Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
This IG Page Documents Ugly Houses Seen In The Netherlands, And They’re So Bad, It’s Hilarious (30 Pics)
When talking about architecture, there's a fine line between creative and ridiculous. Bold and funny. Tasteful and appalling. And when a project crosses it, people often notice. And shame it.
Ugly Dutch Houses is an Instagram account that does just that. Radiating a similar vibe as its Irish and Belgian "cousins", this online project shares photos of structures that it believes to deserve the demolition crane. Or at least a good makeover.
And it's quite thirsty, too. "I will look for you, I will find you and I will post you," the bio of the Insta says. Liam Neeson approves!
More info: Instagram
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
This House Could Appear On Your Geometry Test
An Co 4 years ago
I would totally BUY that house. Seems great. Elevated so no flood risk. Concrete so it is 'green' (no air leakage). Easy to describe to the pizza guy.
Boudica 4 years ago
'Easy to describe to the pizza guy' :-D - I love your thinking!
Load More Replies...
BasedWang 4 years ago
why... why was the thing that immediately popped into my head after reading this was making a joke about a guy named mike sliced from chest to groin
Load More Replies...
Caro Caro 4 years ago
Bulb houses (bolwoning). Sculptor D. Kreijkamp in the 80's. I think they are in 's-Hertogenbosch. Still in use today.
Preparing a piece about a Facebook group dedicated to architecture shaming, my colleague Jonas spoke about what separates good and bad design, the need to democratize the access to quirky private property designs, as well as about the roles that architecture plays with an expert in the field from Sweden who has a background in urban planning.
The urban planner explained to Bored Panda that while public spaces must meet safety and accessibility standards, aesthetic standards can be much more fluid for buildings.
"Most of the time, the elements of the built environment should be in harmony amidst each other and with the surroundings. However, sometimes, something bolder and out-of-the-box might form an engaging contrast," she said. However, the expert added that, in her personal opinion, our built environments have to engage us, as well as stimulate our minds and senses. In fact, she believes that architecture’s ability to make us think is one of its most powerful aspects.
Which, you have to admit, these Dutch houses accomplish with ease.
RELATED:
#2
When Your Architect Wants 'To Try Something New'
#3
My Tony Hawk Senses Are Tingling
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
I rather like this, altho it appears snow melt would pile up in the valley. Plain, yet unique.
#4
I'm Not Feeling Very Well Today....
Me 4 years ago
But then the curtains and window blinds wouldn't hang as needed. I guess indoor shudders are installed for privacy? .
Load More Replies... FearReaper 4 years ago
I'm sorry, there has been a glitch in the software. Please restart your computer!
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
It's off-kilter appearance sums up my life, so I could call this home. I almost love this. Not fond of a couple window trims.
“There are circumstances where the architecture should create a sense of calmness and safety, yet there are instances in which it is not bad if the architecture provokes us and makes us think, ‘Why don't I like the look of this building?’”
The urban planner said that we should give people the freedom to express themselves as they wish when it comes to designing their private property. As long as they have the means, nearly everything is allowed, in her opinion. Just like we're allowed to have an opinion on their 'experiments' too!
#5
The Pope's Ugly Dutch Vacation Home
Vicky Z 4 years ago
That would be so cool! Looks like the elevator in Charlie and the chocolate factory!!
Load More Replies...
T Simmons 4 years ago
One chair, one lamp, one book, one rainy day, one glass of single malt..... fixed.
Francisco Scaramanga 4 years ago
Maybe this is some preacher's house? It looks a bit like a pulpit.
Juno French 3 years ago
I'm just imagining someone standing up there glaring at an assembled crowd below
Grant Barke 4 years ago
Wow, a disco dancing cage. Needs two bikini clad dancers, one painted in gold and the other in silver. Dancing to Donna Summers, I Feel Love . And some funky strobe lighting too.
#6
It's Very Hot In Holland So It's An Appropiate Time To Post An Ugly Dutch House On Water!
#7
The Architect Dropped A Cube Of Green Soap And Suddenly He Had A Vision
Malka de Lange 4 years ago
This is naar my house and I've always been so curious about it. All the other houses around it are the regular style you'd expect here. This one sure stands out
Whawhawhatsis 4 years ago
What's with all these ghastly houses with almost no windows? Don't the architects like people to be able to see what they're doing inside the houses?
classbag 4 years ago (edited)
Seriously. You can do almost anything with a house and I won't mind it even if I don't particularly like it, but lack of windows will instantly make me hate it.
Load More Replies... 
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
This would be wicked cool if it was a utility station and not a windowless dwelling. At least get a graffiti artist to paint something exciting to liven it up.
