When we think of architectural marvels we tend to imagine something of a giant stature, overshadowing all below it. However, some engineering marvels are of a smaller scale. In fact, one such small house is garnering a lot of attention. Its the Keret House, the world’s thinnest house.
This super thin house is only 4 feet wide, but it took an enormous amount of planning and effort. Architect Jakub Szczesny designed this house for writer Etgar Keret. The house was designed to fit in the small crevice inbetween two World War II era buildings in Warsaw. The plot is 92 cm at its narrowest and 152 cm at its widest point. Metal and aluminum pipes lift the house 10 feet off the ground and keep it snuggly between the two buildings. A metal staircase and ladder are the only modes of passage between the floors.
Keret desired this property because he lost part of his family during World War II. This property is a symbol of the growth and rebuilding of the city and its people. It is a small connection between the past and present. In fact, it is even being treated as an art piece rather than as a house. Keret intends to allow it to be treated as so. Its significance serves to inspire the community and create a big impact, despite the house’s miniscule size.
Resources
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/19/narrow-house-opening-as-a_0_n_1987050.html