It’s truly astounding what people can do with sustainability, design, and the right vision. Larger than life structures are created from unconventional sources – whether its grain silos, a decommissioned fort or a 747 jet, with a little imagination and some ingenuity, people can create some spectacular buildings from what would otherwise end up as scrap.
Abbey Road Farm “Silo Suites” Bed & Breakfast
This Oregon Bed and Breakfast is made from repurposed grain silos and touts fabulous views of the surrounding vistas and valleys of Oregon’s wine country.
John and Jodi Stuart, the husband and wife team who built and currently run Abbey Road Farm wanted to create a destination that kept the integrity of the land around it, contributed to the community and a place they would want to visit. Guests can expect the same amenities expected from a B & B with the bonus of being located on a farm – every meal is prepared with fresh food!
What used to be a gun emplacement protecting the waters off the coast of England during World War II has been repurposed into an exclusive, luxury getaway spot for anyone who wants to have a secluded island (with free Wi-Fi!) of their very own.
Spitbank Fort has enjoyed award-winning restoration with all the modern day amenities. Some quirky perks found at the resort includes a dine-in style Officer’s Mess, a champagne bar, wine cellar, and a rooftop hot pool and sauna that you can relax in while enjoying 360-degree views of the bay around you.
The EcoARK Pavilion located in Taipei, Taiwan – commissioned to be built as part of the Taipei International Flora Expo – is a shining example of what the future of sustainable buildings has in store. A majority of the EcoARK is made entirely of plastic bottles, making up walls as high as three stories. The whole 130-meter long building can be completely disassembled (think Lego’s) and reassembled at another location.
Better yet the EcoARK has been designed to stand up to large earthquakes and typhoons! Who says sustainable can’t be tough?
Nestled in the Malibu hills, this unique house has been constructed out of 100% post-consumer waste, in this case, a 747 jet. The design of this house incorporates pieces of the jumbo jet into the following elements of the property:
The Main Residence – The main wings serve as the roof, and two stabilizers from the tail section are used as the roof of the master bedroom.
Art Studio – the roof is made from a 50-foot piece of the upper fuselage.
Guest House – the remaining front portion of the fuselage and the top first class cabin deck, make up the roof.
Barn – The cargo hold has been repurposed into the ceiling.
Meditation Pavilion – made from the front of the airplane, the cockpit windows have been repurposed into a skylight!
Other elements of the plane have been used on more subtle features on the property – a fire pit/water element made from the engine cowling.
The Wing House is registered with the FAA (Federal Airline Association), so pilots didn’t mistake the house for a downed plane.