“Quirky architecture comes from our innate desire to demonstrate our [own] uniqueness. However, not everyone who has the means has an average taste for aesthetics. Yet, as long as it is for the people who inhabit or use their private space, I mean why not?” she told Bored Panda that as long as you’re not actively harming anyone else with how bad your designs are, you should be able to be as unique as you want. Even if it falls short of objective aesthetic standards.
#8
When Your Architect Wasn't As Sharp As He Used To Be When Finishing The Construction Plans
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
I'm not sure if this is a dwelling or an elaborate greenhouse. But the bubble glass door windows are hideous.
13 4 years ago
How are people getting away with this? There are some seriously strict building laws.
Marie 4 years ago
Laws don't reflect the shape of a building, only the nessisary load requirements for safety.
Load More Replies... #9
Bilbo Baggins' Holiday House
Yoinks! 4 years ago
Yeah, compared to the others so far, this giant acorn isn't so bad.
Load More Replies... Anna Snorrepot 4 years ago
looks like mud walls and oak shingles and optimal arrangement around a centra light point. Probably very eco-friendly.
#10
Yes, This Is A House. Yes, People Actually Live Here And Yes, The Windows Weren't Even Placed Symmetrically
classbag 4 years ago
I kind of like it, but the lime green trimming is very off-putting.
Load More Replies...
Cathelijne Van 4 years ago
Ooooh I saw one of those on sale the other day. It's built with all natural materials and very eco friendly. This photo doesn't do it justice. Inside is very open and natural with lots of wood
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
The asymmetrical windows give this house character. Just don't like the "churchy" vibe it's giving off.
#11
Wharchitect The F**k
Enrico 4 years ago
This isn't a house. It's something else. Great architecture for a utility building like this https://goo.gl/maps/PQXkRK24qeSrfCya9
Arieke 4 years ago
This is the other side, it's an energy distribution station in Almere Poort. https://zoom.nl/foto/architectuur/2680331/rood-gebouw-almere-poort
Load More Replies...
Grant Barke 4 years ago
Finally a place to stow my captured UFO I`ve been hiding in my double garage.
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
This is a pretty cool sci-fi looking building designed to hide/protect some sort of machinery. I'd rather see this than the drab buildings that normally house utility type stuff.
#12
Error 404: Windows Not Found
BMcG 4 years ago
I'm guessing that the slatted top has glass panels under it but the slats offer privacy
classbag 4 years ago
I sure freaking hope so because otherwise it looks miserable on the inside.
Load More Replies...
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
This looks like a construction site office trailer in front of a high rise. Home, sweet home.
CHRIS DOMRES 4 years ago
I live in Raleigh, NC. The ugliest building around here are either owned by architects or are architectural firms. Are aesthetics not a course anymore in the field of architecture?
#13
If You Think This Is Complex Then Wait Until You Hear Their Alarm Code
Whawhawhatsis 4 years ago
It's kind of interesting. Also not nearly as ugly as many of the other houses on this list.
Nikki Sevven 4 years ago
If you covered the flat bits of roof with plants, this one would look amazing.
classbag 4 years ago
Ohhh, yes! I already liked it, but that would make me LOVE it.
Load More Replies... #14
The Egyptians Are Taking Over
classbag 4 years ago (edited)
Or a cult that worships a mythical alien overlord...
Load More Replies...
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
Not fond of the pretentious gold hues/trim, but I love the enclosed walk-way to the MIL apt or office or quiet, get-away room. I'd love to see the interior.
#15
Don't Drink And Build
Hannah Edwards 4 years ago
Ugh! Everything about this is hideous, the gaudy colour, material choices, weird unnecessary angles…..
#16
The Color Red Is Often Associated With The Word 'Stop'... I Rest My Case
Vicky Z 4 years ago
Actually the door is the only thing i like! It's interesting!
Load More Replies...
Rissie 4 years ago
This is a particular building style called anthroposophical/organical architecture. This combination or materials and colors is found in several Rudolf Steiner schools and some well known office buildings in the Netherlands. So sure, bash it, just know it had quite the story behind it.
Caro Caro 4 years ago
I did no know that Rissie. Is that also the huge office building in amstelveen ... by the highway? You are angry for bashing it? is Rudolf a relative or friend of yours ... then I apologise.
Load More Replies...
Giannis Papapa 4 years ago
you seriously think this is ugly? please visit ANY eastern European city and re-evaluate
Petra Schaap 2 years ago
i somehow like it. Better than all the grey cubes they are building now.
