9 Incredible Mirror Houses That Are Almost Invisible!
Architectural styles have evolved throughout history. The designs are becoming more and more unique every day. But people are still looking for ways to blend homes with nature. It is mostly due to aesthetic reasons and they are also looking at ways to build homes in difficult landscapes. One of the newest innovations in this realm is the use of mirrored façades. These houses almost vanish into their environment, making it hard to distinguish where the house ends and nature begins. Let’s have a look at 9 incredible mirror houses from around the world.
1. OOD House (Three Rivers, California)
The OOD House is a cuboid-shaped home with a Scandinavian-inspired design in Sequoia National Park, California, United States. This small, mirror-covered house reflects its beautiful surroundings and sits close to General Sherman, the largest living organism by volume on Earth. Operated by nature enthusiasts, the OOD House is a perfect example of how to create a harmonious connection with the natural world.
2. Casa Invisible (Austria)
Located in the Austrian countryside, Casa Invisible offers a minimalist design with a sustainable twist. The prefabricated structure can be disassembled, ensuring minimal environmental impact. This house has an open floor plan centered around a chimney, and its mirrored exterior blends seamlessly into the surrounding nature. It’s a perfect example of how architecture can be both beautiful and eco-friendly.
3. Lucid Stead (Joshua Tree, California)
Lucid Stead started as a humble, 70-year-old homesteader shack in the desert, but artist Philip K. Smith III transformed it into something extraordinary. With the addition of mirrors and LED lights that change throughout the day, this house creates an almost surreal experience. The mirrors reflect the vast desert landscape, making the house appear translucent. This project merges the old with the new, blending art and architecture in a fascinating way.
4. Arcana (Toronto, Ontario)
Arcana is a collection of mirrored cabins located deep in the wilderness near Toronto. Each cabin has a stainless steel façade coated in a wildlife-friendly texture. Designed to immerse visitors in nature, these cabins offer a peaceful escape without disturbing the surrounding ecosystem. They come equipped with basic amenities like kitchens and bathrooms, ensuring comfort while allowing people to connect with nature.
5. Mirror House (South Tyrolean Dolomites, Italy) – The Sunrise View
Located in the picturesque Dolomites, this pair of vacation homes offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Designed by Peter Pichler, the houses are oriented to face east, giving visitors stunning sunrise views through floor-to-ceiling windows. With skylights above the beds for stargazing, these mirror houses provide a nature-focused experience that ensures a deep connection with the environment.
6. Mirror House (South Tyrolean Dolomites, Italy) – The Secluded Escape
The second mirror house in the Dolomites offers a more private experience. Unlike the first one, which has full mirrored coverage, this home uses selective mirrored panels for a more subtle effect. The front of the house features a glass curtain wall, which dissolves the boundary between the indoors and outdoors. This house is perfect for those seeking both nature and seclusion.
7. The Invisible House (Joshua Tree, California)
The Invisible House is one of the most famous mirror houses in the world, partly due to its many celebrity visitors. Designed by Tomas Osinski, this house reflects the Mojave Desert with its mirrored façade, while the all-glass interior offers uninterrupted views of the desert. The house also boasts a 100-foot indoor pool, adding a luxurious touch to its nature-focused design. Listed for $18 million, it’s also available for rent, making it a popular destination for those seeking a unique desert experience.
8. Mirrorcube (Harads, Sweden)
The Mirrorcube is part of the Treehotel in Sweden and is suspended in the trees, offering a unique accommodation experience. Measuring 13x13x13 feet, this small cube can house two people comfortably. Its mirrored exterior makes it nearly invisible in the forest, blending seamlessly with the surrounding trees. Designed by Tham & Videgård, this structure is an excellent example of minimal intrusion into nature.
9. Mirage (Gstaad, Switzerland)
Unlike the other mirror houses, Mirage is a large-scale art installation rather than a traditional home. Created by artist Doug Aitken, this mirrored structure was first installed in Palm Springs, California, before being moved to Gstaad, Switzerland. Mirage reflects the surrounding landscape and sky, creating a stunning visual experience. While it’s not designed for living, it challenges traditional architectural concepts and offers a reflection of the landscape rather than serving as a shelter.
Conclusion
These nine mirror houses show how modern architecture is evolving to seamlessly blend with nature. By using mirrored façades, these homes not only create stunning visual effects but also honor their surroundings by minimizing their impact on the environment. As architectural design continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovations that bring us closer to nature while promoting sustainability.
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