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There comes a point when a supposedly quirky architectural design becomes questionable. It’s usually when the chosen theme diminishes the structure’s functionality and purpose, like in the designs you’re about to see. 

These photos are from the “That’s It, I’m Architecture Shaming” Facebook group. If the name isn’t a total giveaway, it calls attention to building and home designs that cause puzzlement. 

Here, you’ll find images of staircases you wouldn’t dare step on, oddly placed toilets and urinals, and houses that look haphazardly built in The Sims

More than 855,000 people keep the page alive, and we’ve picked those that stood out in the most baffling way. Hopefully, seeing these also gives you a good enough idea of what to avoid for your future designs.

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    #2

    Gotta Love An Add-On. Denver, Colorado

    Gotta Love An Add-On. Denver, Colorado

    Michael Reid Report

    Experts have revealed a connection between architecture and people’s emotions. A BBC report mentioned recent findings by neuroscientist Colin Ellard about how we are most affected by building facades.

    In the study, Ellard and the participants walked past a Whole Foods store in Lower Manhattan. According to wristband readings and surveys, the store’s smoked-glass frontage caused a drop in their arousal and mood states.

    #4

    Death Stairs

    Death Stairs

    Stephanie Ratsonfire Report

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    grotesqueer
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The starts aren't even the biggest problem imo, but the fact that you have to walk on the kitchen counter. 🤮 From outside too with shoes on!

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    #5

    Climb The Ladder To The Top Of The Kitchen Counter, Then Take The Steps To The Bedroom Loft. Never Mind That The Hand Rail Is Where Your Feet Are. It's Fine

    Climb The Ladder To The Top Of The Kitchen Counter, Then Take The Steps To The Bedroom Loft. Never Mind That The Hand Rail Is Where Your Feet Are. It's Fine

    (Tiny house Airbnb in Colorado, husband for scale.)

    Marianne Report

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They couldn't have just made a place for a ladder where it can be removed when not in use and stored, so you aren't putting your dirty feet on the f*****g kitchen counter where you prepare your food?

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    #6

    This Is The Front Of The House

    This Is The Front Of The House

    Barbara L. LeMaster Report

    The report mentioned the Seattle Central Library’s interior architecture, describing it as “one of the most notoriously disorienting buildings.” According to architect and Northumbria University professor Ruth Dalton, the building’s one-way escalators could be a problem. As she told BBC, we have specific expectations regarding navigation. 

    “There are very few situations in the real world where you can go from A to B via one route, and you’re forced to take a different route from B back to A,” she explained, noting that it can confuse people.

    #7

    Found A Hillbilly Barn Mansion On Zillow. The Crazy Fred Flinstone Esque Stairs Connecting The Kitchen To The Living Room Are What Noteworthy

    Found A Hillbilly Barn Mansion On Zillow. The Crazy Fred Flinstone Esque Stairs Connecting The Kitchen To The Living Room Are What Noteworthy

    Haley Thorsen Report

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    #9

    My Husband Found This On His Page

    My Husband Found This On His Page

    Kells Ross-Rittinger Report

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    Diolla
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like the stairs of a hotel I recently stayed in. Netherlands.

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    Architecture critics seem to be uneasy about current trends, but they’ve been vocal about them. Veteran critic Rowan Moore wrote an article for the Guardian expressing his displeasure with the Ilona House in London. 

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    He had choice words, describing the pinkish, rounded building as “plasticky” while calling out its “quite expensive” concrete surface.

    #10

    These Are Urinals

    These Are Urinals

    Darren Ho Report

    #12

    I Have No Words

    I Have No Words

    Sherri Glass Southwell Report

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    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The water from the washing machine flushes the toilet. Poor execution bur A+ for saving water.

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    For Moore, it's all because of the "meanness and greed" of property developers who want the most floor area and pay the least. He bluntly stated that "ugly buildings have always been with us."

    More says there is "no magic bullet" to fix the aesthetic situation. Still, he believes it would help if all professionals involved had one thing: "a stronger idea of what makes a building good."

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    #13

    Just Add A Ladder And Don’t Move Too Much On That Chair

    Just Add A Ladder And Don’t Move Too Much On That Chair

    Karla Campos Report

    #14

    Friends Who Wanted A Seperate Entrance?

    Friends Who Wanted A Seperate Entrance?

    Christina Rochelle Report

    We’d like to hear from you, too. Which of these structures were the most/least appealing? If you’re a professional, can you still make improvements on them? Comment below!