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
It's the ugly brick. The angles, the non-matching windows, and the red trim are great, but they clash with that ugly brick and hideous cream trim.
#17
If You Go Through The Front Door, You'll Meet Bowser
Grant Barke 4 years ago
Two tons of TNT wouldn't go astray here. Actually make that five tons.
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
Close. Real close to being a cool design. The designer should've put in a bit more effort.
Whawhawhatsis 4 years ago
What's with the slide from the small upstairs window down to the garage roof?
#18
25% Glass, 75% Ugly
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
Love the glass, but what's with the vinyl siding and ugly brick? This reminds me of a sausage. Take all the scraps and just mix 'em together.
Candia Lee 4 years ago
I want to know what is going on in the top left corner. - deck garden with a view? Pool?
#19
From Holland With Love
Caro Caro 4 years ago (edited)
I don't know who lives/lived there, let me google ...yep for Yennah Prushna
Load More Replies... 
Orange is aging 4 years ago
When you build something awesome and creative in the sims and come back the next day..
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
Uh, no. Russian (and Arabic) designs can be extremely beautiful, but not here. Hard to believe this is a private dwelling, but it is.
#20
When You Decide Last Minute That You Don't Want Your House Shaped Like A Triangle
Mevrouw Madelief 4 years ago
Thats what I was thinking.. where I live this is not so strange lol
Load More Replies... Riley Quinn 4 years ago
So, one side is ROOF! This side is a boring slab with only two tiny windows. Ugly.
Barbara Skolly 4 years ago
Looks like side of townhomes/rowhomes. There are similar ones in Toronto
#21
@uglybelgianhouses We've Got Them Too!
Grant Barke 4 years ago
Knives never need sharpening in this house, provided the kitchen is located in the middle.
Hannah Edwards 4 years ago
This makes sense if it’s built on a cliff and the other side of the house is a couple of stories high, if it isn’t then this is a huge waste of space!
Daniele Ribolla 4 years ago (edited)
they'll spare on the facade re-painting... but, where are the windows? a lot of daylight!!!
#22
The Roof Is Taking Off
Brent Kaufman 4 years ago
What is it? It's not a house, but it doesn't look like a business. Wish I could see it from the front.
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
How do you dress up a drab, brick rectangle? Why, with a bow, of course. Do love the windows, tho.
#23
If You Look Very Carefully You'll See Something Which Somewhat Looks Like A House
Ozymandias73 4 years ago
Leaves on the roof? No Problem. Standing water on the roof? No problem. Santa? Possible problems. :\
Bradley Cohen 4 years ago
It's like they were building an aircraft hanger and then decided it should be a house.
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
Ah, yes. The Quonset hut will not go away. This one's trying to disguise itself as a dwelling or office. I'm really hoping this is an insurance office and not someone's "home".
#24
Hey So Did You Hear About This Neighbourhood Called New-Caïro In Amsterdam?
Danny Boy 4 years ago
Wait, I know what you're thinking, but this idea is fresh... it rhymes with Wall Goof
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
Unless pyramid dwellings are environmentally sustainable and energy efficient, I don't see the purpose.
Mevrouw Madelief 4 years ago
I think this is from a recreational park like Landal or Center parks or something like that.
#25
The Architect Had A Lot Of Ideas
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
Those are actually 2 separate houses. The people on the right didn't want their house to look like the house of their neighbors, because they are "individuals".
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
Oooh. So close. Looks like the designer is more addicted to angles than aesthetics.
#26
I Just Feel Sorry For The Postman
Otter 4 years ago
I find it painful to even look at the pictures! I guess it's nice that someone likes it.
Load More Replies... WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
There are rules and regulations for the placement of the letterbox in the house. The dimensions of the slot of the letterbox must be at least 265 x 32 millimeters and it must be at least 600mm above the ground. Failing to comply will result in refusal to deliver the mail.
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
A. Why isn't the post box closer to the curb for the postal worker? B. WTF is going on with that roof? C. And the windows are too small.
classbag 4 years ago
Why? They have the money to build this terrible house and the confidence to not care what anybody thinks. I doubt they need our pity lol.
Load More Replies... #27
Even The Quality Of This Picture Is Ugly
Brent Kaufman 4 years ago
It's the back, top half, of a house, as seen from on the hill in back of the house. The hill has a small road running along the lake.
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
This little dwelling is trying too hard to be something else. Quick glance: looks like a huge tent. Great title, tho.
#28
The Roof Is Everywhere
Grant Barke 4 years ago
Someone ordered too many roof tiles and couldn't get out of the contract.
