

France Built 1347

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Fabian Bernard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Houses like that one were built on bridges. Also, a bigger surface upstairs was the way to avoid housing taxe based on the soil area occupancy. These houses were strong, there are still plenty of them in Europe, mostly still occupated

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#9

Peles Castle, Romania

Peles Castle, Romania

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Karin Gibson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bran Castle is supposed to be Dracula's castle. This is much larger. I have been to both. They are amazing. King Carol 1 fell in love with the area and ordered it to be built.

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We were also curious to find out what kind of dream home Ariane, from ‘These Three Rooms,’ would love to live in, ideally.

“We're talking a glorious three-story six-bedroom house made of glass, larch wood, and steel with a floating spiral staircase, straight out of Grand Designs!” she opened up about her perfect home.

“Only two of the six bedrooms would be used as bedrooms though; the other four would be a walk-in wardrobe, home office, music studio, and home cinema,” she noted that she would love to have some of the spaces reflect her various interests as a creator.

#11

Hang Nga's "Crazy House" In Dalat, Vietnam

Hang Nga's "Crazy House" In Dalat, Vietnam

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Currently, the ‘Bizarre Buildings’ subreddit has 149k members. The community has grown a bit over the past year. When Bored Panda featured the online community the last time, it had 131k weird design-loving members. Just three moderators run the entire show. They stress that r/bizarrebuildings is meant for truly, well, bizarre buildings. A house looking quirky with all of its Christmas decorations twinkling simply doesn’t cut it.

The buildings have got to be unique. They’ve got to be show-stoppers. They’ve got to make you think, “Hey, maybe I should send this pic to all of my friends and/or colleagues to impress them.” In short, the weirder, the better. Who wants to live in a regular house when you can have so much more fun moving to one of these places?

#13

Lyon Airport Train Station, Lyon, France

Lyon Airport Train Station, Lyon, France

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#14

Temppeliaukion Church, Helsinki, Finland

Temppeliaukion Church, Helsinki, Finland

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#15

Colin's Barn, Chedglow, England - More Details In Comments

Colin's Barn, Chedglow, England - More Details In Comments

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NsG
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a lambing cottage. And over time (roughly 11 years) the owner just kept adding bits, including lodging for himself so he could be close to his ewes at the necessary time.

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Previously, Bored Panda had an in-depth chat about architecture with Dr. June Komisar from Ryerson University. The architectural design specialist told us that professionals should look to the “wise” ancient Roman writer Vitruvius for some well-needed inspiration.

"What he said about balancing commodity (the suitability of the building to needs), firmness (structural integrity), and delight (the aesthetics of the building and its relationship to site and context) still holds,” she noted the timelessness of his ideas.

#16

This House Exexexexexextension

This House Exexexexexextension

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#18

This Building Looks Like It Was Designed In Microsoft Word

This Building Looks Like It Was Designed In Microsoft Word

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According to Dr. Komisar, no architect will ever be prepared for all of the potential problems that they might run into during a project. No matter how good you are, you’ll never be perfect. "But understanding the site conditions and evaluating other buildings using the same construction techniques and materials can help avoid problems," she pointed out that preparation and research do have their uses. However, architects need to be realistic: no single project will go completely as planned.

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When it comes to innovation and originality, Dr. Komisar suggested that architects start small and consider tiny changes.

#19

Office In The Woods Near Madrid, Spain.

Office In The Woods Near Madrid, Spain.

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Camilore
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I could be productive there and I could be lazy without doubt

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#20

Winning Design For Shenzhen's Natural History Museum

Winning Design For Shenzhen's Natural History Museum

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CatGirl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would be cool if the country it was in wasn't such a relentless vandal of the environment

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#21

The Dunmore Pineapple In Dunmore Park

The Dunmore Pineapple In Dunmore Park

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Roborowski
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who lives in a pineapple over the sea? John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore, John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore., John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore

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"Innovation does not have to be radical, but can be an incremental change that will benefit the users and society at large. At the moment we have a huge opportunity to build sustainable buildings that approach or attain a 'net zero' energy cost. By using local and/or sustainable materials, designing for passive and/or active solar and wind power, designing for very low energy usage, and renovating and adapting existing buildings we can help to mitigate climate change,” she said.

"Addressing this environmental crisis is not only an issue that we must address but also is a tremendous opportunity for design innovation. Addressing these concerns will most definitely introduce a variety of creative solutions."

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#22

Evil? Debatable. Bizarre? Absolutely!

Evil? Debatable. Bizarre? Absolutely!

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#23

Container House In The Desert

Container House In The Desert

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Two_rolling_black_eyes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've worked out of shipping containers in 90+ F heat and no amount of AC and insulation could keep up with the radiant heat of direct sunlight on corrugated steel. Unless this is the house for Gorn in Star Trek, the owner will fry.

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#24

Mogno, Switzerland

Mogno, Switzerland

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peace
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mountain Church San Giovanni Battista (Switzerland) by Arch. Mario Botta. The stones used come from the valleys. the gneiss comes from Riveo, the marble from Peccia.

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Look, it’s no secret that many of us want to impress others. We’re inherently social beings after all. There’s a lot riding on having a good reputation and being well respected. It feels nice to be liked. And it’s useful, too, because it makes life so much easier. So it’s no wonder that some of us try to impress others with our fancy homes.