    #16

    Brutalist Architecture Should Come With A Free Power Washer

    Brutalist Architecture Should Come With A Free Power Washer

    Marianne Report

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    PFD
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looked it up. Aesthetically a case of one man's trash being another's treasure, but it was also built to be highly energy efficient. I rather like it especially when seen in its entirety though it looks distinctly odd in it's suburban setting among what looks like cod-historical buildings. https://www.oakpark.com/2021/11/24/oak-park-home-in-spotlight-on-new-wttw-show/

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    #18

    Because You Need A Safe Place To Stand To Request Things From Upstairs

    Because You Need A Safe Place To Stand To Request Things From Upstairs

    Gloria Canada Report

    #19

    Please Give Me Ideas On How To Make His Space Feel Larger

    Please Give Me Ideas On How To Make His Space Feel Larger

    Marianne Report

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    StumblingThroughLife
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine if you're a bit chubby (no good for me, I'd prob get a bit wedged, lol). Maybe it's the Slender Man's house?

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    #20

    Saw This House Awhile Back. Thought It Was…. Intriguing

    Saw This House Awhile Back. Thought It Was…. Intriguing

    Eric Leverette-Goodwin Report

    #22

    You Can Only Open This Drawer All The Way If You Open The Oven Door First. In My Own House

    You Can Only Open This Drawer All The Way If You Open The Oven Door First. In My Own House

    Braylinn Estrada Report

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    Christos Arvanitis
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The range was sticks out because it was likely designed for a built in style range that is more or less flush with the end of the counter. Those are a bit more shallow. That would have worked fine really.

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    #23

    "This Has To Be A Joke Post. Unless They're After Some Inheritance"

    "This Has To Be A Joke Post. Unless They're After Some Inheritance"

    Melissa Rose Palmer Report

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    #26

    Hey Bubba, Bring Me Dem Blueprints And Anuther Beer (Belch!) I Needa See Something

    Hey Bubba, Bring Me Dem Blueprints And Anuther Beer (Belch!) I Needa See Something

    Henry Nelson Report

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    G A
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whatever way these were built, they were far too close. Pointless balcony when it gets no sun.

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    #27

    Salford, United Kingdom

    Salford, United Kingdom

    Simon George Report

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    Chewie Baron
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to live by here. Salford Shopping Centre was a dangerous place to go, at one time. The whole place is an eyesore and needs demolishing and starting again. Where I used to live was three tower blocks all near each other. Because so many gay men lived there, it was known as ‘Fairy Towers’. And The Gays™️ who came up with the name.

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    #28

    Hostile Gay Architecture Shaming

    Hostile Gay Architecture Shaming

    Christopher Carver Report

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    Laserleader
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For those who haven't realized, the colors have been added. It's actually just gray.

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    #29

    Just Got To Oporto, Portugal A Few Weeks Back! Thought I'd Share This Weird Air Conditioner Looking Building That Looks Like Something A Kid Would Make On Roblox

    Just Got To Oporto, Portugal A Few Weeks Back! Thought I'd Share This Weird Air Conditioner Looking Building That Looks Like Something A Kid Would Make On Roblox

    Bem-venido a 'Casa Da Musica'

    Dimi Tree Report

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    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People really don't appreciate Brutalist architecture. Wish there was more public education about the history of of things like this.

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    #30

    Secretariat Of Security Of The State Of Queretaro In Mexico

    Secretariat Of Security Of The State Of Queretaro In Mexico

    Stefano Pascucci Report

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    #32

    Does This Count? Or Is This More Interior Shaming LOL

    Does This Count? Or Is This More Interior Shaming LOL

    Shelb Gerth Report

    #33

    Stole From Another Group But This Is Definitely Awesome Brick Work

    Stole From Another Group But This Is Definitely Awesome Brick Work

    Sherri Glass Southwell Report

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    #34

    What In The Load Bearing Wall?! Seriously Why Not Center It Make It Straight And Call It A Day. On The Bright Side My Friends Cats Love The Cubby They Believe Was Made Just For Them

    What In The Load Bearing Wall?! Seriously Why Not Center It Make It Straight And Call It A Day. On The Bright Side My Friends Cats Love The Cubby They Believe Was Made Just For Them

    Vicki Lee Report

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    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think it can be all too load bearing with that bend in it.