#29
Taking The "I'm Glad To Have A Roof Above My Head" Phrase A Bit Too Literal
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
Unless this house is in the Pacific Northwest where copious amounts of snow are constant, then this shouldn't exist.
#30
I Like The Fact That Straw Burns Really Good
Caro Caro 4 years ago (edited)
Thatched roofs have been used for centuries and not only in the Netherlands. They insulate the house really well. You pay a bit more insurance though because of fire risk. Not straw but thatch.
Otter 4 years ago
I don't think straw burns in the Netherlands. It's the wettest place I've ever been.
Riley Quinn 4 years ago
I fully appreciate a thatched roof, even straw bale construction. But this building is ugly. It's too ugly for a subpar pizza parlor.
#31
Hundertwasser?
Peter Korsten 4 years ago
That's a B&B called "Lieve Nachten" in Amsterdam IJburg, and we stayed there once. It's a lovely place to stay. We had the room with the balcony, and one day, somebody was playing the piano in the street. There was a piano on a trailer which they drove around. The only thing is that IJburg is reclaimed land that didn't exist 20 years ago, and it's somewhat outside the centre of Amsterdam. There is a tram stop some 5 to 10 minutes on foot, and it takes you straight to Central Station. But it's not the stereotypical Amsterdam, if that's what you're after.
#32
Bender, Is That You?
Anna Snorrepot 4 years ago
this is an historic architecture way which makes edgepoints in an urban setting recognizable and makes for friendly neighbourhoods. It looks like a face though :D
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
Can't be a school. There's not enough bicycles in front of it.
Load More Replies... #33
Noah Decided To Have An Arc Built On Land
Wonderful 4 years ago
Nice house and horrible walkway. Say goodbye to your non broken ankle bones.
Caro Caro 4 years ago
Just after the build. If you look now there will be a garden.
Load More Replies... October 4 years ago
A lot of traditional Dutch homes have this arc shape. My own house does al well.
Nikki Sevven 4 years ago
Overall, this one is ok. It just needs huge windows and a centralized double door for balance.
4 years ago
Most likely you'll find those on the back side of the house, where normally the biggest part of the property is.
Load More Replies...
#34
You Know How Theme Parks Sometimes Have Hotels? This Could Be One, Except The (Ugly) Truth Is That This Is Standing Right In The Middle Of A Dutch City
#35
Two Ugly Dutch Pyramid Houses Connected. Why? Because Fuck You That's Why
Petra Schaap 2 years ago
whats up with all the pyramide hate? :-D i dont know if its practical but again its better than the grey blocks
#36
Consider Your Shapes
#37
Gravity Works In Mysterious Ways
#38
Ugly Dutch Houses
#39
So What Came First, The Bottom Modern Villa Or The Traditional House On Top?
#40
After Her Encounter With The Wolf, Little Red Riding Hood Commissioned An Architect To Build Her This Safe House
4 years ago
Don't think this was ever a house. It's derelict and with property prices in The Netherlands and the shortage of housing that is unheard off. It could be a the front of a water pumping station. These are littered through the country, we have a lot of water to move!
Dl B 4 years ago
It is not a pumping station. If you enhance it you can see things inside. The right side had has a table and chairs and looks like a classroom. The left side looks like it could be a kitchen. It may be a day care or may be a remote classroom for a nature reserve.
Load More Replies... #41
This House Seems To Be Screaming And We Can All See Why
#42
Real Houses Have Curves
#43
Fifty Shades Of Brick
#44
If The Green Parts Would Melt In The Summer It Wouldn't Be So Ugly
#45
Everything's Gone Green
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
When the council tells you that you can't paint your door and windows pink.
4 years ago
Bog standard housing. Probably bought from the housing association, and needed to express their individuality.
#47
When Your House Tries His Best To Blind In With Its Surroundings (Yet Fails Miserably)
#48
There Is A Very Fine Line Between Ugly And Depressing
#49
Dutchies: Taking The Pyramid-Shaped Houses To The Next Level
#50
Less (Windows) Is More
#51
Illuminati Confirmed
#53
Feeling A Little Blue When Seeing This...
Whawhawhatsis 4 years ago
The color is nice, but again, where are the windows? Do Dutch people like to grope around their homes in the dark?
Caro Caro 4 years ago
Grope huh! hmmmm how to answer... Most houses have lots of windows but the front, facing the road might not have that many for privacy reasons.
Load More Replies... 
#54
These People Requested A House Annex That Would Last Through The Zombie Apocalypse. #uglydutchannexes
#55
That's The Tallest Chimney I Have Ever Seen (@uglybelgianhouses)
Arieke 4 years ago
These are really nice inside though. It's in Almere, the city where new and innovative architecture could thrive in the 90's and 00's. At least it's something different than the dystopian suburbs in Vegas for instance.
