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What makes a structure a home? Is it that it provides safety, security and warmth? Looking at house exteriors from around the world, you have to drop your criteria for a house to have a certain number of walls, doors and windows. Some of these unique examples of the expression of architecture won’t capture everyone’s fancy. But for the families who live in them, these houses are a home.

Putting the ark into architecture

Photo by Odd Stuff

This home in the Alps looks more like the concrete version of Noah’s houseboat. I don’t know what possesses people to live in what looks like a gourd set on a kicking tee, but I’m sure it’s wonderment to its residents.

Give neighbors the cold shoulder

Photo by Cool Picture Gallery

Don’t live here if you need a lot of ambient light to stave off the blues. I don’t know what replacement windows cost for a dome like this, but I’d look into it — unless you’re comfy sitting in the dark all day just chewing the blubber.

Rock out

Photo by My Unusual

You can’t stand listening to the neighbors quarrel or the roar of a lawn mower at 7 am Saturday mornings. This unique house offers quietude, plenty of fresh air, and the optimal social climate for learning the bagpipes.

Moony Moolah

Photo by Taiwan Cycles

This is what “home” looks like to one Taiwanese family. Spaceship retro is an architectural school unto its own, whether in Xinyi Township or Area 51.  (Doesn’t Madonna wear apparel that resembles this?)

But what’s right with it?

Photo by Minimalisti

Maryanna at Minimalisti had this to ask about the photo above:  “Ever walked by a modern house design and found yourselves wondering what’s wrong with this building?” Uh-huh! This structure in Portugal feels awfully busy, but I bet someone proudly calls it home.