Over the years, the design of homes has evolved in some truly interesting ways. Informed by both aesthetic wants and practical needs, they can achieve a balance of being pleasant to look at and even more pleasant and comfortable to live in.

In this blog, we're taking a look at four homes that stand out either for their aesthetic or practical design (and, in most cases, both). Whether it's a piece of art or structured for the elements, all of the four houses in this list inspire a level of true creativity.

1. The transparent house

Ever wanted to own a home that can convince passers-by that there may be no home there at all? Well, even if you haven't, you have to admire this transparent house that popped up in California back in 2013. Designed by artist Philip K. Smith III, the house utilised mirrors, LEDS and other electronics to create an optical illusion in which the house looked transparent during the day and then became an eye-catching but calming light show at night.

2. Floating home

Boat houses have been around for quite some time, but the floating house by Singapore-based architect Myitr Malcew is a different kind of water-bound living space. It's less a home situated inside a boat as much as it is a home installed on top of a floating plank that can be moved from place to place with relative ease.

While it's not 100% clear as to how certain fundamental needs are catered to (e.g. how power is generated for the home or if there's some proper plumbing system), it's hard to deny that the home's open, panoramic design allows for some truly spectacular views. 

And don't worry, those floor to ceiling glass walls can be concealed thanks to mobile outdoor claustras and wooden sliding panels.

3. The Crofthouse

Australia's full of impressive homes, and the Crofthouse in the state of Victoria near Inverloch is one such fantastic example. The creation of James Stockwell Architects, the house offers extensive views of the surrounding coastal vistas while also acting as a means of protecting the owners from the elements. The home's external design has a look akin to sand dunes (particularly when viewing the home from far away). Either way, it's a very interesting - and eye-catching - design.

4. Blooming Bamboo Home

In 2013, Vietnamese architecture firm H&P Architects unveiled its prototype for a home made almost entirely of bamboo. While it may not sound like much on the surface, the house itself served a very specific purpose. Elevated three metres off the ground, the prototype is designed to account for potential flood waters reaching anywhere up to that height. When no floods occur, the underground area can be used for plants, vegetable gardens, and even pets to rest.

As bamboo makes up the home, one can be built in approximately 25 days and to varying styles depending on the environment and needs for the home. Of course, it doesn't necessarily need to be a home - it could be a community centre, school or medical facility, too. And as per the design, the Bamboo Home allows for plenty of ventilation and breeze, which is definitely important in subtropical and tropical climates.