#56
Adding Primary Colors Certainly Didn't Help
#57
So Simple, Yet So Wrong
Universal Toaster Goddess 4 years ago
To me the worst part about this is that the point of the roof doesn’t match up with the pole, so close and yet so far
#60
When Your House Just Doesn't Give A S**t About Its Surroundings
#61
I See A Lot Of Doors But Where Are The Actual Houses?
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
Each door is a separate house. Just look at the numbering. Right is nr.4, left is nr.13.
#62
Where Architecture Ends And Weird Begins
Whawhawhatsis 4 years ago
Whatever it is, it's not nearly as bad as most of the houses on here.
#63
Today I Have Something Very Special: The Former Ugly Dutch House Of Afrojack
#64
Hey Dude, There Is A Door On Your Door
Ann Dennis 4 years ago
I think the builder ordered two doors by mistake, and being as it was a clearance sale, he couldn't return one...so he used both.
Vishwajeet Satpute 4 years ago
Even a dumbest would know that's not a door. Some constructive criticism here please
#65
I Don't Know How To Feel About This
Whawhawhatsis 4 years ago
That's not bad at all. There are a lot of houses like this in older US neighborhoods, and I've always liked them.
Nikki Sevven 4 years ago
With a more traditional window style (and a few more windows to balance the façade) this would be lovely.
#66
Spot The Asymmetry
Add New Image
What do you think ?
W S 4 years ago
There must be something seriously warped with my mind as I like a fair few of these. Here in the UK it seems every new estate looks like every other new estate, cookie cutter/ copy, paste houses. Sure, there are some in the article that makes you wonder what they were smoking but also it is refreshing (as least to me) to see something different.
Al Christensen 4 years ago
Two thumbs up for those bold enough (or crazy enough) to do something different!
Anna Snorrepot 4 years ago
I was all steamed up to defend my country but these are really horrible and funny pictures :D
Elsker 4 years ago
Just wow... i live in the netherlands and had zero idea this was happening lol
Cathelijne Van 4 years ago
Me neither but I do recognize a lot of the architecture.. 😝 I know Almere a bit 🤣
Load More Replies... cursed--alien 4 years ago
I honestly don't think the majority of the houses here look that bad.
Chris Zaydel 4 years ago
I think they're great. Not necessarily for me to live in, but they catch your eye, which most houses don't. Different doesn't equal bad here.
Universal Toaster Goddess 4 years ago
Most if not all of these look like they were commissioned by Bill Cypher
Ryan Deschanel 4 years ago
And the worst fact is that it was actually more expensive to do all that crap, so they don't even have the excuse of poverty.
Maartje Schutte 4 years ago
Am I too Dutch or do I have a really weird taste because I have seen a lot of these kinds of buildings and find it almost normal.....
W S 4 years ago
There must be something seriously warped with my mind as I like a fair few of these. Here in the UK it seems every new estate looks like every other new estate, cookie cutter/ copy, paste houses. Sure, there are some in the article that makes you wonder what they were smoking but also it is refreshing (as least to me) to see something different.
Al Christensen 4 years ago
Two thumbs up for those bold enough (or crazy enough) to do something different!
Anna Snorrepot 4 years ago
I was all steamed up to defend my country but these are really horrible and funny pictures :D
Elsker 4 years ago
Just wow... i live in the netherlands and had zero idea this was happening lol
Cathelijne Van 4 years ago
Me neither but I do recognize a lot of the architecture.. 😝 I know Almere a bit 🤣
Load More Replies... cursed--alien 4 years ago
I honestly don't think the majority of the houses here look that bad.
Chris Zaydel 4 years ago
I think they're great. Not necessarily for me to live in, but they catch your eye, which most houses don't. Different doesn't equal bad here.
Universal Toaster Goddess 4 years ago
Most if not all of these look like they were commissioned by Bill Cypher
Ryan Deschanel 4 years ago
And the worst fact is that it was actually more expensive to do all that crap, so they don't even have the excuse of poverty.
Maartje Schutte 4 years ago
Am I too Dutch or do I have a really weird taste because I have seen a lot of these kinds of buildings and find it almost normal.....
You May Like 155 Funniest Design Fails 88 Funny Graphic Design Fails Reminding Us That No, Not Anyone Can Do It 93 Graphic Design Fails So Atrocious That We Wonder How They Were Approved
Julija Nėjė
Aivaras Kaziukonis
Aivaras Kaziukonis
Related on Bored Panda