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    #37

    New Build In My Neighborhood (Mostly Early 90s Era Homes). Their Privacy Fence Around Their Deck Goes Right Through The Middle Of The Window

    New Build In My Neighborhood (Mostly Early 90s Era Homes). Their Privacy Fence Around Their Deck Goes Right Through The Middle Of The Window

    Sarah Michelle Report

    #38

    Idk Maybe It's Just Me But The Wooden Part Of The Exterior Of The House Is Just... Not It

    Idk Maybe It's Just Me But The Wooden Part Of The Exterior Of The House Is Just... Not It

    Elida Belen Flores Report

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    Peppy
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don’t think the angle the picture was taken at is helping here

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    #39

    A Hotel In NYC A Friend Is Staying At

    A Hotel In NYC A Friend Is Staying At

    Mag Wick Report

    #40

    Here's One For 1/4 Million In Gold Country, Ca That Features......"A Unique And Thoughtful Layout" ?!

    Here's One For 1/4 Million In Gold Country, Ca That Features......"A Unique And Thoughtful Layout" ?!

    Lia Shi-anna Report

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like an old barn building, or mechanic's shop with a small room above it, that wasn't well taken care of. I'd say the half a million bucks is more for the land, and that a buyer will demolish this fugly POS and hopefully put up something that's actually nice.

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    #41

    Have These Buildings In Rotterdam Been Posted Yet? I Thought They Were Particularly Unattractive

    Have These Buildings In Rotterdam Been Posted Yet? I Thought They Were Particularly Unattractive

    Vince King Report

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    StumblingThroughLife
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These types (Council Properties mostly) were common back in the day, esp UK. A lot of cities here have knocked down masses of them and replaced them with tiny houses with shared playgrounds/greens.

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    #42

    Never Seen A House With Such A Big A** Forehead

    Never Seen A House With Such A Big A** Forehead

    Dallas Gibson Report

    #43

    Fayetteville NY - Not Sure What To Say ?

    Fayetteville NY - Not Sure What To Say ?

    Timothy Williams Report

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    TribbleThinking
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it just me, or does it look like the cream house thinks that the other house smells and is trying to get away from it?

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    #44

    Random Creekside Cabin In Industrial Part Of Anchorage, Alaska

    Random Creekside Cabin In Industrial Part Of Anchorage, Alaska

    Beau Montgomery Report

    #45

    Spotted This Curiosity In Northeast Indiana... A Castle Facade On An Otherwise Normal House?

    Spotted This Curiosity In Northeast Indiana... A Castle Facade On An Otherwise Normal House?

    Gabrielle Kuszewski Report

    #46

    Need Ideas, What Would You Put In This Square?

    Need Ideas, What Would You Put In This Square?

    rombesk Report

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    TribbleThinking
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Linen. A study. A guest you want to encourage to only spend two nights.

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    #47

    Um

    Um

    Native American Long Ago Report

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    Diolla
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Put some shelves in it and it's a perfect place for rolled-up towels.

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    #48

    There's A Part Of Me That's Kinda Impressed. I Mean, It's A Bit Of A Squeeze To Get Into The Bathroom

    There's A Part Of Me That's Kinda Impressed. I Mean, It's A Bit Of A Squeeze To Get Into The Bathroom

    Flip side of that, hanging the toliet paper roller on the back of a door is a pretty good use of space

    Mead Harris Report

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    #49

    Like To Meet The Inspector That Passed This

    Like To Meet The Inspector That Passed This

    Brian Manners Report

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    Matt
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would say it's no longer a operational chimney it has a gas vent coming out of it now still not high enough to function safely as it's to low and can allow carbon monoxide to backtrack into the house

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    #50

    Nice Eyebrows

    Nice Eyebrows

    Eric Smith Report

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    TribbleThinking
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The apex above it needs to be embellished with a hat for each of the holidays 🙂

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    #51

    Ukrainian Village, Chicago - In An Otherwise Charming Neighborhbod, This Building Looks Like A Massive Crematorium

    Ukrainian Village, Chicago - In An Otherwise Charming Neighborhbod, This Building Looks Like A Massive Crematorium

    Esther Sandrof Report

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    Na Schi
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What's with those big shutes (or however they are called) - gives the whole building indeed some creepy factory vibes.

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    #52

    I Have No Words

    I Have No Words

    Deborah Laenen McCarthy Report

    #53

    This One In Benidorm, Looking Like A Half-Finished Game Of Jenga, Although It Has Nothing On The Sheer Scale Of Vulgarity Of The Intempo Building

    This One In Benidorm, Looking Like A Half-Finished Game Of Jenga, Although It Has Nothing On The Sheer Scale Of Vulgarity Of The Intempo Building

    Matt Byrne Report

    #54

    The New Eyesore On I-4

    The New Eyesore On I-4

    Marianne Report

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    Ace
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That must have been deliberately modelled after a Star Wars Sandcrawler.

