1 of 10 9 Virtually Invisible Houses of Mirrors Photo: Steve King 9 Virtually Invisible Houses of Mirrors Photo: Steve King
Although architectural styles and ideals have changed many times, the search for centered constructions that honor nature has always been desired. The integration of houses with the outside world was both a specific design decision (as was the case with modern architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright) and a solution to building in difficult terrain (as was the case with houses built on cliffs). Even homes that aren’t specifically designed to blend in with nature feature stunning views, manicured gardens, or other amenities that take the outside world into consideration. Cultural and historical eras have changed the execution, but the purpose is almost always there.
Today architects have found another way to integrate houses into nature: they make them invisible or as close to invisibility as possible. Through the use of mirrored facades, the houses practically blend into the surrounding landscape. Discover below nine stunning mirror houses that prove how perfect nature and architecture can be:
1. OOD House—Three Rivers, California
2 of 10 9 Virtually Invisible Mirror Houses Photo: Courtesy of VRBO 9 Virtually Invisible Mirror Houses Photo: Courtesy of VRBO
It’s no surprise that the Paradise Ranch Inn “Managed by a team of nature and design enthusiasts”. On the property is ODD house, a cuboid mirror house with Scandinavianinspired decor and enough space for two. Built at the base of Sequoia National Park, the home is near the largest living organism by volume on the planet: General Sherman, a 2,100yearold giant sequoia 16 million BRL.
2. Invisible House Austria
3 of 10 9 Almost Invisible Mirror Houses Photo: Christian Brandstaetter/Courtesy of Delugan Meissl Associated Architects 9 Almost Invisible Mirror Houses Photo: Christian Brandstaetter/Courtesy of Delugan Meissl Associated Architects
Designed by Delugan Meissl Associated ArchitectsThe Invisible House This is a prefab residential home currently available for purchase. Constructed of timber frame construction, the property can be completely dismantled to minimize environmental impact. Designed with an open floor plan around a central fireplace, the Mirror House is 49 m².
3. Lucid Stead—Joshua Tree, California
4 of 10 9 Virtually Invisible Houses of Mirrors Photo: Steve King 9 Virtually Invisible Houses of Mirrors Photo: Steve King
The basis of Lucid Stead, a humble farmhouse, existed for 70 years before Philip K. Smith III, an American artist, came into his own. Through the use of LED lights, mirrors and bespoke electronics, the house changes color and reflection throughout the day. By keeping the wooden structure of the original cabin and using the mirrors as accents, the property appears translucent.
4. Arcana—Toronto, Ontario
5 of 10 9 Virtually Invisible Houses of Mirrors Photo: Andrew Latreille 9 Virtually Invisible Houses of Mirrors Photo: Andrew Latreille
arcana It’s not a single mirrored cabin, but rather a collection of structures that reflect the Toronto woods — though the company guarantees it won’t encounter neighbors like you’d at a traditional campground. Each cabin features a kitchen, bathroom, and stainless steel facade clad in a petfriendly structure.
5. Spiegelhaus South Tyrolean Dolomites, Italy
6 of 10 9 almost invisible mirror houses — Photo: Oskar DaRiz 9 almost invisible mirror houses — Photo: Oskar DaRiz
Located in the South Tyrolean Dolomites mirror houses is a pair of holiday homes designed by Peter Pichler. Each faces east and offers sunset views through floortoceiling windows. For an even deeper immersion in nature, the houses have a window above the beds, so you can comfortably watch the stars in an airconditioned oasis.
6. Spiegelhaus South Tyrolean Dolomites, Italy
7 of 10 9 almost invisible mirror houses — Photo: Oskar DaRiz 9 almost invisible mirror houses — Photo: Oskar DaRiz
Pichler’s second mirror house does not have full reflection, but has deliberately mirrored panels on the back. The facade has a glass facade that seems to dissolve the barrier between inside and outside.
7. The Invisible House Joshua Tree, California
8 of 10 9 Virtually Invisible Mirror Houses Photo: Courtesy of VRBO 9 Virtually Invisible Mirror Houses Photo: Courtesy of VRBO
Perhaps one of the most famous mirror houses in the world thanks in part to its many famous visitors over the years The Invisible House in Joshua Tree was designed by Tomas Osinski and its first owner was Chris Hanley. Outside, the facade reflects the surrounding Mojave Desert, while the interior walls are made of glass, offering visitors endless vistas. In addition to its unique shape and exterior facade, the house also features a 30 meter indoor pool. The property was launched by in January this year 87 million BRL and is currently available for overnight rentals.
8. Mirrorcube Haras, Sweden
9 of 10 9 Virtually Invisible Houses of Mirrors — Photo: Andrea Barghi 9 Virtually Invisible Houses of Mirrors — Photo: Andrea Barghi
Part of a Treehotel (a collection of unique hospitality offerings suspended in trees), mirror cube It’s exactly what it sounds like: a cube covered in mirrors. With a size of 3 x 3 x 3 meters, the cozy room offers enough space for two people. The accommodation was designed by Tham & Videgård and has a double bed, a bathroom and a small living area.
9. Mirage Gstaad, Switzerland
10 of 10 9 Virtually Invisible Mirror Houses Photo: Yuelan/Getty Images 9 Virtually Invisible Mirror Houses Photo: Yuelan/Getty Images
Unlike other mirror houses, which are usually cubeshaped, these are MirageCreated by artist Doug Aitken, the building has a pitched roof. First constructed in Palm Springs, California, the home was relocated to Gstaad, Switzerland, where it is seen here. The property was not technically designed as a residence, but rather as a fullfledged sculpture and art installation. “The Mirage is reconfigured as an architectural idea: the seemingly generic suburban home, now without a narrative, without its occupants, without possessions,” the project description explains. “This minimal structure is now fully responsive to the landscape around it.”
*Article originally published in Architectural Digest
Translated by Maria Mesquita