A while back, Bored Panda had an insightful chat about first impressions and how we design our homes with dating expert Dan Bacon, from The Modern Man. He stressed that we have to be true to ourselves and furnish our homes in a way that makes us happy. We won’t be able to impress absolutely everyone, so we should focus on what it is that we truly want. Not what we think others want of us.

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"A man’s home is part of what people initially use to judge his social status and character. However, how he behaves and acts with the people who come over to his place says so much more about him," Dan told Bored Panda that one’s behavior is more important than where they live, even if it’s our homes that leave the first impression.

#26

Abandoned Art Deco Awesomeness In The South Of France

Abandoned Art Deco Awesomeness In The South Of France

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#27

"Flintstone House," Declared "Public Nuisance," Now Allowed To Keep Colorful

"Flintstone House," Declared "Public Nuisance," Now Allowed To Keep Colorful

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"A man might have a perfectly tidy, well-designed, and stylish home, but be very nervous and try too hard to impress people who come over. So, rather than seeing him as a cool, confident, successful man they can admire and look up to, most people just perceive him as a nervous, insecure guy with a nice place. Alternatively, they may see him as a guy who tries hard to please others with material things because he's insecure about himself and doesn't feel good enough in their eyes,” he said.

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According to Dan, one of the core parts of being a good host is letting your guests be in the spotlight. Let them be the center of attention. "Remember that most people care more about themselves than other people. So, allow people to talk about themselves, rather than always trying to be the center of attention,” he said.

"Also remember to not try to oversell yourself or your place, to hopefully gain people’s approval. Be confident and secure in who you are as a person and let your surroundings provide additional clues about who you are and how you approach life."

#28

Poseidon's Horse, An Abandoned Former Library On A Beach Of Peloponnese, Greece

Poseidon's Horse, An Abandoned Former Library On A Beach Of Peloponnese, Greece

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#29

Still Standing In Canterbury, UK

Still Standing In Canterbury, UK

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The expert pointed out that everyone is unique: while some feel confident only in a perfectly ordered home, others are fine with a bit of a mess and a dash of chaos.

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"If you enjoy placing a lot of importance on your home because it means a lot to you, then do that. If you only see it as a place to live and want to focus your attention on other things, you should do that. You can never impress or please everyone, no matter what you do. Just look at celebrities as an example. They have millions of people who love them and millions who hate them,” he said that homeowners ought to focus on what makes them happy.

"The same applies to your home. You will never make it, furnish it or arrange it in a way where everyone loves you for it and wishes they had it. Some people will love it, others will like it and some will hate it. So, just enjoy doing what you want to do. That’s the only way you’ll truly be happy."

#32

Reclaimed Windows And Doors Form Facades Of Collage House By S+ps Architects

Reclaimed Windows And Doors Form Facades Of Collage House By S+ps Architects

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Jihana
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, that is one cool idea! Don't like the concrete frame around it though

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#35

The Iron Fountain - Gyumri, Armenia

The Iron Fountain - Gyumri, Armenia

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#38

These Are Real Houses. Located In Encinitas, California

These Are Real Houses. Located In Encinitas, California

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#39

This Building In Sydney Has Mastered The Art Of Hula

This Building In Sydney Has Mastered The Art Of Hula

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Nathaniel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like the Architect scribbled out his design, but somehow that design was still passed on.

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#40

L'ile Fllottante (Abidjan, Ivory Coast)

L'ile Fllottante (Abidjan, Ivory Coast)

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#42

Studio City, Macau

Studio City, Macau

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2x4b523p
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every time they build new monstrosity in Macau my entire family typically flocks in to check it out. Just a quick look around, see what shops and restaurants they have. Shortly after Studio City opened my husband and I went there. I had to use the toilets and OMG those were the best toilets I’ve been to in my life. Stall enclosed floor to ceiling, wall to wall without any gaps. Pleasant perfume lingering in the air smelling like a cloud of freshness. Heavenly music in the background. Soft toilet paper that feels like 7 layers. Foam soap and perfect temperature aerated water coming out of the tap at ideal pressure that will thoroughly wash your hands without spraying you with a single drop. So clean you can see your reflection on the marble walls. When our family gathered again everyone was talking about the Studio City toilets. 10/10 would pee there again.

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#43

Tiniest Bizarrebuilding Ever?

Tiniest Bizarrebuilding Ever?

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#44

Only Surviving Photo Of A Hoarder House Demolished Around 2007 In Nagoya, Japan

Only Surviving Photo Of A Hoarder House Demolished Around 2007 In Nagoya, Japan

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Jihana
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Inspiration for the design of Howl's moving castle? Only thing missing are those chicken legs.

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#45

House With Many Windows

House With Many Windows

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#47

An Apartment Building That Popped Up In Krasnodar, Russia

An Apartment Building That Popped Up In Krasnodar, Russia

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CatGirl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Big QR code. If you scan it, it takes you to Vlad's Amazon Wishlist. Which only has one item: Ukraine. Sadly, it's all out of stock for you, Vladulence.

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#48

Former Us Listening Station In Berlin, Germany.

Former Us Listening Station In Berlin, Germany.

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#49

House On A Leg, Hamburg, Germany

House On A Leg, Hamburg, Germany

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Indigo Tiger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Feels like it could fall over with a little breeze- I would not want to live near that thing

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Note: this post originally had 72 images. It’s been shortened to the top 49 images based on user votes.