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    #56

    One River North, Denver, Colorado

    One River North, Denver, Colorado

    Report

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    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think this is kind of cool, actually. Looks like there's open air green space woven into the design on numerous floors.

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    #57

    Oh No

    Oh No

    Justin Schmitz Report

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    sbj
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All those stairs look too steep and they're giving me vertigo

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    #59

    As A Classic Example Of Brutalist Architecture, I’m Surprised This Iconic Building Was Commissioned By A Church

    As A Classic Example Of Brutalist Architecture, I’m Surprised This Iconic Building Was Commissioned By A Church

    David Burrows Report

    #61

    1280 Scooter St, Henderson, Nv 89002

    1280 Scooter St, Henderson, Nv 89002

    Darrin Cooper Report

    #62

    The Back… Welcome To The Bad Things Happen Here Motel

    The Back… Welcome To The Bad Things Happen Here Motel

    Nick Wasserman-Beal Report

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    Ge Po
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, two rooms were stolen from the lower floor, I see.

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    #64

    Too-Narrow Shutters? Useless Decorative “Porch”? Totally Asymmetrical Front Door? There Is No Lesser Of Any Evil Here, It’s All Pretty Sinister

    Too-Narrow Shutters? Useless Decorative “Porch”? Totally Asymmetrical Front Door? There Is No Lesser Of Any Evil Here, It’s All Pretty Sinister

    Nick Wasserman-Beal Report

    #65

    This House Has Driveway Stairs. I Repeat, Driveway Stairs

    This House Has Driveway Stairs. I Repeat, Driveway Stairs

    Barbara L. LeMaster Report

    #66

    This One Was The Home Of Someone Quite Internationally Famous. I Won’t Say Who, But I Will Say, As An Architect - He Makes An Excellent Tennis Player

    This One Was The Home Of Someone Quite Internationally Famous. I Won’t Say Who, But I Will Say, As An Architect - He Makes An Excellent Tennis Player

    Guy Morgan Report

    #67

    This House Is Near My Home And I Have Never Gotten That Weird Extension … Like Why? It Just Doesn’t Fit. It’s Not An Elevator! I Repeat; It’s Not An Elevator!

    This House Is Near My Home And I Have Never Gotten That Weird Extension … Like Why? It Just Doesn’t Fit. It’s Not An Elevator! I Repeat; It’s Not An Elevator!

    Jessica van Limpt Report

    #68

    Saw This On A Church In Maine!

    Saw This On A Church In Maine!

    Lia Shi-anna Report

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    Vermonta
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The bottom stairs missing on the fire escape is becoming a more common sight. It keeps strangers with bad intentions from climbing into your house.

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    #69

    The Guest Bathroom In My Townhouse. The Window Placement Looks Ok From Outside, But Is A Big Failure For Guys Who Need To Use The Toilet

    The Guest Bathroom In My Townhouse. The Window Placement Looks Ok From Outside, But Is A Big Failure For Guys Who Need To Use The Toilet

    Kimberly Brown Report

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    #70

    Not A Fan...it's For Sale If You Have A Cool $2.5m And Pretty Inside, But The Outside Not So Much

    Not A Fan...it's For Sale If You Have A Cool $2.5m And Pretty Inside, But The Outside Not So Much

    Karen Smith Report

    #72

    This Building Is Part Of The University In My Hometown, Aachen/Germany

    This Building Is Part Of The University In My Hometown, Aachen/Germany

    Melanie Deimel Report

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    PFD
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Assuming it's structurally sound, that's really cool

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    #73

    Calling Out This Monstrosity In Brisbane (Aust) On Behalf Of All Trypophobes. I Couldn't Physically Look At It For The First 5 Years I Lived Here

    Calling Out This Monstrosity In Brisbane (Aust) On Behalf Of All Trypophobes. I Couldn't Physically Look At It For The First 5 Years I Lived Here

    Human Charlie Report

    #74

    From A For Sale Listing. The Windows Are Too Small (Imo) And Having No Windows On The Other Side Makes It Feel Unbalanced

    From A For Sale Listing. The Windows Are Too Small (Imo) And Having No Windows On The Other Side Makes It Feel Unbalanced

    Joanie Ferguson Report

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    Christos Arvanitis
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would imagine that there is a lot of glass on the backside of the house. Not uncommon and this looks pretty appealing IMHO.

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