The Perforated House

by Erin Loechner, Posted Oct 8th 2009 8:00AM

In a quiet, simple neighborhood in Melbourne, Australia lies a luminescent light box that would fit in more among Hollywood set designs than between Victorian town homes and Edwardian terraces. Of course, the community is just as confused about this building as we were. "That hideous screen!" is a common comment from a neighbor across the road. But passersby seem to differ, and many Aussies love the ingenuity involved. In fact, the property recently sold last month for an impressive $730,000.

melbourne, house, real estate, architecture, australia

Does your home light up the entire neighborhood? Photo: Kavellaris Urban Design

So what are we looking at here? Surely it's not a house, right? Wrong. The 846 square foot home stands out by day, appearing heavy and reflective. But by night? It transforms into a soft, translucent and permeable light box with the use of movable and fully-operable walls and doors, along with some hefty back-lighting.

melbourne, architecture, architect, building, home, australia

Think you're looking at a set design in New York City? Think again. Photo: Kavellaris Urban Design

Consider it a well-lit cardboard box of sorts -- arranging and re-arranging glass walls, doors and windows allow for a transitional space. And with bi-fold glass doors on the upper level, the home opens up (literally!) to the world beneath. That's right -- with the bedrooms downstairs and the public living areas upstairs, the top floor can open up completely without compromising any privacy.

Of course, ShelterPop has a word of advice for the new homeowners: those who live in perforated houses shouldn't throw X-Acto knives.

The perforated house is one of the "World's Wildest Houses," according to AOL Real Estate. Check out the rest!

Filed Under: Green Design, Luxury Living, Design, etc, House Tours

Tags: architect, architecture, australia, building, dailydrool, erin-loechner, home, house, international, melbroune

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