Five Crazy Houses

1. Tree Houses
Tree houses have come a long way from the 2x4 structures some of us built as kids. With running water, electricity, and even air conditioning, the adult version of the tree house combines the thrill of a secret getaway with the best modern living has to offer.

Whether custom built, created from a plan (either purchased or free), or bought pre-fab, tree houses are generally not meant to be a primary residence. However, beautiful, highly functional tree houses can make a more than suitable fishing cabin or weekend domicile!

2. Straw Structures
Though brick structures have long been certified "huff and puff" proof, in Arthur, Nebraska, a straw bale church (that has been standing since 1928) gives a bit more credence to the architectural endeavors of that first little pig. The church and a nearby house in the Midwestern town are living proof that building with straw IS a viable option.

Arthur, Nebraska's church can truly be called one of a kind, but the idea is catching on. Not only have committees from other countries come to take some tips from the straw structure, straw building is also catching on as a new concept in alternative construction!

3. Cave Dwellings
For allergy sufferers, straw building might not be the most appealing concept in the world. Well how about living in a cave? According to an article in the New York Times, "cave dwelling is making a comeback." In southern Spain, caves are quickly becoming some of the hottest homes on the market. Fitted with every modern convenience imaginable, these comfy caverns, "maintain an even temperature of 60 to 70 degrees, winter and summer, without sending a single carbon molecule skyward."

The NYT article puts the cost of purchasing your own personal cave-home at between $100,000 and $200,000 on average.

4. Spherical Houses
Though the Jetsons' flying car that folds into a briefcase is probably a long way off, the "house on a stick" George and Jane called home might be closer than you think! The spherical homes of Marcin Panpuch which, according to Gizmag.com, "can either float on a water location or be lifted by crane and fixed to a tower beside other such spheres," are not just sweet-looking, they are incredibly efficient. The energy self-sufficient solar photovoltaic cell powered homes are spherical because this shape is best capable of minimizing heat loss.

There's no guarantee that this design is the one that will truly end up being "the home of the future," but its snazzy appearance and wealth of possibilities make it one we're going to keep an eye on.

5. Time to Bring Back Beer Bottle Building?
Okay, so this isn't really a house, but it could've been. The WOBO (short for "world bottle") was produced by Heineken in the early sixties and was designed to be a beer bottle that (once properly emptied) could double as a building material. Its shape and interlocking capability makes this boozy brick awfully reminiscent of Lincoln Logs or Legos. Unfortunately, the idea didn't take off as planned and the only existing structures made of WOBOs are a shed on the Heineken estate and a wall at the Heineken brewery.

While the appeal of a house made of empty bottles might not be universal, it's been a few decades since any WOBOs have been produced. Is the world now ready for a beer brick? We can't say for sure, but it might be worth looking into!