Top ten: Most unusual architect requests
Monday, 25 June 2012 9:34 AM
By Phil Scullion Follow philscullion
When given the chance to design your own home, there's definitely a temptation to go for the extraordinary.
To celebrate the whacky requests they regularly receive, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have put together a list of the top ten must unusual.
TV presenter and architect George Clarke, said: "While an underground passageway may not be an option for everyone, I hope this will encourage people to think about the potential of their own home and come up with some creative and fun ideas for improving it."
RIBA are hoping that the findings of the one thousand architects surveyed will inspire homeowners to sign up for the Architect in the House scheme.
The initiative pairs local RIBA architects with homeowners for a free hour long consultation, in exchange for a donation to Shelter.
Clarke continued: "Everyone has an idea of what their dream home would be like and Architect in the House can help develop that into a reality.
"It’s a great way to make the most of an architect’s expert advice while supporting Shelter at the same time. As a Shelter ambassador I’ve seen first-hand how the money raised by this scheme helps people in desperate housing need."
Here are the top ten most unusual requests:
1. A hidden bedroom wing - behind moveable library shelving on a pivot door
2. An underground passageway - linking an office building to a nearby house
3. Sliding ‘Star Trek’ style doors
4. Love tunnels – historic tunnels linking opposite ends of a house
5. A pet grooming room
6. Giant fish tank in the centre of a bathroom
7. Turntable parking in a small domestic garage
8. The conversion of police station cells and courtroom into living space
9. A house made with straw bale walls
10. A glass wall extension surrounded by a pond
Inspired? Us too. If you want to sign up for Architect in the House then you can do so here, right up until the 11th July.
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