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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.

#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
3 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
3 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
3 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.

Jayjay
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Definitely a split up in Amsterdam :). The "huisjesmelkers" (literally: housemilkers) who divide up a "grachtenpand" (old 4 to 5 story warehouses near canals) into apartments go to the most extreme ways of ripping the money of their renters.

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

They couldn't have come straight down instead of curving those stairsteps, and created a landing there where people can turn to go down the rest of the stairs?

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

Accident waiting to happen ... or has, so the last remaining owner is selling it ...

Puppy Dancing!
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Europe/UK. Those houses are so old they add on anywhere and there were no rule for making stairs safe. See this all the time on UK/Europe house hunting episodes

Karl der Große
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It takes good structural visualization to put something like this together.

Midoribird Aoi
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depending on the age of the house, those may have been servants ' stairs.

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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
3 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."

#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

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#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
3 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
3 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

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#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
3 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

#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
3 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
3 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
3 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
3 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

#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
3 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
3 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
3 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
3 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
3 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

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#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
3 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
3 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

#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
3 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
3 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
3 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

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#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
3 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

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Lyone Fein
Community Member
3 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
3 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

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#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
3 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
3 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

#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
3 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
3 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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