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When talking about architecture, there's a fine line between creative and ridiculous. Bold and funny. Tasteful and appalling. And when a project crosses it, people often notice. And shame it.

Ugly Dutch Houses is an Instagram account that does just that. Radiating a similar vibe as its Irish and Belgian "cousins", this online project shares photos of structures that it believes to deserve the demolition crane. Or at least a good makeover.

And it's quite thirsty, too. "I will look for you, I will find you and I will post you," the bio of the Insta says. Liam Neeson approves!

More info: Instagram

#1

This House Could Appear On Your Geometry Test

This House Could Appear On Your Geometry Test

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An Co
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would totally BUY that house. Seems great. Elevated so no flood risk. Concrete so it is 'green' (no air leakage). Easy to describe to the pizza guy.

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Preparing a piece about a Facebook group dedicated to architecture shaming, my colleague Jonas spoke about what separates good and bad design, the need to democratize the access to quirky private property designs, as well as about the roles that architecture plays with an expert in the field from Sweden who has a background in urban planning. 

The urban planner explained to Bored Panda that while public spaces must meet safety and accessibility standards, aesthetic standards can be much more fluid for buildings.

"Most of the time, the elements of the built environment should be in harmony amidst each other and with the surroundings. However, sometimes, something bolder and out-of-the-box might form an engaging contrast," she said. However, the expert added that, in her personal opinion, our built environments have to engage us, as well as stimulate our minds and senses. In fact, she believes that architecture’s ability to make us think is one of its most powerful aspects.

Which, you have to admit, these Dutch houses accomplish with ease.

#2

When Your Architect Wants 'To Try Something New'

When Your Architect Wants 'To Try Something New'

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#4

I'm Not Feeling Very Well Today....

I'm Not Feeling Very Well Today....

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“There are circumstances where the architecture should create a sense of calmness and safety, yet there are instances in which it is not bad if the architecture provokes us and makes us think, ‘Why don't I like the look of this building?’”

The urban planner said that we should give people the freedom to express themselves as they wish when it comes to designing their private property. As long as they have the means, nearly everything is allowed, in her opinion. Just like we're allowed to have an opinion on their 'experiments' too!

#5

The Pope's Ugly Dutch Vacation Home

The Pope's Ugly Dutch Vacation Home

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#6

It's Very Hot In Holland So It's An Appropiate Time To Post An Ugly Dutch House On Water!

It's Very Hot In Holland So It's An Appropiate Time To Post An Ugly Dutch House On Water!

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An Co
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The house is fine, it's the art they attached to it that is ugly.

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

I believe it is part of this project, all self sustainable floating houses. https://schoonschipamsterdam.org/#site_header

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

Now this is really neat! Imagine a basement with underwater-windows...

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

Another one of my neighbors houses. Amsterdam's Steigereiland is full of these creative places. This one is at 45 Brigantijnkade on Ijburg, Amsterdam

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

Ugly? I love this vivid blue and the silver ornamentations. Lots of wonderful windows, being on the water with a relaxing deck. What's not to love?

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

Somebody spent too much time riding the "Its a Small World" boat at Disneyland.

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

Ooh there’s even a rock wall on the side, that’s a plus!

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Jaybird3939
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even has its own climbing wall. Falling off wouldn't be too bad on a hot Holland day.

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

I think this looks quite nice. If you want to see ugly boat houses go to Salsulito CA.

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

The Netherlands. Stop calling our country Holland, IT IS NOT HOLLAND you ffing moron!

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

For a sec I thought that was a giant clock. Now I kinda wish it was a giant clock.

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

Remove the giant decorative grommets, and I'd really like it!

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#7

When Your Architect Wasn't As Sharp As He Used To Be When Finishing The Construction Plans

When Your Architect Wasn't As Sharp As He Used To Be When Finishing The Construction Plans

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“Quirky architecture comes from our innate desire to demonstrate our [own] uniqueness. However, not everyone who has the means has an average taste for aesthetics. Yet, as long as it is for the people who inhabit or use their private space, I mean why not?” she told Bored Panda that as long as you’re not actively harming anyone else with how bad your designs are, you should be able to be as unique as you want. Even if it falls short of objective aesthetic standards.

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#8

The Architect Dropped A Cube Of Green Soap And Suddenly He Had A Vision

The Architect Dropped A Cube Of Green Soap And Suddenly He Had A Vision

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Malka de Lange
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is naar my house and I've always been so curious about it. All the other houses around it are the regular style you'd expect here. This one sure stands out

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#10

Yes, This Is A House. Yes, People Actually Live Here And Yes, The Windows Weren't Even Placed Symmetrically

Yes, This Is A House. Yes, People Actually Live Here And Yes, The Windows Weren't Even Placed Symmetrically

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#12

Error 404: Windows Not Found

Error 404: Windows Not Found

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#13

If You Think This Is Complex Then Wait Until You Hear Their Alarm Code

If You Think This Is Complex Then Wait Until You Hear Their Alarm Code

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Otter
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I might like that place. Okay, I might like it from the inside...

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#16

The Color Red Is Often Associated With The Word 'Stop'... I Rest My Case

The Color Red Is Often Associated With The Word 'Stop'... I Rest My Case

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#17

If You Go Through The Front Door, You'll Meet Bowser

If You Go Through The Front Door, You'll Meet Bowser

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Yoinks!
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not sure I'd ever go through that door. Are those bricks actually collapsing, or is it just a 'clever' effect?

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#19

From Holland With Love

From Holland With Love

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#20

When You Decide Last Minute That You Don't Want Your House Shaped Like A Triangle

When You Decide Last Minute That You Don't Want Your House Shaped Like A Triangle

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

This could have been done afterwards. Many people add a dormer roof/window for more space,

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#21

@uglybelgianhouses We've Got Them Too!

@uglybelgianhouses We've Got Them Too!

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#22

The Roof Is Taking Off

The Roof Is Taking Off

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#23

If You Look Very Carefully You'll See Something Which Somewhat Looks Like A House

If You Look Very Carefully You'll See Something Which Somewhat Looks Like A House

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Ozymandias73
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Leaves on the roof? No Problem. Standing water on the roof? No problem. Santa? Possible problems. :\

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#24

Hey So Did You Hear About This Neighbourhood Called New-Caïro In Amsterdam?

Hey So Did You Hear About This Neighbourhood Called New-Caïro In Amsterdam?

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Danny Boy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait, I know what you're thinking, but this idea is fresh... it rhymes with Wall Goof

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#27

Even The Quality Of This Picture Is Ugly

Even The Quality Of This Picture Is Ugly

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#29

Taking The "I'm Glad To Have A Roof Above My Head" Phrase A Bit Too Literal

Taking The "I'm Glad To Have A Roof Above My Head" Phrase A Bit Too Literal

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#30

I Like The Fact That Straw Burns Really Good

I Like The Fact That Straw Burns Really Good

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

Thatched roofs have been used for centuries and not only in the Netherlands. They insulate the house really well. You pay a bit more insurance though because of fire risk. Not straw but thatch.

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Note: this post originally had 67 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.